Carnival Song
Carnival of Reflections: Embracing Life's Illusions through Song
Lyrics
The singer cries for people's lies
The singer expresses sorrow for the falsehoods and deceit of people.
He will sing for the day to bring him night
The singer anticipates singing until daytime transitions into night.
The circus burns in carnival flame
A metaphorical depiction of a circus on fire in the vibrant and chaotic atmosphere of a carnival.
And for a while you won't know my name at all
The singer suggests a temporary anonymity or loss of identity during a certain period.
But sing and dance and love for pennies and gold
An encouragement to engage in joyful activities like singing, dancing, and loving, despite meager rewards such as pennies and gold.
The juggling clown smiles to me
The singer notices a smiling juggling clown and acknowledges shared happiness even in the face of challenges.
And every frown we agree is glad
Every expression of sadness (frown) is mutually understood and appreciated.
The nighttime comes to bring the bums
Nighttime arrives, bringing individuals from the lower socio-economic status, such as bums from Bowery heat to wine-filled streets.
From Bowery heat to crimson streets of wine
A description of diverse urban environments, with a reference to the Bowery area and lively streets filled with wine.
But magic lands will never touch our sands
The singer suggests that magical or idealized places will never influence or impact their own reality.
Your children smile in single file
A portrayal of children smiling in an orderly manner.
They learn mistakes that others make
The children learn from the mistakes of others.
They see although they cannot know
Although they lack understanding, the children observe and absorb knowledge.
The needs they'll need to have their greed grow wild
The children are exposed to the necessities that will fuel their growing greed.
But dance and sing, for others bring the shame
An encouragement to continue dancing and singing despite the shame brought by others.
And for a while you won't know my name
A repetition of the earlier idea that there will be a temporary period where the singer's name remains unknown.
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