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Picture Window Lyrics
They checked into the hospital New Year's Eve
Nothing to be done about that
Rainbows, daffodils; she's not naive
Symbolism's all crap
There's a big picture window in their room
On the ward, with a view of a parliament hill
But the view offers more joy than they can afford
When there's this much pain to kill
You know what hope is?
Hope is a bastard
Hope is a liar
A cheat and a tease
Hope comes near you?
Kick it's backside
Got no place in days like these
At dusk the darkness surrenders to colour
As the fireworks streak the sky
And their window gives them the prettiest picture
Their useless luck makes her wanna cry
Then it turns midnight, the shitty old year spent
Another Mom gives her some sparkling wine
And she nearly gives in to the moment
But he'll still be sick in 2009
You know what hope is?
Hope is a bastard
Hope is a liar
A cheat and a tease
Hope comes near you?
Kick it's backside
Got no place in days like these
Just as she's thinking of pulling the blind down
A rocket bursts in front of her eyes
The city lit up like a crown on London
And she tries and fails to stop spirits rise
You know what hope is?
Hope is a bastard
Hope is a liar
A cheat and a tease
Hope comes near you?
Kick it's backside
Got no place in days like these
You know what hope is?
Hope is a bastard
Hope is a liar
A cheat and a tease
Hope comes near you?
Kick it's backside
Got no place in days like these
Nothing to be done about that
Rainbows, daffodils; she's not naive
Symbolism's all crap
On the ward, with a view of a parliament hill
But the view offers more joy than they can afford
When there's this much pain to kill
Hope is a bastard
Hope is a liar
A cheat and a tease
Hope comes near you?
Kick it's backside
Got no place in days like these
As the fireworks streak the sky
And their window gives them the prettiest picture
Their useless luck makes her wanna cry
Another Mom gives her some sparkling wine
And she nearly gives in to the moment
But he'll still be sick in 2009
Hope is a bastard
Hope is a liar
A cheat and a tease
Hope comes near you?
Kick it's backside
Got no place in days like these
A rocket bursts in front of her eyes
The city lit up like a crown on London
And she tries and fails to stop spirits rise
Hope is a bastard
Hope is a liar
A cheat and a tease
Hope comes near you?
Kick it's backside
Got no place in days like these
Hope is a bastard
Hope is a liar
A cheat and a tease
Hope comes near you?
Kick it's backside
Got no place in days like these
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I actually think the 'she' in the song is a woman whose son is very ill, because of the line, 'Another mum gives her some sparkling wine.' In some ways I think it's even more poignant than if the song were about romantic love. We all know romantic feelings can change and fade over time, but the bond between parent and child doesn't change; you're part of each other, no matter what. I think the idea of the pain of watching your child die before you adds another layer of tragedy to the song.
Definitely agree with the above comment about the chorus. Singing it just makes everything better when you feel like rubbish. ;)
It's a mother and son who've checked into the hospital (yet again) on New Year's Eve 2008. The mother is trying desperately not to allow herself to hope that he will get better, because she doesn't want to be disappointed, but the coming year and the fireworks and champagne and energy lift her spirits despite her attempts at pragmatism.
Just heard this song in concert last night. I'm excited to hear it again when it comes out. The song is obviously very depressing but if you are going through a depressing time it is good to listen to. I think it is about a girl who is in love with some guy who is really sick (obviously) and he probably won't be getting better but everyone around her is just moving on with their lives and not thinking twice about it. I love the chorus.
Sigh...gorgeous.
'The city lit up like a crown on London' should be 'The city lit up, London's given a bright crown'...at least on the album version.
Already mentioned, but "like a crown on London" is really "London's given a bright crown." How the hell did that happen?
Also, it's "Another mum deserves some sparkling wine." This is all according to the album booklet.
These are the lyrics from the demo version of the song.
These are the lyrics from the demo version of the song.