Painting by Numbers
Navigating Life's Canvas: Painting by Numbers with James McMurtry
Lyrics
The gates of the schoolyard
The entrance to the schoolyard is secured with a padlock and chain.
are padlocked and chained
The purpose is to prevent the children from leaving the schoolyard.
to keep all the children in out of the rain
The art teacher is emphasizing the value of using pastel colors.
the art teacher's preaching
The listener is not paying attention to the art teacher's advice.
the virtues of pastel shades
Ignoring the advice won't negatively impact academic grades.
you pay no attention but it won't hurt your grades
The individual is metaphorically following a set path or instructions.
'cause you're painting by numbers
The person is following a structured routine or system.
connecting the dots
Following a predefined sequence without much creative freedom.
they don't have to tell you
The individual doesn't have control over the situation.
you don't call the shots
The person isn't in a position of authority or decision-making.
you jump when they say jump
The person complies instantly with commands.
and you don't ask how high
There's no questioning of authority or rules.
'cause painting by numbers they know you'll get by
Following a structured routine ensures survival.
painting by numbers they know you'll get by
Reiteration of surviving through conformity.
you take a position
Getting a job in an established company or organization.
in the old man's firm
Assuming a role in the elder person's business.
he signs all the papers
The elder person finalizes all agreements.
you agree to the terms
Accepting the conditions or terms set by the elder.
they ley you run errands
Assigned menial tasks without time off.
and you don't get days off
No leisure time is given.
you take off the garbage and hope it pays off
Doing undesirable work with hopes of future benefits.
'cause you're painting by numbers
Continuing to follow a structured routine without much deviation.
connecting the dots
Continued adherence to a predefined process.
you work from neck down
Working mechanically or without much creativity.
you might be in grad school
Studying at a prestigious institution.
up ut M.I.T.
Indicating a high-level educational pursuit.
you might be down in the canal zone
Being in a less prestigious or challenging environment.
being all that you can be
Striving to achieve one's maximum potential or role.
you might get to thinking you're ahead of the game
Despite different endeavors, the ultimate outcome remains the same.
but when you break it all down
Irrespective of various paths, the results are identical.
it all comes out the same
Highlighting the uniformity of outcomes despite varied efforts.
'cause you're painting by numbers
Continued emphasis on adherence to a systematic approach.
connecting the dots
Reiteration of following a pre-determined process.
you work from neck down
Continuing to work without much personal investment or creativity.
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