| Billy Joel – Don't Ask Me Why Lyrics | 9 years ago |
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I think this is about someone who grew up poor but was talented and made her way to success. She doesn't want people to know about her upbringing, but her worldview and advice make it possible to tell. I'm calling the subject a "her" because Billy calls her "baby." (All the waiters in your grand cafe leave their tables when you blink. Every dog must have his every day; every drunk must have his drink) This is directed to her, and she already knows it. You can't trust anyone but yourself. People are going to do what they want to do without any regard for anyone else. Also note that it introduces her as someone successful - she owns a cafe. (Don't wait for answers! Just take your chances.) The first bit of advice she dispenses. You're going to have to make your own decisions and nobody is going to help you. Clearly she's pretty cynical. Also, you can't afford to wait; you have to act. (Don't ask me why!) She doesn't want to give any explanations as to why she thinks these things. She's learned them from experience she doesn't want to talk about. (All your life you had to stand in line. Still you're standing on your feet!) I think this is probably a reference to breadlines/lines for government welfare programs. She grew up with a tough life, but was able to make it through with pride. (All your choices made you change your mind. Now your calendar's complete) Not quite sure about the first part, but I think it's saying she grew up having to just react to what happened minute-by-minute to survive. She didn't have the stability to plan out their future. In the present, she has a very structured life, and has plenty of friends. (Chorus again) Then there's a weird romantic part; not sure if I'm interpreting it right. (You can say the human heart is only make believe) Her cynicism coming out again. (And I am only fighting fire with fire) I think Billy is courting her. He claims to want what's best for her but she thinks love is a lie. (But you are still a victim of the accidents you leave as sure as I'm a victim of desire) She can't isolate herself from her past, and he can't get away from his feelings for her, so they can't see eye-to-eye. Back to the main thrust of the song. (All the servants in your new hotel throw their roses at your feet) She's growing a business empire. Everyone respects her, and it seems there will be a wide audience for her advice. (Fool them all but baby I can tell you're no stranger to the street) When you listen to her, she has some viewpoints that someone who grew up rich wouldn't really understand. (Don't ask for favors!) Again, nobody will help you, so don't bother trying. (Don't talk to strangahs) It's a dangerous world. (Don't axe me why) I think he's trying to affect an accent more typical of a poorer upbringing. (Yesterday you were an only child. Now your ghosts have gone away!) She's excised the worst elements of her psyche that she obtained in her harder life. (You can kill them in the classic style. Now you parlez vous francais) She is capable of harsh words and sticking up for herself, but now she's in a highfalutin' group, and learns a "sophisticated" language. Clearly she's very adaptable to her environment. (Don't look for answers) This chorus could either be said by her or to her. Don't dwell on the past; it's not worth your time. (You took your chances!) What's done is done! (Don't ask me why.) |
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| Billy Joel – And So It Goes Lyrics | 12 years ago |
| Interesting question, I'd never thought about it. Though I don't think there's a death implied at all in this song. | |
| Harry Chapin – Any Old Kind Of Day Lyrics | 12 years ago |
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The great Harry Chapin discussing that dull day that gives no meaning but the daily grind. The lyrics have some odd grammatical structures that give an atmosphere of confusion and listlessness. For example "I whistled 'round today, and I skipped off a footloose jig" "The night has had its laughing" |
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| Billy Joel – Elvis Presley Blvd. Lyrics | 12 years ago |
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These lyrics are really wrong. Should be Once long ago, all the faithful held a show Down at Elvis Presley Blvd. on Memphis radio Where the hopeless held a vigil and the nameless played the charts Where the losers lost their sorrow and the lonely left their hearts Step on these shoes and I'll see you in hell Love me so tender I cry Save me a room in the Heartbreak Hotel I'm so alone I could die I took a ride with my baby by my side Down to Elvis Presly Blvd. where all the faithful cried And I saw that silent mansion and I knew that I was lost They were selling plastic souvenirs of Elvis on the cross! Step on these shoes and I'll see you in hell Love me so tender I cry Save me a room in the Heartbreak Hotel I'm so alone I could die Drive down that road tonight! Everyone is gone. Nobody's home but the light's always on... Man, I was beat! I was driven by the heat Down to Elvis Presley Blvd., a one-way dead-end street And I smashed my car to pieces and I said goodbye to youth I heard all the ugly rumors but I could not face the truth Save me a room in the Heartbreak Hotel I'm so alone I could die. Drive down that road tonight! Everyone is gone. Nobody's home but the light's always on... Anyway, it's about someone disappointed at the fanatical soulless worship of his musical hero, compared to the better days while his hero lived. |
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| Gavin DeGraw – I Don't Want To Be Lyrics | 13 years ago |
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Is it just me, or is this song incredibly reminiscent of Orwell's classic book "Nineteen Eighty-Four"? "Part of where I'm going is knowing where I'm coming from" - Winston's fight against doublethink "Am I the only one who noticed? I can't be the only one who's learned!" - the search for the Brotherhood "All I have to do is think of me and I have peace of mind" - the idea that freedom of identity trumps physical rule "Tired of looking round rooms wondering what I've gotta do and who I'm supposed to be" - the act for the telescreens "I don't want to be anything other than me" - avoidance of the Party's conformity |
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