| Neil Young – For The Turnstiles Lyrics | 14 years ago |
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I believe that "the turnstylles" was an early band of Neil Young's. I think this song is about the troubles of being a lesser known touring band - perhaps one which has not honed their chops enough yet. "All the sailors with their seasick mamas" To me, "mamas" here means girlfriends. - they can't (or won't) go on tour (i.e. sailing) with the band (i.e. sailors) "Hear the sirens on the shore" The band is lured from the road into the clubs to play (as sirens lure sailors) where they end up "crashing". "Singin' songs for pimps with tailors Who charge ten dollars at the door." The well dressed club owners who end up taking most of the money. "You can really learn a lot that way It will change you in the middle of the day. Though your confidence may be shattered, It doesn?t matter." This is just about rejection as a musician over and over - confidence is shattered, but it teaches you what you need to know and in the long run it helps you which is why it "doesn't matter". "All the great explorers Are now in granite laid Under white sheets for the great unveiling At the big parade." I agree it is "laid" and this whole verse could be about previous club touring bands who are now famous - put on pedestals and playing arenas (big parades)- and perhaps becoming stagnant (set in stone so to speak) instead of breaking new ground - both in music and on the road. "All the bushleague batters Are left to die on the diamond. In the stands the home crowd scatters For the turnstiles" The green touring band, still exploring the country and exploring their talent and abilities, are left dying on the stage when the crowd who was drawn in by the local opener leaves before or during the touring band's set - the last line is literally the crowd scattering for a band named the turnstiles (turnstylles)... |
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