Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
Black and white boy
Black and white boy
You're so extreme
You're so confused
I'm coloring in
Whatever mood I'm in
I could be still
In touch with you
And you're full of the wondrous spring
It's all sweetness and lightness you bring
And a room full of people fallto your infinite charm
But when darkness should quickly descend
You go quietly, my miserable friend
To the depths of despair you will crawl
Black and white boy
Black and white boy
Black and white boy
You're so extreme
You're so confused
I'm coloring in
Whatever mood I'm in
I could be still
In touch with you
When you shake off the shadows of night
And your eyes are so clear and so bright
You'll make fools of the liars and creeps
Put a rose in my cheeks
But when demons have climbed on your back
You are vicious and quick to attack
And you put on a wonderful show
Do you really, really think I don't know?
Black and white boy, ah ah, black and white boy
And you run like a cat to the cream
And you're acting so nice it's obscene
You put on a wonderful show
Do you really, really think I don't know?
Black and white boy, black and white boy, black and white boy, black and white boy, ahh ahh
Black and white boy
You're so extreme
You're so confused
I'm coloring in
Whatever mood I'm in
I could be still
In touch with you
And you're full of the wondrous spring
It's all sweetness and lightness you bring
And a room full of people fallto your infinite charm
But when darkness should quickly descend
You go quietly, my miserable friend
To the depths of despair you will crawl
Black and white boy
Black and white boy
Black and white boy
You're so extreme
You're so confused
I'm coloring in
Whatever mood I'm in
I could be still
In touch with you
When you shake off the shadows of night
And your eyes are so clear and so bright
You'll make fools of the liars and creeps
Put a rose in my cheeks
But when demons have climbed on your back
You are vicious and quick to attack
And you put on a wonderful show
Do you really, really think I don't know?
Black and white boy, ah ah, black and white boy
And you run like a cat to the cream
And you're acting so nice it's obscene
You put on a wonderful show
Do you really, really think I don't know?
Black and white boy, black and white boy, black and white boy, black and white boy, ahh ahh
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I've heard that this song is either about Paul Hester or Lester, Neil's dalmation. I suppose only Neil can tell us which it really is (or if either are true)
RIP Hessie, you will be sorely missed
It sounds like it could be about someone with bipolar disorder. At the very least, it's about a very moody person.
Well, I doubt this song would be about a dog... the fact that there's a repeated line ("You put on a wonderful show") leads me to believe that this song is, in fact, relating to Paul Hester who suffered from bipolar disorder. definitely a big loss.... on another note, i love neil's wife's backing vox on this track.... definitely one of the better tracks from Together Alone .
I think its certainly influenced by Paul and his highs and lows. 'when darkness should quickly descend, you go quitely my miserable friend - to the depths of despair your will crawl'.
It could also be about ex-Enz member Phil Judd who was bipolar, he would run off the stage in the middle of concerts, it could also be about Paul, Rip mate.
I think it's about Paul.
This song is about Neil's black and white dalmatian, if you think about the words he has used them not very directly (Like there isn't any words that say "My do is black and white boy") but if you listen to the words it comes together. I have the Farewell To The World DVD and one of the bonus material things is from a channell 7 show and you can see a dog walking around when Neil is playing his guitar!!