Umbrellahead
A Pile of Bones and Clouds of Flies: Embracing Youth Amidst Growing Old
Lyrics
They say if you leave a horse alone it dies
Metaphorical statement suggesting neglect leads to decay and death.
Nestles into the hay and shuts its eyes
Describes a horse finding comfort in isolation and sleep.
Well I've dreamt of being that horse a hundred times
Expresses a recurring dream of experiencing vulnerability and mortality.
And I end up a pile of bones and a cloud of flies
Implies the inevitable end result of vulnerability, death, and decay.
And when you're nine years old you don't care
Highlights the carefree nature of childhood.
If you're on your own or one of a pair
Reflects the indifference to solitude or companionship at a young age.
And when you get salt in your eyes, sand in your hair
Uses sensory experiences to depict discomfort and challenges.
Call for mum or daddy they'll be there
Conveys reliance on parental figures for support and comfort.
Please don't turn me into a man
Desire to retain the innocence and simplicity of childhood.
Cos I don't want to see my skin fold
Resistance to the physical changes associated with aging.
Oh please won't you keep me as I am
Plea to preserve one's current state rather than undergoing maturity.
Oh people look so lonely when they're old, when they're old
Observation of the perceived loneliness of old age.
When you come of age it's not the same
Contrasts the challenges of adulthood with the protection of childhood.
No umbrella over your head when it rains
Symbolizes the lack of protection or support in the adult world.
And your friends would rather get high than play a game
Noting the shift in priorities from playfulness to substance abuse.
Oh it's such a shame the way they change
Expresses disappointment in the negative transformations of friends.
And Emily's hung over, Bill feels rough
Depicts the consequences of a night of excess for Emily and Bill.
Thinks his girlfriend might be up the duff again
Suspects a potential pregnancy, adding to the challenges of adulthood.
She threw up twice last night on the bus
Highlights the unpleasant aftermath of a night out.
And I never thought growing old could be so tough
Expresses surprise and difficulty in facing the struggles of growing old.
Oh please don't turn me into a man
Reiteration of the desire to avoid the physical changes associated with aging.
Cos I don't want to see my skin fold
Reiterates the resistance to the aging process and its visible effects.
Oh please won't you keep me as I am
Repetition of the plea to maintain one's current state rather than aging.
Oh people look so lonely when they're old, when they're old
Reaffirms the perception of loneliness in old age.
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