That's All
Wisdom Beyond School: Unveiling Life's Lessons in Willie Nelson's 'That's All'
Lyrics
Some people go to school tryin' to learn how to teach
Some people attend school to learn how to teach.
Some people go to school tryin' to learn how to preach
Some people attend school to learn how to preach.
But if you preach without goin' school
If you preach without education, you're not a true preacher but an educated fool.
Brother you're ain't no preacher you're an educated fool
Highlighting the importance of education for effective preaching.
And that's all and that's all
Emphasizes a message: "That's all" - perhaps implying simplicity or finality.
You'd better change your way of livin' cause the good Lord say that's all
Advises changing one's lifestyle based on the teachings of the Lord.
Now a feller I know it's a wiser man tryin' to save all the money that he can
An individual wisely saves money, but death renders the accumulation meaningless.
One day undertaker lets him down
Undertaker letting someone down refers to death disappointing financial plans.
Where's he gonna spend that money under the ground
Money becomes useless when the person is buried underground.
And that's all and that's all...
Reiterates the theme of life's impermanence and the futility of material pursuits.
Now a man come from monkey some people say
Addresses the idea that humans evolved from monkeys (a belief he questions).
But the Good Book brother just don't tell it that way
The speaker contrasts this belief with the perspective presented in the Good Book (Bible).
And if you believe that monkey tale like some folks do
If you believe in the evolutionary "monkey tale," it's criticized.
Then I'd rather be that monkey than you
The speaker would rather be a monkey than hold certain misguided beliefs.
And that's all and that's all...
Repeats the refrain, emphasizing the speaker's conviction or conclusion.
Well my little song is ended and my little song is through
The song is ending, possibly signaling the end of a message or reflection.
And I necessarilly mean this song for you
The speaker addresses the song's meaning and who it is intended for.
But if you don't like the way the little song goes
If the listener dislikes the song's message, it suggests a personal connection to the content.
Well it's a mighty good sign that I've been trottin' on your toes
Trotting on someone's toes implies unintentionally causing offense or discomfort.
And that's all and that's all...
Repeats the concluding refrain, reinforcing the finality of the message.
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