In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
Did you ever have to make up your mind?
And pick up on one and leave the other behind?
It's not often easy and not often kind
Did you ever have to make up your mind?
Did you ever have to finally decide?
And say yes, to one and let the other one ride?
There's so many changes and tears you must hide
Did you ever have to finally decide?
Sometimes there's one with big blue eyes, cute as a bunny
With hair down to here, and plenty of money
And just when you think she's that one in the world
Your heart gets stolen by some mousy little girl
And then you know you'd better make up your mind
And pick up on one and leave the other behind
It's not often easy and not often kind
Did you ever have to make up your mind?
Sometimes you really dig a girl the moment you kiss her
And then you get distracted by her older sister
When in walks her father and takes you in line
And says, "Better go on home, son, and make up your mind"
Then you bet you'd better finally decide
And say yes to one and let the other one ride
There's so many changes and tears you must hide
Did you ever have to finally decide?
And pick up on one and leave the other behind?
It's not often easy and not often kind
Did you ever have to make up your mind?
Did you ever have to finally decide?
And say yes, to one and let the other one ride?
There's so many changes and tears you must hide
Did you ever have to finally decide?
Sometimes there's one with big blue eyes, cute as a bunny
With hair down to here, and plenty of money
And just when you think she's that one in the world
Your heart gets stolen by some mousy little girl
And then you know you'd better make up your mind
And pick up on one and leave the other behind
It's not often easy and not often kind
Did you ever have to make up your mind?
Sometimes you really dig a girl the moment you kiss her
And then you get distracted by her older sister
When in walks her father and takes you in line
And says, "Better go on home, son, and make up your mind"
Then you bet you'd better finally decide
And say yes to one and let the other one ride
There's so many changes and tears you must hide
Did you ever have to finally decide?
Lyrics submitted by Madcappunk
Did You Ever Have to Make up Your Mind? Lyrics as written by John Sebastian
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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i think this song is hilarious, and the guitar playing by Yanovsky is so obscure and cool. just read the lyrics, it's pretty easy to pick out what the song's about
Yes, the meaning requires no guesswork because it's explicit. But wasn't this song the theme for some sitcom in the mid-'70s? I can't remember which one.<br /> <br /> Funny how I just heard this twice in as many days, after decades of not hearing it.
Wasn't this the theme for a sitcom in the '70s?
Ha! It wasn't, but it sounds like it could be. I seem to remember it being used in a car commercial, though. John Sebastian, the singer/songwriter of The Lovin' Spoonful did write and perform the theme to Welcome Back Kotter, though.
I think this song is hilarious too!
The Spoonful guys could sure pitch a perfect pop song in their heyday. Funny, I can't think of any other song which described this dilemma.