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Goobye Philadelphia Lyrics

Just like Philadelphia
Freedom means a lot to me
In between the place I've been
And where I'm goin'
I can see America
Tryin' not to show her age
Even though the winds of change
Keep on blowin'

And I would lay your body down and rock your tears away
But it's much too late for now to be like yesterday
And the time is running out and we still have to say
Goodbye

Remember Philadelphia
When the world was young and warm
So in love and living for
Everything new
But I know Philadelphia
The winter wind will slowly take
Your heart and soul until it makes
Nothing of you

And I would lay your body down and rock your tears away
But it's much too late for now to be like yesterday
And the time is running out and we still have to say
Goodbye

Flash a peace sign take a bow
Though we may not know it now
Things are never gonna be the same
Here on Seventh Avenue
I tip my old top hat to you
I hope you find somebody who
Will love you like I do

'Cause I would lay your body down and rock your tears away
But it's much too late for now to be like yesterday
And the time is running out and we still have to say
Goodbye
Goodbye
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Cover art for Goobye Philadelphia lyrics by Peter Cincotti

It means a soon-to-be expatriot saying goodbye to the one he loves, hoping she finds someone else.

He explains in the beginning that freedom means a lot to him just like Philadelphia, and that America is aging, and the world is changing and things will never be the same. That is why he must leave.

Cover art for Goobye Philadelphia lyrics by Peter Cincotti

I agree. I think it's about someone leaving their home (Philadelphia in this case) and moving on to bigger and better things.

Cover art for Goobye Philadelphia lyrics by Peter Cincotti

This song is about realizing that your life has become too small and that the opportunities of the changing world are out there for you. If you do not take the chances given to you, you might end up living a comfortable, but meaningless life. It is about choosing the safe and familiar option or choosing to really live!

The first verse very clearly describes that freedom and excitement is important to the singer. Philadelphia symbolizes everything familiar – his hometown, current relationship, current job. Even though his history in Philadelphia is close to his heart he yearns for freedom and the opportunity to grow.

In the second verse the good memories are recalled “when the world was young and warm”, but the feeling soon passes when he thinks about the winter wind in Philadelphia that will blow year in and year out and reduce his existence to “nothing”. He knows that his searching heart will die if he decided to stay in Philadelphia (the familiar).

The chorus signifies the person / circumstances he has to leave behind in order to live his life to the fullest in a new environment / town / relationship. He loves her dearly and doesn’t want to hurt her (“rock your tears away”), but the decision has already been made. He knows that it is not going to be easy to go away, but he knows that it is for the best.

 
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