In A Parade
Navigating the Parade of Broken Souls: Paul Simon's Poetic Reflection
Lyrics
Some nights the er is quiet as an ekg
Some nights the emergency room is quiet like an electrocardiogram (EKG).
But tonight it feels like every broken bone
Tonight it feels like every broken bone is present and noticeable.
Tonight it feels like every wounded soul
Tonight it feels like every wounded soul is apparent and visible.
Is filling out a form or on the phone
People are busy either filling out forms or talking on the phone, perhaps related to injuries or medical issues.
I can't talk now, I'm in a parade
The speaker is expressing an inability to talk at the moment because they are engaged in a parade, metaphorically suggesting a busy or preoccupied state.
I can't talk now, I'm in a parade
-Can't talk to you now, I'm in a parade
-I can't talk now, I'm in a parade
-Diagnosis schizophrenic
Describing a diagnosis of schizophrenia, a guarded prognosis, taking the medication Seroquel, and identifying occupation as a "street angel," possibly indicating a person facing mental health challenges who engages in helping others on the street.
Prognosis guarded
-Medication Seroquel
-Occupation street angel
-I drank some orange soda then I drank some grape
Describing a sequence of actions involving drinking orange soda and then grape soda.
I wear a hoodie now to cover my mistake
The speaker now wears a hoodie, possibly to hide or protect themselves from judgment or scrutiny.
My head's a lollipop
Using metaphorical language, the speaker describes their head as a lollipop, suggesting uniqueness or attractiveness that draws attention.
My head is a lollipop
-My head's a lollipop and everyone wants to lick it
-I wear a hoodie now so I won't get a ticket
Continuation of wearing a hoodie to avoid consequences, like getting a ticket.
I write my verse for the universe
The speaker identifies themselves as someone who writes verses for the universe, expressing a sense of purpose and identity.
That's who I am
-I can't talk now, I'm in a parade
Reiteration of the inability to talk due to being in a parade, reinforcing the metaphorical busyness or preoccupied state.
I can't talk now, I'm in a parade
-I can't talk now, I'm in a parade
-Can't talk to you now, I'm in a parade
-Diagnosis schizophrenic
Repetition of the earlier description of the diagnosis, prognosis, medication, and occupation, emphasizing the significance of these aspects in the speaker's life.
Prognosis guarded
-Medication Seroquel
-Occupation street angel, occupation street angel
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