Old Coyote
The Weepies Lyrics
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With his gray-brown hair and his three-mile stare
I walk backwards through the air
Devil may care, the devil may care now
Ring around rosy game
Always ends the same way
We all fall down
Get up now, baby, get up now, baby
It's your song, it's your song playing
Vision of Mary in converse shoes
She's putting down roots and stars she shoots out
I am crying on her couch
Talking in tongues when the words won't come out
Ring around rosy game
Always ends the same way
We all fall down
Get up now, baby, get up now, baby
It's your song, it's your song playing
Old Coyote's faking sleep
Not counting sheep on the watch he keeps
We bring springtime into bloom inside these rooms
And outside under the moon
Ring around rosy game
Always ends the same way
We all fall down
Get up now, baby, get up now, baby
It's your song, it's your song playing
The Weepies’s song Old Coyote tells a story about a person walking through life, feeling lost and unsure of their direction. The title character of the song, Old Coyote, represents a sort of mentor or guide, as he waits with his "gray-brown hair and his three-mile stare," watching and teaching the singer. However, the singer still walks through life with a sense of reckless abandon, as symbolized by the line "I walk backwards through the air, devil may care." The chorus of the song reinforces the idea that life is like a game of “Ring Around the Rosie,” ending inevitably with falling down, but also with the opportunity to get back up and keep going. The singer recognizes that it is their song that’s playing, implying that they are in control of their own destiny and must take responsibility for their own choices.
The second verse introduces a character named Mary, who appears to be someone the singer goes to for comfort and guidance. The line "talking in tongues when the words won't come out" could be interpreted as a metaphor for the singer’s struggle to communicate or find the words to express their feelings. Once again, the chorus reinforces the idea that, no matter how many times we fall down, we have to get back up and keep moving forward in order to truly live our lives.
Overall, the song Old Coyote is a reflection on the ups and downs of life and how we all need guidance and support on our journeys. The Old Coyote character represents the wisdom and experience of those who've been there before and are able to offer some perspective to those who may be lost.
Line by Line Meaning
Old Coyote waits out there
The unpredictable and mysterious nature of life, personified by Old Coyote, is constantly observed by us.
With his gray-brown hair and his three-mile stare
Old Coyote's physical attributes emphasize his age and experience in the world.
I walk backwards through the air
We often feel disoriented when we try to look back at our past experiences.
Devil may care, the devil may care now
We must be fearless in our approach to life, as what we accomplish often withstands the test of time.
Ring around rosy game
The cyclical nature of life, perceived as a game that repeats itself endlessly.
Always ends the same way
Despite our best efforts and intentions, we are unable to change the fundamental nature of life.
We all fall down
As part of the cycle of life, everyone experiences failure and setbacks.
Get up now, baby, get up now, baby
Despite the inevitability of hardships, we must remain resilient and persevere.
It's your song, it's your song playing
We have the power to create our own destiny and shape our own lives, like a song that we compose and orchestrate ourselves.
Vision of Mary in converse shoes
A peaceful and nurturing presence, embodied as the Virgin Mary, who is able to bring comfort and guidance to us.
She's putting down roots and stars she shoots out
Mary's presence is both grounded and transcendent, providing us with a sense of stability and direction.
I am crying on her couch
In times of need and emotional distress, we often seek refuge and solace in the company of others.
Talking in tongues when the words won't come out
When experiencing strong emotions or intense moments, we may struggle to articulate our feelings and thoughts clearly.
Old Coyote's faking sleep
Even when it appears that the unpredictable nature of life is dormant, it is still ever-present and observant.
Not counting sheep on the watch he keeps
We cannot escape or ignore the cyclical nature of life, as it is constantly monitored and kept in balance.
We bring springtime into bloom inside these rooms
In our own personal spaces, we have the power to create and nurture new beginnings and growth.
And outside under the moon
There is a vast, mysterious and beautiful world beyond our immediate surroundings.
Lyrics © STEVE TANNEN MUSIC, DEB TALAN MUSIC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind