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Pencil Full of Lead
Paolo Nutini Lyrics


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Oh, one, one, two, three, four

Oh, I've got a sheet for my bed and a pillow for my head
I've got a pencil full of lead and some water for my throat
I've got buttons for my coat and sails on my boat
So much more than I needed before

I got money in the meter and a two bar heater
Oh, now it's getting hotter, oh, it's only getting sweeter
I got legs on my chairs and a head full of hair
Pot and a pan and some shoes on my feet

I got a shelf full of books and most of my teeth
A few pairs of socks and a door with a lock
I got food in my belly and a license for my telly
And nothing's gonna bring me down

Oh, no, oh
Oh nothin', oh nothin', nothin's gonna bring me down

I got a nice guitar and tires on my car
I got most of the means and scripts for the scenes
I'm out and about so I'm in with a shout
I got a fair bit of chat but better than that

Food in my belly and a license for my telly
And nothing's going to bring me down (how 'bout a brew and that hug, man?)

Nothin', oh, nothin'
Nothing's going to bring me down, oh

But best of all (best of all) I've got my baby
Oh, best of all (best of all) I've got my baby
She's mighty fine and says she's all mine
And nothing's going to bring me down, oh, no

Oh, best of all (best of all) I've got my baby
Oh, best of all (best of all) I've got my baby
She's mighty fine and says she's all mine
And nothing's going to bring me down, oh

She's mighty fine and says she's all mine
And nothing's going to bring me down
She's mighty fine and says she's all mine
And nothing's going to bring me down, not today, no, no

Overall Meaning

In "Pencil Full of Lead" by Paolo Nutini, the singer sings about all the things he has that make him happy and grateful. The upbeat and lively melody of the song adds to the joy that can be felt in the lyrics. The first verse, "Oh, I've got a sheet for my bed and a pillow for my head. I've got a pencil full of lead and some water for my throat. I've got buttons for my coat and sails on my boat. So much more than I needed before," sets the tone for the rest of the song, as Nutini conveys that he is content with what he has.


In a world where people are constantly wanting more and striving for perfection, it's refreshing to hear someone be appreciative of what they have. He talks about important things such as having food in his belly and a roof over his head, but also includes small luxuries like a nice guitar and socks. He acknowledges the bigger picture, but also appreciates the little things in his life.


The song brings a positive energy and emphasizes the importance of gratitude. It reminds us to look at our lives and find the things we're grateful for, regardless of how small they may be. The song encourages us to focus on the blessings we have and to be content with what we have, which is an important lesson for everyone.


Line by Line Meaning

Oh, I've got a sheet for my bed and a pillow for my head
I have basic necessities in life, such as a bed and pillow to sleep on


I've got a pencil full of lead and some water for my throat
I have the tools I need to create art and stay hydrated


I've got buttons for my coat and sails on my boat
I have clothes to keep me warm and transportation to explore the world


So much more than I needed before
I have realized that I have more than what I used to think I needed to be happy


I got money in the meter and a two bar heater
I have warmth and electricity to power my home


Oh, now it's getting hotter, oh, it's only getting sweeter
I am appreciating life more and more as time goes by


I got legs on my chairs and a head full of hair
I have furniture and hair, which are luxuries in some places


Pot and a pan and some shoes on my feet
I have the means to cook a meal for myself and shoes to protect my feet


I got a shelf full of books and most of my teeth
I have access to knowledge through books and good dental health


A few pairs of socks and a door with a lock
I have some clothing and a secure place to live


I got food in my belly and a license for my telly
I have food to eat and entertainment in the form of television


And nothing's gonna bring me down
I am content with what I have and nothing can take that away


Oh, nothin', oh nothin', nothin's gonna bring me down
My happiness cannot be shaken


I got a nice guitar and tires on my car
I have hobbies and transportation for convenience


I'm out and about so I'm in with a shout
I am active and have a chance to succeed


I got a fair bit of chat but better than that
I am a good talker, but more importantly, I have what I need to be happy


Food in my belly and a license for my telly
I have the essentials in life


And nothing's going to bring me down (how 'bout a brew and that hug, man?)
Even though I am happy, I still appreciate the company of loved ones


Nothin', oh, nothin' / Nothing's going to bring me down, oh
I am invincible to setbacks


But best of all (best of all) I've got my baby
The most important thing in my life is my significant other


She's mighty fine and says she's all mine
My significant other is beautiful and committed to me


And nothing's going to bring me down, oh, no
My love for my significant other is the foundation of my happiness


She's mighty fine and says she's all mine / And nothing's going to bring me down, oh, no
My love for my significant other is unbreakable


She's mighty fine and says she's all mine / And nothing's going to bring me down, not today, no, no
I am confident that my happiness with my significant other will continue




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Paolo Giovanni Nutini

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@user-yi4ib4xq6z

Oh, one, two, one, two, three, four
Oh, I've got a sheet for my bed and a pillow for my head
I've got a pencil full of lead and some water for my throat
I've got buttons for my coat and sails on my boat
So much more than I needed before
I got money in the meter and a two bar heater
Oh, now it's getting hotter, oh, it's only getting sweeter
I got legs on my chair and a head full of hair
Pot and a pan and some shoes on my feet
I got a shelf full of books and most of my teeth
A few pairs of socks and a door with a lock
I got food in my belly and a license for my telly
And nothing's gonna bring me down
Oh, no, oh
Oh no, oh no, nothin's gonna bring me down
I got a nice guitar and tires on my car
I got most of the means and scripts for the scenes
I'm out and about so I'm in with a shout
I got a fair bit of chat but better than that
Food in my belly and a license for my telly
And nothing's going to bring me down
Oh, nothin', oh, nothin'
Nothing's going to bring me down, oh
But best of all I've got my baby
Oh, best of all I've got my baby
She's mighty fine and says she's all mine
And nothing's going to bring me down, oh, ooh
Oh, best of all I've got my baby
Oh, best of all I've got my baby
She's mighty fine and says she's all mine
And nothing's going to bring me down
She's mighty fine and says she's all mine
And nothing's going to bring me down
She's mighty fine and says she's all mine
And nothing's going to bring me down, not today, no, no



All comments from YouTube:

@deepeebee62

The best most underrated singer to come along in a long time. He's hip, reminiscent of Louis Prima, but totally original. Thank you for posting this.

@awilson24

More than reminiscent of Frankie Miller!

@TeeGee-md5er

Agreed

@FionnMarr

That's what's great about Paolo. Happy or sad you always feel something listening to his songs. Man is a freaken genius.

@Lizzjones

This is real music! I've seen him live and I must say, Nutini and his band won't let you down! Awesome voice, lyrics, tune, and band.

@juddthackray2706

eetswa lad

@trustwithin7188

Cant wait to hear him live

@nellynuffwig

This song always puts me in a good mood, I love it!

@emz5003

this is my fave song on the album so glad its being released!

@ravensfan522720

such a feel good song... definitely gonna get me through my A-Levels

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