Lyrics
Old Man Jones lived on the dark side of the town
Old Man Jones resides in the less favorable part of town.
Never had much to say but man he had that six string down
Despite being reserved, he excels in playing the guitar.
The kids they'd always listen when the old man would sing and play
Kids pay attention when Old Man Jones sings and plays.
And me I was there just a face in the crowd
The narrator was just one among many in the audience.
When I finally got a chance to say
The narrator finally has an opportunity to speak.
Tell me what it takes to play with fire
The narrator asks about the requirements for playing with passion.
Tell me what it takes to make it real
The narrator seeks guidance on making music authentic.
He said son there ain't no secrets it's all just what you feel
Old Man Jones emphasizes that authenticity stems from genuine emotion.
So boy if you wanna be good better listen here
Advice to the narrator: Pay attention if you want to excel.
It ain't about the clothes you wear
Being a musician isn't about fashion choices.
Ain't about the style of your hair
It's not about your hairstyle either.
That ain't what it takes to be a music man
True musicianship goes beyond appearance.
It's all about the way you play
It's about the skill and passion in your playing.
Livin' for the music 'til your dyin' day
Commitment to music until the end is essential.
That's what it takes to be a music man
That commitment defines a true musician.
One chord screamin' through a wall of amplified thunder
Describes a powerful musical moment with intense guitar chords.
As the heavens roared and the lightning raged
Symbolic elements like roaring heavens and lightning intensify the experience.
I knew the spell I was under
The narrator realizes the enchantment they are under.
Then the old man took me by the hand
Old Man Jones recognizes the narrator's potential.
He said I can see it in your eyes
He sees the passion in the narrator's eyes.
That you got what it takes to be a music man
Confirmation that the narrator has what it takes to be a musician.
What it takes to light up the sky
Asking about the requirements to light up the musical scene.
Tell me what it takes to play with fire
Repetition of the earlier question about playing with fire.
Tell me what it takes to make it real
Reiteration of the need to make music genuine and heartfelt.
He said son there ain't no secrets it's all just what you feel
Restating that authenticity is about true emotions.
So boy if you wanna be good better listen here
Re-emphasizing the importance of listening and learning.
It ain't about the clothes you wear
Reiteration that fashion choices don't define musicianship.
Ain't about the style of your hair
Hairstyle and appearance don't make a true music man.
That ain't what it takes to be a music man
Reaffirming that appearance isn't the key to being a musician.
It's all about the way you play
Stressing that musical prowess and passion are paramount.
Livin' for the music 'til your dyin' day
Living for music until the end is the essence of being a music man.
Now that's what it takes to be a music man
Reiteration of what it truly takes to be a musician.
That's what it takes to be a music man
Emphasizing once again the requirements for being a music man.
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