Lyrics
Hey, you smoke too much of what it was
Addressing someone who excessively indulges in a substance, reflecting on the past.
To be in a pocket all padded up
Reflecting on a time when things were secure and comfortable.
The time you loved and long from now
Referencing a distant time of love and anticipation for the future.
Oh, how a year can turn around
Expressing how much can change in a year.
Oh, how a year can turn around
Reiterating the significant transformations that can occur within a year.
Hey, you drink too much with your old friends
Noting excessive drinking in the company of old friends with a dark undertone.
Prisoner on their suicide binge
Describing old friends on a destructive path, possibly self-destructive.
To see them here as they were then
Reflecting on the contrast between the past and present states of those friends.
All went to bag years, none have been
Highlighting the negative impact of passing years on those individuals.
All went to bag years, none have been
Reiterating the consequences of time on the mentioned individuals.
I hung you up in my little place
Recalling a past memory of displaying someone proudly in a personal space.
When 21 was on your face
Referring to a specific age (21) associated with the person being discussed.
Carried you 'round for all to see
Expressing a sense of carrying the person around for others to see.
I sung you for all who would listen to me
Singing about the person, sharing their story with those who would listen.
Now they ask, "Hey, what's in the shell?"
Responding to inquiries about the person with mystery, implying it's indescribable.
I tell them, "No human tongue can tell"
Reiterating the ineffability of the person's essence.
I tell them, "No human tongue can tell"
Repeating the idea that words cannot capture the essence of the person.
Hey, you said too much of what went down
Indicating that someone shared too much information about a past event.
Ain't no word's gonna shut it up now
Asserting that words won't erase or silence what has been revealed.
You follow smiles and pretty things
Following attractions and superficial allurements towards a California dream.
On to the California dream
Chasing after dreams and ideals associated with California.
You held it down but now it's free
Presenting the idea that something is concealed or held secretly.
You're holdin' it now where none can see
Emphasizing the hidden nature of what is currently held.
You're holdin' it now where none can see
Reiterating the secrecy surrounding what is being held.
I hung you up in my little place
Recalling the act of proudly displaying someone in a personal space.
When 21 was on your face
Referring again to the age of 21 associated with the individual being discussed.
I carried you 'round for all to see
Continuing to carry and showcase the person for others to see.
I sang you for all who would listen to me
Continuing to share the person's story through song.
And now they ask, "Hey, what's in the shell?"
Responding cryptically to inquiries about the person, emphasizing its ineffability.
I tell them, "No human tongue can tell"
Reiterating the notion that words cannot adequately describe the person.
I tell them, "No human tongue can tell"
Repeating the idea that human language is insufficient to convey the person's essence.
Hey, you smoke too much of what it was
Returning to the theme of excessive indulgence, echoing the sentiment from the beginning.
Oh, how a year can turn around
Reflecting on the cyclical nature of time and its transformative power.
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