| Gregory Alan Isakov – Master and a Hound Lyrics | 3 years ago |
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I believe this is a child talking to and of his relationship with his father, and the troubles that exist between them as result of his father's addiction. Where were you when I was still kind This is a reference to the author being a child and the fathers absence during that period. Just a water treader, Waiting on the line This is the child, obediently trying to stay afloat, doing as he is told, obedience Just a dry gin drinker, Master and a hound A reference to the father's alcohol addition, father and son, the hound is a further reference to his obedience and unconditional love for his father Turned a circus swinger The father, the circus swinger represents his attempts to put on an act to the rest of the world, possibly providing a spectacle at times Look, he's coming down...Down This may hint at substance abuse, and literally coming down from another high, or refer to a period or periods when his alcoholism and or other addictions may have improved Can you shake it up Just once for me The son pleads for his father to make the effort to try to kick these additictions Your little globe just so we can see A reference to the small world in which his father lives The snow blowing round your hands A very honest substance abuse reference emploring the father to open his eyes to what's happening, and/or the suggestions that the only person who can make this right is the father And the wing-nut turned Initially I felt that the wing nut had tightened; representing a worsening of the circumstances of his father, but i also feel it could represent the loosening of the wing nut, suggesting his life is really starting to fall apart The song that we both know This represents repetition; once again the father spirals into addiction, walking a path they both know all to well Sent us flying round the carnival And once again the father pretends to the world that there is no problem, he is in control, he does not need help You can throw all your lucky coins on me This may be a fairly literal indication of a gambling addiction. But I feel it is deeper, a final plea from the son for the father to invest time and love in his son before its too late. This song has touched me greatly. I have no idea if my interpretation is remotely close to the true meaning, I think we all have a unique perspective based upon our experiences in life and perhaps the true beauty that can be found in such an incredible song is that it will mean something different to each of us. |
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