Meaningful Lyrics

[Rick Henry]

There are so many aspects of Carpenters songs which have touched their fans (and even the casual listener) on a deeper level. For starters Karen's voice is enough to mesmerize. But then there's the deep and intricate musical arrangements, the outstanding musicianship, the lead and backing vocals and the ever important lyrics.

Let's focus on those wonderful lyrics. Which lyrics seem to stand out to you? Which one's have a deeper meaning for you?

[YesterdayOnceMore]

Two songs come immediately to mind...I'll come back with more.

Road Ode lyrically is a beautiful song - and I've mentioned why in many past posts why it is such a close song to my heart.

Masquerade's my favorite Carpenters tune, and the lyrics hit home every time I hear it.

Palma Pascale and John Bettis's lyric in "Love Me For What I Am" is also a favorite.....it's a touching lyric that I heard when in college. It hit me like a ton of bricks then, and I find it tremendously powerful to this day.

Sailin on the Tide was always a favorite, because this album was released AFTER Karen's death, I took these beautiful lyrics as an omen to mean that Karen was telling us all she was quite okay. "I need time out in the sunshine....lazy lagoons, warm afternoons, tropical moons......sleepy beaches everywhere...anyone is welcomed there..."

A Song For You also holds a great deal of meaning lyrically for me. I think the lyrics are beautiful, and I could feel Karen's aching to tell her story of singing to thousands of people, but needing to find that one person at the end of the day to come home to and love.

The Song For You reprise haunts me to this day. I find it chilling that this distant Karen comes in singing, and as the song continues to build and build, he loudest lyric is "And when my life is over - remember when we were together - we were alone and I was singing this song for you."

You just can't get any better than that!
Tim

[smoothie2]

???Very well stated Tim....it's always interesting to hear from you.
???I first think of Rainy Days and Mon. as the first song I recall so vividly hearing over the radio way back then... #1.. Karen's soulful singing just shot right to my heart, such a beautiful voice...
#2.. The lyrics very much fit in with my pre-adolescent and lonely world. An awkward age anyway, and i felt left out then cuz I was the youngest child and my bro. had just married and left.
#3 ..Karen had such a grown up clear voice unlike any other. I felt she was like a new friend cuz
I considered myself more grown-up and of a serious nature than my peers.
>>> some years later>> A KIND OF HUSH the album came out and that song carries a nice feeling because
i think of myself with my then boyfriend as we traveled
12 mi. from my home to or from a date, we both were not big talkers, so "there was a kind of hush" i felt all over the world...(even though we didn't fall in love)
???I think I may add more here later...

[Ming]

I think 'Two sides' seems to stand out to me.
'Well, there's two sides, there's another side of me

There's the one you think you live with, the one you never see

It's never really lived, but it's never really died

It's never really made it but it's tried'

I think this few lines describe my feeling. There's another side of me, but I never show it to anyone or even myself. I think 'the another side of me' exist. However, I don't know if this is true.

Ming

[beaner]

I'd have to say "Sometimes." To me, this song has so much meaning. After recently losing three dear people in my life, these words say it all!
Sometimes


Sometimes not often enough

We reflect upon the good things

And those thoughs always center around those we love

And I think about those people who mean so much to me

And for so many years have made me so very happy

And I count the times I have forgotten to say "thank you"

And just how much I love them

[Rick Henry]

Some excellent choices made by everybody so far.

Just a few comments on the one's mentioned so far.

yesterdayoncemore said:

Road Ode lyrically is a beautiful song - and I've mentioned why in many past posts why it is such a close song to my heart.

I love "Road Ode". The story about a "rock star" on the road captures my interest. it's one I was able to relate to on certain levels. Certainly Karen related to it completely she sang the song with all her heart and soul.

yesterdayoncemore said:

Palma Pascale and John Bettis's lyric in "Love Me For What I Am" is also a favorite.....it's a touching lyric that I heard when in college. It hit me like a ton of bricks then, and I find it tremendously powerful to this day.

Even before we had the opportunity of meeting the fabulous Palma, "Love Me For What I Am" always held a special meaning for me. The lyrics speaks volumes of a philosophy I've carried for thirty years now. Thank you Palma Pascale and John Bettis for a wonderful and powerful lyric.

smoothie2 said:

???I first think of Rainy Days and Mon. as the first song I recall so vividly hearing over the radio way back then... #1.. Karen's soulful singing just shot right to my heart, such a beautiful voice...
#2.. The lyrics very much fit in with my pre-adolescent and lonely world. An awkward age anyway, and i felt left out then cuz I was the youngest child and my bro. had just married and left.

"Rainy Days And Mondays" lyric written by Roger Nichols is another outstanding work. The chorus alone is so catchy and after hearing the first time it stuck in my mind and was easy to remember. It is a clever and well thought out lyric.

ming said:

I think 'Two sides' seems to stand out to me.
'Well, there's two sides, there's another side of me

There's the one you think you live with, the one you never see

It's never really lived, but it's never really died

It's never really made it but it's tried'

I think this few lines describe my feeling. There's another side of me, but I never show it to anyone or even myself. I think 'the another side of me' exist. However, I don't know if this is true.

Ming

"Two Sides" is one of my personal favorites and one I feel we can all relate to on different levels.

beaner said:

I'd have to say "Sometimes." To me, this song has so much meaning. After recently losing three dear people in my life, these words say it all!
Sometimes


Sometimes not often enough

We reflect upon the good things

And those thoughs always center around those we love

And I think about those people who mean so much to me

And for so many years have made me so very happy

And I count the times I have forgotten to say "thank you"

And just how much I love them

"Sometimes" I feel is one of Carpenters' most important and strongest message songs ever. I've shared this one with many family members and friends just to say "I love you and I am grateful for knowing you".



I also want to add "Crescent Noon". This is a vivid and colorful lyric. As I listen to it I can imagine the words of the song in my mind. To me it describes the birth of a brand new day and the ending of the night. It's like a celebration of life which burns away to a sea of midnight blue. It depicts life and death. It's actually a very deep and meaningful song.

Crescent Noon

Green September
Burned to October brown
Bare November
Led to December's frozen ground
The seasons stumbled round
Our drifting lives are bound
To a falling crescent noon

Feather clouds cry
A vale of tears to earth
Morning breaks and
No one sees the quiet mountain bird

Dressed in a brand new day
The sun is on it's way
To a falling crescent noon

Somewhere in
A fairytale forest lies one
Answer that is waiting to be heard

You and I were
Born like the breaking day
All our seasons
All our green septembers
Burn away
Slowly we'll fade into
A sea of midnight blue
And a falling crescent noon

[Moe]

The more introspective songs like Rainy Days and Mondays and Goodbye to Love have always meant so much to me.

On the flip side, Now and I just fall in Love Again capture the hope and upside of love.

As someone mentioned earlier, Sometimes is such a touching song of gratitude to all of those people who touch our lives.

[GoodOldDreams]

There are many songs in which the lyrics stand out for me. They seem to apply to so many situations in life. Some pertinent phrases in particular:

What the Use --- maintaining perspective and integrity in earning a living: "Hurry yourself ... what's the use ... mountains of wealth...I refuse to be somebody's slave for a dime ..."

We've Only Just Begun --- exploring possibilities and potentials in life: "... so many roads to choose ... we start out walking and learn to run ..."

Rainy days and Mondays --- finding comfort and reassurance: "... funny but it seems I always wind up here with you ... nice to know somebody loves me ..."

Let Me be the One --- providing comfort and reassurance: "Some sleepless nights if you should find yourself alone ... for love and understanding ... to find a quiet place ..."

For All We Know --- recognizing that love is a continual process of exploration and learning: "Love, look at the two of us, strangers in many ways ... let's take a lifetime to say 'I knew you well' ..."

Sometimes --- being grateful to loved ones whom are often taken for granted: "... and I count the time I have forgotten to say "thank you" and just how much I love them ..."

Bless the Beasts and the Children --- reminding us to act thoughtfully, kindly and responsibly as adults and guardians of some of life's most precious resources: "Bless the beasts and the children ... for in this world they have no voice ... they have no choice ... for the world can never be the world they see ..."

I Won't Last a Day Without You --- being understanding and forgiving: "... if all my friends have forgotten half their promises they're not unkind, just hard to find ..."

Sing --- making and enjoying your own kind of music unselfconsciously "... don't worry that it's not good enough for anyone else to hear ... just sing ...sing a song ..."

This Masquerade --- being at a loss in communicating deeper thoughts and feelings to those we hold dear: "... we try to talk it over but the words got in the way ..."

I can go on and on, but it's getting late and I will sign off for now...

[YesterdayOnceMore]

goodolddreams said:

There are many songs in which he lyrics stand out for me. They seem to apply to so many situations in life. Some pertinent phrases in particular:

What the Use --- maintaining perspective and integrity in earning a living: "Hurry yourself ... what's the use ... mountains of wealth...I refuse to be somebody's slave for a dime..."

We've Only Just Begun --- exploring possibilities and potentials in life: "... so many roads to choose ... we start out walking and learn to run ..."

Rainy days and Mondays --- finding comfort and reassurance: "... funny but it seems I always wind up here with you ... nice to know somebody loves me ..."

Let Me be the One --- providing comfort and reassurance: "Some sleepless nights if you should find yourself alone ... for love and understanding ... to find a quiet place ..."

For All We Know --- recognizing that love is a continual process of exploration and learning: "Love, look at the two of us, strangers in many ways ... let's take a lifetime to say 'I knew you well'"

Sometimes --- being grateful to loved ones whom are often take for granted: "... and I count the time I have forgotten to say, "Thank you" and just how much I love them ..."

Bless the Beasts and the Children --- cautioning people to be responsible adults to the world: "Bless the beasts and the children ... for in this world they have no voice ... they have no choice ... for the world can never be the world they see"

I Won't Last a Day Without You --- being understanding and forgiving: "... if all my friends have forgotten half their promises they're not unkind, just hard to find ..."

Sing --- making and enjoying your own kind of music unselfconsciously "... don't worry that it's not good enough for anyone else to hear ... just sing ...sing a song ..."

This Masquerade --- being at a loss in communicating deeper thoughts and feelings: "... we try to talk it over but the words get in the way ..."

I can go on and on, but it's getting late and I will sign off for now...

Beautifully satated, GoodOldDreams. Yes, many, many of the Carpenters songs have such powerful lyrics, and portray such different ideas to ponder. The lyrics of songs has always been an important part of the song for me....and Carpenters never failed to deliver not only the most incredible, multi-layered beautiful harmonic, sweet, sometimes sensual, and always brilliant melodies/harmonies, but lyrics, as well.

And, I think that's one reason I always liked Billy Joel so much, too. Billy wrote his own lyrics - and they were about HIS life....one could usually tell a lot about what was going on or had been going on with Billy when listening to his newest album, because it was all right there in his lyrics. The Nylon Curtain was more profound than many, as he was going through his divorce from Elizabeth, and he was having all sorts of "adjustment" issues with his new life. It's all laid out right there in the lyrics to that album. What a treat it was.

Lyrics open so many doors in our minds and hearts, as GoodOldDreams so cleverly pointed out in the post above. Thanks for that - nicely done.
Tim

[Rick Henry]

goodolddreams said:

There are many songs in which the lyrics stand out for me. They seem to apply to so many situations in life. Some pertinent phrases in particular:

What the Use --- maintaining perspective and integrity in earning a living: "Hurry yourself ... what's the use ... mountains of wealth...I refuse to be somebody's slave for a dime ..."

We've Only Just Begun --- exploring possibilities and potentials in life: "... so many roads to choose ... we start out walking and learn to run ..."

Rainy days and Mondays --- finding comfort and reassurance: "... funny but it seems I always wind up here with you ... nice to know somebody loves me ..."

Let Me be the One --- providing comfort and reassurance: "Some sleepless nights if you should find yourself alone ... for love and understanding ... to find a quiet place ..."

For All We Know --- recognizing that love is a continual process of exploration and learning: "Love, look at the two of us, strangers in many ways ... let's take a lifetime to say 'I knew you well' ..."

Sometimes --- being grateful to loved ones whom are often taken for granted: "... and I count the time I have forgotten to say "thank you" and just how much I love them ..."

Bless the Beasts and the Children --- reminding us to act thoughtfully, kindly and responsibly as adults and guardians of some of life's most precious resources: "Bless the beasts and the children ... for in this world they have no voice ... they have no choice ... for the world can never be the world they see ..."

I Won't Last a Day Without You --- being understanding and forgiving: "... if all my friends have forgotten half their promises they're not unkind, just hard to find ..."

Sing --- making and enjoying your own kind of music unselfconsciously "... don't worry that it's not good enough for anyone else to hear ... just sing ...sing a song ..."

This Masquerade --- being at a loss in communicating deeper thoughts and feelings to those we hold dear: "... we try to talk it over but the words got in the way ..."

I can go on and on, but it's getting late and I will sign off for now...

Outstanding! Thank you GoodOldDreams for an excellent read. I found some of your choices to be quite interesting.

"What's The Use" is not one that comes to my mind instantly when thinking of great lyrics. Though after reading your thoughts on the song I have to agree. I like the idea wthat John Bettis was conveying about getting away to take some time for "you". That's something we sometimes forget to do.

Getting away from all the things that need doing
Lazily here to lose the afternoon
Lying around here on the ground
Is as close to getting up as I can go

"Bless The Beasts And Children" has also been an ultimate favorite lyric for me. Thank you GoodOldDreams for your thoughts on this lyric.

"I Won't Last A Day Without You" is another. Not only is the lyric excellent, I love this song overall.

"Sing" is another one. too Bad the song has taken such a bashing by many for thirty years now. I agree with your analogy of making and enjoying your own kind of music. Though, I also feel it goes even further than that. It carries the message of "self confidence" - "don't worry that it's not good enough for anyone else to hear. Just sing..." Don't worry about what other people think just sing to your own tune (beat of a different drum).

[DR Drummer]

Another great and insightful Carpenters topic.

As often was the case in the later 1960s to early 70s were songs of social commentary and protest. In this case "Your Wonderful Parade" does an outstanding debut job for the Carpenters for musical uniqueness and lyrical content. It's a song about personal facade, phoniness and pretense that comprises ones social, business or political ambitions. It's a great song that I really like. Karen's snare drum work is marvelous too. Here's its lyrical link listed below.
www.vex.net/~paulmac/carpenter/lyrics/your_wonderful_parade.html

As stated, "Road Ode" really resonates with me. big time. "I remember the last time the signs pointed home, a month agoooo". On "agoooo" listen to how Karen's voice breaks just a bit (it sounds awesome). You can hear the aching, longing and fatigue in her voice, body and very soul. The touring schedule back then was truly grueling; way too much I think. "Road Ode" is truly movingly superb.

"Let Me Be The One" is a song I really love for the combination of soulful musicality matching up perfectly with its lyrical content. It's in the perfect key for this too, D# major. The lyrics portray both the offering and need of deep caring, compassion and understanding by 2 people and rings true for nearly all, at one time or another.

"I Won't Last a Day Without You" is another all time favorite for me. It very beautifully and poetically portrays realization of life's and one's human frailties while acknowledging the need and love for that very special someone who makes everything alright and making sense. The song resonates with a very human message.

Dave the drummer

[Rick Henry]

drdrummer said:

Another great and insightful Carpenters topic.

As often was the case in the later 1960s to early 70s were songs of social commentary and protest. In this case "Your Wonderful Parade" does an outstanding debut job for the Carpenters for musical uniqueness and lyrical content. It's a song about personal facade, phoniness and pretense that comprises ones social, business or political ambitions. It's a great song that I really like. Karen's snare drum work is marvelous too.

Dave the drummer

Thank you Dave (the drummer) for the outstanding post. I thoroughly enjoyed reading what you had to write. It is interesting how Carpenters did start out in 1969 recording a few songs which made social commentary. "Your Wonderful Parade" is the prime example of this. Carpenters commented on the social atmosphere of the time with lines like "stand in line try to climb" and "blindness is a part of every game you've played". Basically John Bettis was saying, "take the blinders off and look at the real world." There was so much going on at that time with the Vietnam war. There seemed to be a lot of anger and pain in the air.

Another song which made a social comment was "Get Together" with it's lyric "come on people now smile on your brother. Everybody get together. Try to love one another right now". What a great lyric.

Even "Don't Be Afraid" made it's comment to society that's it's there's nothing wrong with "love".

[cam83]

Prob...my fave...is from LOOK TO YOUR DREAMS...

Look to your dreams
There's a need for them now
When the world has us down
Aren't you glad they're around
Once conceived once believed
Fantasy's realities childhood
And like a dream
Visions need constant care

Just beautifully song by Karen...and piano fade out by RC is brilliant, haunting and sad...to know she would be silenced...in this world...

Cam

[MadeInEngland]

"Where Do I Go From Here" is a personal favourite for me. 'our love was more than time' - the lyrics just couldnt get any more powerful......I wish my mind could let you go, where do I go from here - for anyone whos ever come out of a long term relationship, the song will have a deep and significant meaning.

"If I Had You" is perhaps another sad victim song but I like it all the same and I am immediately drawn to this track when entering the vaults of my carpenter collection. For anyone whos a romantic at heart, this is a great lovestory in song. "I wouldnt have a TV in the bedroom......I wouldnt need the sun to light my morning". It also speaks of taking some of the blame for a relationship breakdown - ....say you believe in second chances.....

"Somethings Missing". Another favourite. "5.52am I'm awake and thinking about my life.........and try to work out why when everything seems right, why do I feel so wrong" - I listen to this track mainly when I am feeling melancholy LOL so again its a favourite.

"Love Me For What I Am" - There probably isnt another track that can be manipulated to fit everyone situation like this one........"We fell in love on the first night that we met..........love me for what I am for simply being me". Especially poignant after a relationship has gone through the early stages of puppy love to mature togetherness and the often Monotonous day to day hectic lifestyles that follow making a relationship a day to day challenge.

ah, but the meaningful lyrics are not always the sad songs, I have some favourite upbeat songs too:

"When You've Got What It Takes"
.......let it shine like a fine tomorrow......what a difference it makes when you've got what it takes" - This songs cheers me up and brings on a confidence that is needed to get through life in general...."the best part of feeling is being alive"

"Don't be Afraid"
.....don't be afraid to give all you've got to give......and living is what we all were put on this earth to do.....fantastic feel good tune.

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

I could go on and on and on which is probably why I love the music so much - lyrics are everything in a song and here we are lucky to have a heavenly voice and fantastic arrangements.


""sing without a song from this moment on you make your own kind of music.....I can dream can't I?""

[Rick Henry]

Another outstanding lyric that has a lot of meaning for me is "Happy". It's a good upbeat message. I also like the clever metaphor of using a card game to compare with love.

You can deal me in this time around
Even though the odds are high
We'll play them down
You may be a chance I need to take
And the hand I'm holdin' says it's no mistake

Great song. I love it!

[BethMosior]

Really for me every song they have ever done has meaning to me, every note or song sung are soooooo special and meaningful to me and always in different ways, the Carpenters are my heart, they help keep me alive, they reach right down to the core of me and comfort me, they are my life line to keep me alive in all this mess thats why to me there is no one in music like Karen & Richard GOD sure has blessed them which in turn has bless my heart and keeps me going. they have saved my life soooooo many times when it seemed that there was no more use of life then I would hear that heavenly voice of Karen and Richards moving arrangement and it comforts me every time really they are a GOD sent to keep me going , staying alive I truly thank GOD for sending them my way or I would not have been able to bear everything that is going on now they are my comfort and you know they brought me to this wonderful fan site and I truly love ya'll and thanx too for putting up with me to, I know that sometime I must irritate some or accidentally hurt them,I trully am sorry, it takes me sooooooo looooong to understand what is being said that it hurts them the Carpenters are a great comfort, not only in song but in there actions to others. hope this fits in the subject thanx to eveyone for letting me ramble on, they are just such a blessing to me that I just can't stop saying it

[YesterdayOnceMore]

Beth:

I think each of us truly understand how significant Carpenters are to you, and we love hearing about it....your posts are so genuine, and so colorful...I don't think anyone is ever offended by your posts.... And certainly no one minds clarifying anything....we all have to get clarification every now and then. I know I do for sure.

I know what you mean, too. I remember in college, if I hadn't had Karen and Richards wonderful music to listen to, I think I would have gone mad. I felt many times like the square peg trying to "fit into" the round hole, and most times I didn't manage it very well. But I did realize at some point that I was always going to be on the outside of the "in crowd" looking in, and, that I was okay with that. But boy, it sure was good that I had my "friends" - Karen and Richard. Listening to them over and over and over - it really was the only thing I knew was stable and always wonderful, time after time. So....I do know just how you feel about them. I feel the same way. So happy they were together and created such unbelievably beautiful music for as long as they did....though we do not still have Karen here on earth, we will always have the legacy of song that she left us with....that can't take that away from us. Thank God!

Tim

[Ming]

I agree with you Tim. Carpenters' music are always with us.

Ming