Sad Boy
Loneliness Shores: Stevie Wonder's Tale of Love and Loss
Lyrics
On the beach
Building a metaphorical setting, possibly a place of solace or imagination.
I build a castle
Constructing a castle, symbolizing a creation out of personal isolation and granular, temporary elements.
Out of loneliness and sand
Expressing the basis of the castle's construction: loneliness and material available (sand).
I'm the saddest boy I know
Self-identification as exceptionally sad, implying a deep level of personal melancholy.
Just had to build me a wonderland
The necessity to create a fantastical world (wonderland) as an escape from sadness.
'Cause when you
Transitioning to an event or interaction involving the protagonist.
Came by hand in hand
Describing the arrival of someone (potentially a former romantic interest) accompanied by another person.
With another guy
Indicating the emotional impact of witnessing the person with another partner.
I just could not stop those big tears
The inability to control overwhelming emotions, leading to tears.
Falling from my eyes
Physical manifestation of deep emotional pain and sadness.
The high tides coming in
Metaphorically portraying an incoming emotional upheaval, symbolized by the rising tide.
Oh no, no, no, no
Expressing denial or resistance to the impending emotional turmoil.
I can't stand to see my kingdom end
Refusal to witness the collapse or destruction of one's constructed emotional refuge (the castle/kingdom).
Her boys laughed at me and said
Derogatory remarks from others, mocking the protagonist's emotional vulnerability.
"Oh sad boy never build your castle by the sand"
Advice or warning against building emotional constructs in fragile or unstable situations.
The tide
Depiction of the forceful and inevitable nature of emotional change (symbolized by the rushing tide).
Came rushing in
The destruction of the emotional construct created by the protagonist.
Took my poor castle out to the sea
A contemplation of aligning oneself with the powerful force of change (the ocean).
If the ocean be that strong
A desire to be where the strongest force lies, perhaps embracing change or seeking strength.
Well then that's where I wanna be
Empty line, possibly indicating a shift in thought or tone.
When she reads
The potential discovery of the protagonist's unfortunate fate by someone significant.
In the paper
Public knowledge or exposure of the protagonist's tragic end.
That this same sad boy has drowned
Speculation on how someone might react to the news of the protagonist's demise.
Will she laugh with him
A potential response of the person to the protagonist's tragedy, possibly insensitivity or mockery.
And say, "That funny clown"
A cynical or callous response to the protagonist's demise, adding to the protagonist's feelings of isolation and sadness.
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