I think that the direction of the 'be good or be gone' changes after every verse.
Like, the first time we hear it, she's a child actress, being told by producers and agents to 'be good or be gone', because she won't make it if she's not good enough.
The second verse, as luey_baby mentioned, is probably a reference to a film, so Rose would be mid-career by now, and striving for perfection. If it's not good, she doesn't want to hear of it.
Next, she's selling all her things, probably moving to a city to make a name for herself. Her old stuff isn't good enough for her anymore, so, again, 'Be good or be gone'.
The last verse puzzles me. The 'aerial view' implies that she's now looking down on everyone that she used to know in Bray. Maybe it's the inspiration that came to our singer-songwriter from the story of Rose, and since he's trying to make it, and she has supposedly made it, he thinks that by emulating her, he too can achieve greatness? So, in effect, he's telling himself to be good or be gone.
I think that the direction of the 'be good or be gone' changes after every verse.
Like, the first time we hear it, she's a child actress, being told by producers and agents to 'be good or be gone', because she won't make it if she's not good enough.
The second verse, as luey_baby mentioned, is probably a reference to a film, so Rose would be mid-career by now, and striving for perfection. If it's not good, she doesn't want to hear of it.
Next, she's selling all her things, probably moving to a city to make a name for herself. Her old stuff isn't good enough for her anymore, so, again, 'Be good or be gone'.
The last verse puzzles me. The 'aerial view' implies that she's now looking down on everyone that she used to know in Bray. Maybe it's the inspiration that came to our singer-songwriter from the story of Rose, and since he's trying to make it, and she has supposedly made it, he thinks that by emulating her, he too can achieve greatness? So, in effect, he's telling himself to be good or be gone.
Loff this song!!!!!!!!