Dream of a Child
Dreams Unveiled: Burton Cummings' Journey from Marlowe to Presley
Lyrics
When I was a boy I dreamed of Phillip Marlowe
Reflecting on childhood dreams of being like the fictional detective Phillip Marlowe.
He took me as his partner took me as his friend
Describing a connection with Marlowe, being taken in as a partner and friend.
Gave me his fedora gave me shotgun fever
Symbolic gift of Marlowe's fedora and expressing intense interest in detective work (shotgun fever).
Took me as his partner to the end
Continuing the theme of partnership with Marlowe until the end.
When I was a boy I dreamed I was a jeweler
Shifting to another childhood dream of being a jeweler with a family business.
With a family business that was free and clear
Imagining a successful jewelry business, with a focus on a clear and debt-free enterprise.
Selling golden earrings to Mrs Mickey Mantle
Selling jewelry to notable figures like Mrs. Mickey Mantle and a suggestive line about the transaction.
Trying to be gentle while I stuck it in her ear
Balancing the act of being gentle in business dealings while using humor in a potentially awkward scenario.
The dream of a child, the song of a man
Emphasizing the transition from childhood dreams to adult responsibilities, expressed through a song.
The key and the time are at his command
Highlighting the power and control the person has over their dreams and life.
The dream of a child the song of a man
Repeating the idea of childhood dreams evolving into the reality of adulthood.
The key and the time are at his command
Reiterating the concept of personal agency in shaping one's life and experiences.
When I was a boy I dreamed I saved my sister
Recalling a dream of protecting a sister from a mysterious organization, the Rosicrucians.
From the Rosicrucians for the love of God
Expressing the motive of protecting a loved one out of genuine concern and love for God.
I threw myself among them slaughtering their numbers
Describing a dramatic confrontation with the Rosicrucians, using violent imagery.
Striking at their laughter crying so hard
Conveying emotional turmoil and distress in the face of a threat to a loved one.
The dream of a child the song of a man
Repeating the motif of dreams in childhood and their transformation into the experiences of adulthood.
The key and the time are at this command
Emphasizing the individual's control over their life and the unfolding of their destiny.
The dream of a child the song of a man
Reiterating the idea that dreams from childhood influence the course of one's life.
The key and the time are at his command
Stressing the significance of personal agency in shaping one's own destiny.
When I was a boy I dreamed that Elvis Presley
Introducing a dream involving the iconic Elvis Presley and Brenda Lee.
Was standing on the corner kissing Brenda Lee
Depicting a scene where Elvis Presley is romantically involved with Brenda Lee.
Mama always told me love was made in Heaven
Referencing a maternal influence on the concept of love being divinely ordained.
Tell me how my best friend could steal my love from me
Puzzlement over a friend betraying the speaker by stealing their love, despite the heavenly nature of love.
I love Brenda Lee - Brenda Lee loves me
Expressing a reciprocal love between the speaker and Brenda Lee, creating emotional tension in the narrative.
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