Do You Walk, Do You Talk
Life's Questions Unveiled: A Musical Reflection by Gordon Lightfoot
Lyrics
Do you walk, do you talk, do you do funny things?
Asking if the person engages in various activities and behaviors.
Do you run, do you hide, are you gonna survive?
Inquiring about survival instincts and actions taken in challenging situations.
Do you bike, do you hike, do you like camping out?
Questioning preferences related to outdoor activities like biking and camping.
Do you slip, do you slide, do you keep yourself alive?
Asking if the person copes with challenges and continues to live.
There is no situation
Expressing a belief that any situation can be resolved or managed.
Which cannot be overcome
Reiterating the idea that challenges can be overcome.
There is no fear of loneliness
Not fearing loneliness enough to make the speaker run away.
Can get me on the run
Stating a lack of fear of being alone.
Do you walk, do you talk, do you live on the block?
Asking if the person is a part of a community or neighborhood.
Do you sing, do you play, do you take it away?
Inquiring about musical inclinations or abilities.
Do you act like a sheep, do you talk in your sleep?
Asking if the person follows others blindly or reveals unconscious thoughts while asleep.
Do you dance on the dock, do you sit upon a rock?
Asking about leisure activities, such as dancing or sitting outdoors.
There is no situation
Reinforcing the belief that all situations can be dealt with.
Which cannot be addressed
Reiterating that every situation has a solution.
There is no kind of common sense
Asserting that common sense can be communicated effectively.
Which cannot be expressed
Stating the ability to express common sense.
Are you weak, are you strong, did you ever belong?
Questioning the person's sense of belonging or fitting in.
Are you mean, are you lean, have you ever been wrong?
Asking about past mistakes or experiences of being wrong.
Are you rough, are you tough or have you had enough?
Asking about resilience or reaching a limit of endurance.
Do you stop for a look, do you ever read a book?
Asking if the person enjoys observing or reading.
There is no situation
Reiterating the belief in overcoming all situations.
Which cannot be overcome
Reiterating the ability to address any situation.
There is no fear of loneliness
Not fearing loneliness enough to make the speaker flee.
Can get me on the run
Stating a lack of fear of being alone.
Do you walk, do you talk, do you ever get mad?
Asking about managing emotions and anger.
Are you first, are you last, do you live in the past?
Questioning the person's orientation toward the past or present.
Are you tall, are you small, do you stick to the wall?
Asking about adaptability or willingness to blend in.
Are you cold, are you hot, give it everything you've got?
Asking if the person gives their best effort, regardless of conditions.
There is no situation
Reinforcing the belief that all situations can be managed.
Which cannot be addressed
Reiterating that every situation has a solution.
There is no kind of common sense
Asserting the communicability of common sense.
Which cannot be expressed
Stating the ability to express common sense.
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