This song is obviously recreating a memory for Van, before the fame, the adulations, and becoming who he wanted to be.
its clearly painting a picture for the listener, what he's life was like, and in that regard its lovely and honest music.
Now, when it comes to the meaning of this song, it is hauntingly beautiful.
Saying that cleaning windows is anyones dream would be a flat out lie, and thats why we get the "whats my line"
like hes in a play.. ah, yes, thats what he was supposed to say: "im happy cleaning windows". he has to remind himself that hes happy doing what he does.
But, he's also saying that he takes his time, and he'll see you when his love grows.
Well, he has a goal to become a musician, but he's in no rush, he'll meet his success in music, when his increasing love/dedication for it makes it inevitable.
"Babe, dont let it slide, im a working man in my prime" - he reminds himself to have faith in his journey.
Telling his love, (music in this case, wich he calls babe) that it shouldnt let this oppurtunity slide, hes a working man in his prime. Confidence, hes the right person for the job, music better recognize it.
He also brings up musical influences, and books on zen. Stating again the interest in music, and trying to find peace in the journey.
There is also enjoyment where hes at, the bakery, the saxophone, the memories, they are looked back at fondly.
Making this song a tribute to the process, and most importantly, enjoying the process of acheiving any goal in life.
Thats why the tune is so cheerful, because enjoying the process and patience, is the most important thing.
Its almost like its saying to you, the listener, that you should enjoy the process of whatever your goal is right now!
One of my favorite tunes ever!
Now, the numbers, 36 and 126, they can be just numbers on the windows/street/flat(counting).
They dont need to be anything else.
Had a hard time finding any other reason behind them, but why say such random numbers in the first place?
I found something that would make somewhat sense:
Van was very spiritual in his lyrics throughout the 70's and 80's, and has many songs influenced by this(full force gale, dweller on the threshold, when god shines his light), so he could be refering to something biblical.
Psalm 126 (at the very end, when the picture is painted) - it employs a methaphor for saying that God makes joy out of sorrow, laughter out of tears, etc.
So it might be a reference to that God is within this process, or enjoying the process, is enjoying what god has made, a beautiful struggle.
Psalm 36 (after the first chorus) - is basicly saying you should trust in gods enduring love and justice, or he takes care of those who do.
Could be just a reference to having trust.
This song is obviously recreating a memory for Van, before the fame, the adulations, and becoming who he wanted to be. its clearly painting a picture for the listener, what he's life was like, and in that regard its lovely and honest music.
Now, when it comes to the meaning of this song, it is hauntingly beautiful. Saying that cleaning windows is anyones dream would be a flat out lie, and thats why we get the "whats my line" like hes in a play.. ah, yes, thats what he was supposed to say: "im happy cleaning windows". he has to remind himself that hes happy doing what he does. But, he's also saying that he takes his time, and he'll see you when his love grows. Well, he has a goal to become a musician, but he's in no rush, he'll meet his success in music, when his increasing love/dedication for it makes it inevitable.
"Babe, dont let it slide, im a working man in my prime" - he reminds himself to have faith in his journey. Telling his love, (music in this case, wich he calls babe) that it shouldnt let this oppurtunity slide, hes a working man in his prime. Confidence, hes the right person for the job, music better recognize it.
He also brings up musical influences, and books on zen. Stating again the interest in music, and trying to find peace in the journey. There is also enjoyment where hes at, the bakery, the saxophone, the memories, they are looked back at fondly.
Making this song a tribute to the process, and most importantly, enjoying the process of acheiving any goal in life. Thats why the tune is so cheerful, because enjoying the process and patience, is the most important thing. Its almost like its saying to you, the listener, that you should enjoy the process of whatever your goal is right now!
One of my favorite tunes ever!
Now, the numbers, 36 and 126, they can be just numbers on the windows/street/flat(counting). They dont need to be anything else.
Had a hard time finding any other reason behind them, but why say such random numbers in the first place?
I found something that would make somewhat sense: Van was very spiritual in his lyrics throughout the 70's and 80's, and has many songs influenced by this(full force gale, dweller on the threshold, when god shines his light), so he could be refering to something biblical.
Psalm 126 (at the very end, when the picture is painted) - it employs a methaphor for saying that God makes joy out of sorrow, laughter out of tears, etc. So it might be a reference to that God is within this process, or enjoying the process, is enjoying what god has made, a beautiful struggle.
Psalm 36 (after the first chorus) - is basicly saying you should trust in gods enduring love and justice, or he takes care of those who do. Could be just a reference to having trust.
[Edit: spelling and improvement]