Off the rails I was and
Off the rails
I was happy to stay
Get out of my way
On the rack I was
Easy meat, and a reasonably good buy
A reasonably good buy

The Piccadilly Palare
Was just silly slang
Between me and the boys in my gang
"So bona to vada. oh you
Your lovely eek and
Your lovely riah"

We plied an ancient trade
Where we threw all life's
Instructions away
Exchanging lies and digs (my way)
Cause in a belted coat
Oh, I secretly knew
That I hadn't a clue

(No, no. No, no, no. You can't get there that way. Follow me...)

The Piccadilly Palare
Was just silly slang
Between me and the boys in my gang
Exchanging Palare
You wouldn't understand
Good sons like you
Never do.

So why do you smile
When you think about earl's court ?
But you cry when you think of all
The battles you've fought (and lost) ?
It may all end tomorrow
Or it could go on forever
In which case I'm doomed
It could go on forever
In which case I'm doomed

Bona drag...


Lyrics submitted by JohnnySandbox

Piccadilly Palare Lyrics as written by Steven Morrissey Kevin Alexander Armstrong

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

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Piccadilly Palare song meanings
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    General Comment

    I think in some ways this is a metaphor for the Smiths. They were a "gang" who had their own language.

    I especially think the line "Oh, I secretly knew That I hadn't a clue" refers to him starting out in the music business. The song is comparing his situation with naive young kids who come down to London and end up selling their bodies.

    Aurora2on October 26, 2004   Link

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