For Everyman

Jackson Browne

Everybody I talk to is ready to leave
With the light of the morning
They've seen the end coming down
Long enough to believe
That they've heard their last warning
Standing alone
Each has his own ticket in his hand
And as the evening descends
I sit thinking 'bout Everyman

Seems like I've always been
Looking for some other place
To get it together
Where with a few of my friends
I could give up the race
And maybe find something better
But all my fine dreams
Well though out schemes
To gain the motherland
Have all eventually come down
To waiting for Everyman

Waiting here for Everyman
Make it on your own if you think you can
If you see somewhere to go I understand
Waiting here for Everyman
Don't ask me if he'll show -- baby I don't know

Make it on your own if you think you can
Somewhere later on you'll have to take a stand
Then you're going to need a hand

Everybody's just waiting to hear from the one
Who can give them the answers
And lead them back to that place
In the warmth of the sun
Where sweet childhood still dances
Who'll come along
And hold out that strong
And gentle father's hand?
Long ago I heard someone say
Something 'bout Everyman

Waiting here for Everyman
Make it on your own if you think you can
If you see somewhere to go I understand

I'm not trying to tell you
That I've seen the plan
Turn and walk away if you think I am
But don't think too badly
Of one who's left holding sand
He's just another dreamer,
Dreaming 'bout Everyman


Lyrics submitted by Howard55, edited by brian

For Everyman song meanings
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11 Comments

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    General Comment

    I think JB intends to make the sentiment in "wooden ships" seem worthy but idealistic. The song starts off "Everybody is ready to leave" and goes on to say "with a few of my friends / maybe find something better", and finishes with "long ago I heard someone say something about Everyman"

    Almost as if it's a great notion to pack up and sail off but as the song progesses it becomes an unlikely ideal and then merely a dream that would never work as it would require everyman to make it happen.

    A wonderful song (one of many by JB) by an artist of extraordinary talent.

    jimmyjammyon December 03, 2010   Link

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