After The Crack Up
Unraveling Life's Labyrinth: After The Crack Up by Augie March
Lyrics
After the fun, after the freedom,
Reflecting on the aftermath of enjoyment and freedom.
The discipline of married men?
Ruminating on the responsibilities and constraints of marriage.
What a fanned out feather paints it rosy,
Describing the picturesque beauty with a rosy hue.
What a rank file of flowers make the posey,
Noticing the orderly arrangement of flowers into a bouquet.
What a limp congregation.
Commenting on a group of people with weak commitment or enthusiasm.
I was sick before the germ got a handle on,
Feeling unwell before a problem fully manifests.
I might've been the very cattle it was riding on,
Suggesting a possible association with a negative force.
With the right information,
Having the right information with a moderate education and a middle-class background.
Moderate education, middle home.
Highlighting the essentials a person needs to know.
What a fella needs to know,
Questioning the necessity of certain knowledge.
Is all a fella doesn't need to know,
Emphasizing the value of ignorance in certain matters.
If you suffer you don't talk about it,
Encouraging silence about personal suffering.
Which was the lie that laid me low.
Identifying a falsehood that led to personal downfall.
Under the coat, under the blanket,
Exploring hidden aspects beneath the surface.
In the wicker chest, in the sparrow breast.
Mentioning concealed emotions or secrets.
What does it tell you when it tells you now you grow up?
Raising questions about the messages received while growing up.
What does it tell you when it tells you now you be a man?
Questioning the expectations and definitions of manhood.
Tidy your thinking up, finish your drinking up?
Advising to organize thoughts and complete tasks responsibly.
Be the Tom, be the Jack, beat the beaten track,
Encouraging individuality and deviation from the usual path.
Die the slow death your forefathers died, in fact
Referring to the slow decline resembling forefathers' experiences.
Be ever lonely and angry inside of that
Expecting a perpetual state of loneliness and anger.
Maze of rage and inchoate affection.
Describing a confusing and intense mix of rage and undefined affection.
What a fella needs to know,
Reiterating the idea that certain knowledge is unnecessary.
Is all a fella doesn't need to know,
Emphasizing the value of ignorance in specific matters.
If you suffer you don't talk about it.
Repeating the idea that personal suffering should remain unspoken.
To "men who know and men who knew…",
Referencing those knowledgeable and experienced in silence.
Who for the "Silent grip of hands will do"
Noting the significance of non-verbal communication.
And if you suffer you don't talk about it,
Reiterating the advice to keep personal suffering private.
Which was the lie that laid me low…
Recalling a lie that had a detrimental impact.
After the fall, after the crack up,
Reflecting on the aftermath of a decline or failure.
Nothing then? Nothing then.
Raising questions about the significance of nothingness in that aftermath.
Comment