Peter Pan
Farewell to Neverland: Embracing Grown-Up Realities in Patty Griffin's 'Peter Pan'
Lyrics
Hey, Peter Pan
Addressing Peter Pan, a symbolic figure associated with eternal youth and escapism.
I'm going home now
Expressing the decision to return home, suggesting a completion of a journey or experience.
I've done all I can
Conveying the completion of efforts and actions, possibly indicating personal growth.
Besides I'm grown now
Stating adulthood and the idea of being mature, no longer needing the fantasy represented by Peter Pan.
I'll think of you all painted with the night
Imagining Peter Pan surrounded by the night, a metaphor for the enchanting and magical world.
You sit and watch from somewhere
Depicting Peter Pan as an observer, detached from reality and watching events unfold.
As one by one the lights go out
Describing the gradual extinguishing of lights, possibly symbolizing the end of something.
I wrote a note to tell you how you matter
Referring to a written message expressing Peter Pan's importance, emphasizing the impact on the speaker.
When the rain came down
Describing a moment of adversity (rain), causing the scattering of letters and potential disruption.
All the letters scattered
Implies the vulnerability of communication and connections when faced with challenges.
And washed away
Describing the fate of the note, washed away by the rain, reinforcing a sense of loss and impermanence.
Drifted off to Never
Referencing "Never," a nod to Neverland, suggesting a departure or separation from Peter Pan's realm.
Where you'll be safe from me now forever
Expressing a desire for Peter Pan's safety by being distant, indicating a farewell or goodbye.
I believe you now when
Affirming belief in Peter Pan's warning that a particular action will cause pain.
You say that this will hurt
Acknowledging the anticipated consequences of an action, accepting the potential hurt.
So I don't have to go and
Expressing relief at not having to engage in a certain activity, avoiding unpleasant experiences.
Play with you in the dirt now
Rejecting the idea of playing in the dirt, possibly representing undesirable or childish behavior.
Hey Peter Pan
Repeating the address to Peter Pan, reinforcing the departure or conclusion of the relationship.
I'm going home now
Reiterating the decision to return home, emphasizing the finality of the departure.
I'm all grown up
Declaring adulthood and independence, asserting self-sufficiency apart from Peter Pan.
Your on your own now
Stating that Peter Pan is now on their own, emphasizing the separation and autonomy.
I'll think of you all painted with the night
Reimagining Peter Pan in a captivating, nocturnal setting, reminiscent of earlier lines.
You sit and watch from somewhere
Describing Peter Pan as an observer once again, witnessing the gradual fading of lights.
As one by one the lights go out
Concluding with the imagery of lights going out, signifying a conclusion or ending.
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