Faron Young Lyrics
Every other sentiments an antique
As obsolete as warships in the baltic
I'm driving on a straight road it never alters
And the radio serenades but doesn't falter
You offer paper spoons and bubble gum
Like an all night radio station
Without morning
Like stumbling on pearl harbour
Without warning
You offer bubble gum
You give me faron young four in the morning
Every mother's son's romantic
Every mother's son's frantic !
But here I am with head inside the bonnet
I've lost just what it takes to be honest
You offer bubble gum
You give me faron young four in the morning
Forgive me faron young four in the morning
Forgive me faron young four in the morning
Very clever lyric - McAloon's penchant for using the names of famous people cleverly disguises the meaning of this song as a tale of feeling a guilt trip for breaking from a destructive relationship. Look up the lyric of Faron Young's ' It's Four In The Morning " and see the parallels. You give me things of no substance, going nowhere....but I feel bad for leaving....
For me it's obvious this song is about music in general. Paddy McAloon himself said that he was wondering why do people actually like country music. And then he understood that country is about real emotions. It makes perfect sense.
"You offer infrared instead of sun You offer paper spoons and bubble gum" shows that pop music offers fake emotions, is "plastic" Modern mainstream is like a bubble gum - you can find it even on a sole of your shoe, but it says nothing about your life. It's a bit like a metaphor for one-hit wonders, they are as disposable as bubble gum, a short-time pleasure.
"The sunset makes a fence out of the forest But here I am with head inside the bonnet I've lost just what it takes to be honest" Again, how pop music lost "what it takes to be honest"
And, well, he apologises to country singer Faraon Young, representing for him the entire genere.
Oh, and the line "As obsolete as warships in the Baltic" is genius. Great song.
Sorry for my English ;)
I've always interpreted this song as an expression of the love-hate relationship many people have with Americana: There's the trashy/plastic side of American culture - "you offer infra red, instead of sun; you offer paper spoons and bubble gum". Then there's a guilt complex - "Forgive me Faron Young" - a recognition that there are many great aspects of American culture to celebrate - Paddy was obviously a fan of Faron Young. The 7" single sleeve for the song featured a picture of huge truck - another symbol of Americana. The song seems to be poking fun at American culture but also admitting a soft spot for it. (Just like the playful dig at Bruce Springsteen in 'Cars and Girls' - a recurring theme maybe). The song is in effect a continuation of the metaphor used on the album its from - Steve McQueen - a great American hero but also a symbol of macho American aggression. I've always thought there's a lot of mischievous humour in Paddy's lyrics - the picture of him sitting on the motorbike on the album sleeve is playful - the sensitive songwriter juxtaposed with the ultimate macho symbol - is there a wry smile on Paddy's face as he sits astride the bike?
All together now...
WHO IS FARON YOUNG?
I'm a huge Prefab Sprout fan, but have to say this is the most baffling of lyrics by a band who are not usually so oblique. Is this about a dream maybe?
If you are a Faron Young fan — you will want to check out the links to read more about my book: Live Fast, Love Hard: The Faron Young Story
I like what maehiraeth, Cliff3225 and Lloyd35 said. I always thought this song was about a guy (Paddy McAloon presumably) driving through the USA, confronting America's immensity and its culture, and having a perfect moment when Faron Young comes on the radio.