Barrett was released in November 1970 on Harvest in the United Kingdom, but failed to chart; it was re-released in 1974 as part of Syd Barrett, which was the first US issues of these LPs. No singles were issued from the album. It was remastered and reissued in 1993, along with Barrett's other albums − The Madcap Laughs (1970) and Opel (1988) − independently and as part of the Crazy Diamond box set. A newly remastered version was released in 2010.
Baby Lemonade
Syd Barrett Lyrics
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cold iron hands
clap the party of clowns outside
rain falls in gray far away
please, please, Baby Lemonade
In the evening sun going down
when the earth streams in, in the morning
send a cage through the post
make your name like a ghost
please, please, Baby Lemonade
I'm screaming, I met you this way
you're nice to me like ice
in the clock they sent through a washing machine
come around, make it soon, so alone
please, please, Baby Lemonade
In the sad town
cold iron hands
clap the party of clowns outside
rain falls in gray far away
please, please, Baby Lemonade
In the evening sun going down
when the earth streams in, in the morning
send a cage through the post
make your name like a ghost
please, please, Baby Lemonade
Syd Barrett's song "Baby Lemonade" is a surreal and slightly nonsensical song that appears to be about feeling isolated and disconnected. The lyrics describe a sad town with "cold iron hands" and "clowns" outside, juxtaposed with the image of rain falling "in gray far away." The singer pleads with "Baby Lemonade" to come and save them from this loneliness, but it's unclear who or what Baby Lemonade is.
The lyrics continue with more cryptic imagery, including a reference to a "cage through the post" and a clock being sent through a washing machine. There's a sense of urgency in the repetition of the phrase "please, please" throughout the song, as if the singer desperately needs someone to connect with.
Overall, the song's meaning is open to interpretation, but it's clear that Syd Barrett was exploring themes of alienation and loneliness in his own unique way.
Line by Line Meaning
In the sad town
He is in a place that is melancholy or depressing
cold iron hands
The town is industrial with machinery that is hard and unfeeling
clap the party of clowns outside
Despite the sadness around, there is a group of people who are enjoying themselves
rain falls in gray far away
The dreary weather mirrors his somber mood
please, please, Baby Lemonade
He is pleading for something to change or bring him happiness
In the evening sun going down
The day is ending, and there is not much hope left
when the earth streams in, in the morning
He longs for a fresh start when the new day comes
send a cage through the post
He wants to capture or hold onto something that might bring him joy
make your name like a ghost
He wants something to be present but not seen or felt
please, please, Baby Lemonade
He is still desperate for something to change
I'm screaming, I met you this way
He expresses frustration that his life has taken this turn
you're nice to me like ice
He appreciates the kindness but worries that it is temporary and cold
in the clock they sent through a washing machine
He feels that time is being altered or destroyed
come around, make it soon, so alone
He is isolated and needs something to happen quickly
please, please, Baby Lemonade
His desperation is growing
In the sad town
He is still stuck in this melancholy place
cold iron hands
The machinery and unfeeling environment remain the same
clap the party of clowns outside
He still sees the group having fun and wishes to join them
rain falls in gray far away
Despite the time passing, nothing much has changed
please, please, Baby Lemonade
He is still pleading for something to bring him joy
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: SYD BARRETT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind