Lyrics
And if I die today I'll be the happy phantom
If I were to die today, I would be a content and joyful spirit.
And I'll go chasin' the nuns out in the yard
I would engage in playful and unconventional activities, like chasing nuns in the yard.
And I'll run naked through the streets without my mask on
I would express my true self openly, running naked through the streets without hiding behind a mask.
And I will never need umbrellas in the rain
Death would free me from needing protection, such as umbrellas, symbolizing liberation.
I'll wake up in Strawberry Fields every day
After death, I imagine waking up in a blissful place, symbolized by "Strawberry Fields," a reference to a Beatles song.
And the atrocities of school I can forgive
I can forgive the hardships of school, emphasizing a forgiving and positive attitude.
The happy phantom has no right to bitch
The happy phantom does not have the right to complain, reflecting a carefree and accepting perspective.
Oo who
Expression of emotion or excitement.
The time is getting closer
The anticipation of an approaching event or change.
Oo who
Reiteration of the approaching change: the time to become a ghost is drawing near.
Time to be a ghost
Time to embrace a ghostly existence, possibly referring to the afterlife.
Oo who
Reiteration of the idea that each day brings the speaker closer to becoming a ghost.
Every day we're getting closer
Every day brings the speaker closer to death, and there is a sense of urgency as symbolized by the dimming sun.
The sun is getting dim
The sun is fading, possibly reflecting the passage of time and the inevitability of death.
Will we pay for who we been
A reflection on whether one will face consequences or be judged for past actions.
So if I die today I'll be the happy phantom
Reiteration of the earlier sentiment that if death occurs today, the speaker would be a happy spirit.
And I'll go wearin' my naughties like a jewel
In death, the speaker imagines wearing their "naughties" (mischievous deeds) as a precious ornament.
They'll be my ticket to the universal opera
These mischievous deeds become the speaker's ticket to a grand universal opera, symbolizing a meaningful afterlife.
There's Judy Garland taking Buddha by the hand
Imagery of iconic figures, Judy Garland and Buddha, coming together in an otherworldly scenario.
And then these seven little men get up to dance
Seven little men dancing may represent diverse influences or aspects of life.
They say Confucius does his crossword with a pen
An imaginative portrayal of Confucius doing crosswords with a pen, blending different cultural elements.
I'm still an angel to a girl who hates to sin
The speaker, despite being an angel, connects with a girl who dislikes sin, emphasizing understanding and acceptance.
Oo who...
Repetition of an expression of emotion or excitement.
Or will I see you dear and wish I could come back
Contemplation of whether others will remember and wish for the speaker's return after finding new love.
You found a girl that you could truly love again
The suggestion that someone has found true love after the speaker's departure.
Will you still call for me when she falls asleep
Wondering if the person will still think of the speaker while the new love is asleep.
Or do we soon forget the things we cannot see
Reflection on the human tendency to forget things that are not visible or tangible.
Oo who...
Repetition of an expression of emotion or excitement, underscoring the ongoing anticipation of the approaching change.
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