I believe this is a child talking to and of his relationship with his father, and the troubles that exist between them as result of his father's addiction.
Where were you when I was still kind
This is a reference to the author being a child and the fathers absence during that period.
Just a water treader, Waiting on the line
This is the child, obediently trying to stay afloat, doing as he is told, obedience
Just a dry gin drinker, Master and a hound
A reference to the father's alcohol addition, father and son, the hound is a further reference to his obedience and unconditional love for his father
Turned a circus swinger
The father, the circus swinger represents his attempts to put on an act to the rest of the world, possibly providing a spectacle at times
Look, he's coming down...Down
This may hint at substance abuse, and literally coming down from another high, or refer to a period or periods when his alcoholism and or other addictions may have improved
Can you shake it up Just once for me
The son pleads for his father to make the effort to try to kick these additictions
Your little globe just so we can see
A reference to the small world in which his father lives
The snow blowing round your hands
A very honest substance abuse reference emploring the father to open his eyes to what's happening, and/or the suggestions that the only person who can make this right is the father
And the wing-nut turned
Initially I felt that the wing nut had tightened; representing a worsening of the circumstances of his father, but i also feel it could represent the loosening of the wing nut, suggesting his life is really starting to fall apart
The song that we both know
This represents repetition; once again the father spirals into addiction, walking a path they both know all to well
Sent us flying round the carnival
And once again the father pretends to the world that there is no problem, he is in control, he does not need help
You can throw all your lucky coins on me
This may be a fairly literal indication of a gambling addiction. But I feel it is deeper, a final plea from the son for the father to invest time and love in his son before its too late.
This song has touched me greatly. I have no idea if my interpretation is remotely close to the true meaning, I think we all have a unique perspective based upon our experiences in life and perhaps the true beauty that can be found in such an incredible song is that it will mean something different to each of us.
I believe this is a child talking to and of his relationship with his father, and the troubles that exist between them as result of his father's addiction.
Where were you when I was still kind
This is a reference to the author being a child and the fathers absence during that period.
Just a water treader, Waiting on the line
This is the child, obediently trying to stay afloat, doing as he is told, obedience
Just a dry gin drinker, Master and a hound
A reference to the father's alcohol addition, father and son, the hound is a further reference to his obedience and unconditional love for his father
Turned a circus swinger
The father, the circus swinger represents his attempts to put on an act to the rest of the world, possibly providing a spectacle at times
Look, he's coming down...Down
This may hint at substance abuse, and literally coming down from another high, or refer to a period or periods when his alcoholism and or other addictions may have improved
Can you shake it up Just once for me
The son pleads for his father to make the effort to try to kick these additictions
Your little globe just so we can see
A reference to the small world in which his father lives
The snow blowing round your hands
A very honest substance abuse reference emploring the father to open his eyes to what's happening, and/or the suggestions that the only person who can make this right is the father
And the wing-nut turned
Initially I felt that the wing nut had tightened; representing a worsening of the circumstances of his father, but i also feel it could represent the loosening of the wing nut, suggesting his life is really starting to fall apart
The song that we both know
This represents repetition; once again the father spirals into addiction, walking a path they both know all to well
Sent us flying round the carnival
And once again the father pretends to the world that there is no problem, he is in control, he does not need help
You can throw all your lucky coins on me
This may be a fairly literal indication of a gambling addiction. But I feel it is deeper, a final plea from the son for the father to invest time and love in his son before its too late.
This song has touched me greatly. I have no idea if my interpretation is remotely close to the true meaning, I think we all have a unique perspective based upon our experiences in life and perhaps the true beauty that can be found in such an incredible song is that it will mean something different to each of us.