Mama Just Wants to Barrelhouse All Night Long
Barrelhouse Dreams: Unveiling Urban Desires in Bruce Cockburn's Anthem
Lyrics
I was up the road on easy street
Feeling content and comfortable in a favorable situation.
Watching everybody stand around and cheat
Observing others engaging in dishonest or deceitful behavior.
A man comes up and says
A man instructs to return to a less privileged position.
Move along back to the corner where you belong
Directed to go back to a less prominent place.
But mama just wants to barrel house all night long
Despite societal expectations, the mother desires to enjoy herself by partying all night.
Hear the city singing like a siren choir
Urban sounds resemble a captivating and alluring chorus.
Some fool tried to set this town on fire
An individual attempted to cause chaos or destruction in the town.
TV preacher screams come on along
A television preacher urges participation in a religious or social activity.
I feel like Fay Wray face to face with King Kong
Feeling vulnerable and overpowered, akin to the actress Fay Wray facing the giant creature King Kong.
But mama just wants to barrel house all night long
Reiteration of the mother's desire to revel and party throughout the night.
Mama just wants to barrel house all night long
Emphasizing the mother's persistent wish to engage in lively activities throughout the night.
Sometimes I wonder what I am
Expressing existential doubt or confusion about one's identity.
Feel like I'm living in a hologram
Feeling as if living in an artificial or illusory world.
It doesn't seem to matter what's right or wrong
Suggesting a lack of significance between right and wrong in the current situation.
Everybody's grabbing and coming on strong
Everyone is aggressively pursuing their interests or desires.
But mama just wants to barrel house all night long
Despite the chaos, the mother remains focused on enjoying herself throughout the night.
Yes, she does
Reaffirmation that the mother's primary desire is to party all night long.
Mama just wants to barrel house all night long
Confirmation of the mother's persistent wish to engage in lively activities throughout the night.
Comment