Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

How To Hang A Warhol
Little Joy Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Mama, someday you'll be so proud of me
You'll see me hanging in the New York gallery
Someday I'm gonna draw from the left side of my brain
People are gonna ask, "Is it brilliant or plain?"

But as long as I don't know how to hang a Warhol
I keep sketching birds, that are all like herds
Very simple and true, like, you know, when we doo doo
And if you like them, yeah
But if you don't, stop there
'Cause I really don't care

I said, Papa someday I'm gonna write a symphony
48-piece band all dressed up like me
I said, I'll write someday the satyrs of old songs
I'm gonna chill the marrow in their bones

But as long as I can't get into Carnegie Hall
I keep writing songs that are all my own
Very simple and dumb, like I always have done
If you like them, yeah
But if you don't, too bad
'Cause it's all I have

Ever since I met her, I keep thinking
"God, how great it is to play a guitar"
This way I feel that she's always with me
'Cause every other song's telling me that this time is about our love

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Little Joy's song How To Hang A Warhol highlight the aspirations of the singer to achieve success and recognition in their artistic endeavours. The song features the singer expressing their desires to make it big in the art world and music industry. The singer wants to draw from the left side of their brain, creating something that is a perfect balance between brilliance and simplicity. They also envision themselves as gifted musicians, writing symphonies that are worthy of playing at Carnegie Hall or songs that they hope people will enjoy, even if they are simple and dumb.


The singer acknowledges that they are not quite there yet, and they need to keep working on their craft until they can achieve their goals. They are, however, content to keep following their dreams until they reach success. They recognize that they may not appeal to everyone, but they are unapologetic and determined to keep creating.


Overall, the lyrics suggest a sense of hope and determination to achieve one's dreams, even if it takes time and hard work to get there.


Line by Line Meaning

Mama, someday you'll be so proud of me
Addressing their mother, the singer aims to achieve their dreams and make their mother proud one day.


You'll see me hanging in the New York gallery
The singer hopes to become an accomplished artist whose work is recognized by art lovers and critics alike in the prestigious New York gallery.


Someday I'm gonna draw from the left side of my brain
The singer aims to tap into their artistic and creative side to produce pioneering artwork.


People are gonna ask, "Is it brilliant or plain?"
The artist's artwork will be viewed and analyzed, with some wondering if it is a breakthrough or mundane.


But as long as I don't know how to hang a Warhol
Until they figure out how to promote themselves like Andy Warhol, the artist will continue creating simple and honest art.


I keep sketching birds, that are all like herds
The singer draws common subjects in a simple and straightforward style, similar to the rest of their artwork.


Very simple and true, like, you know, when we doo doo
The singer's art is direct and honest, similar to bodily functions.


And if you like them, yeah
If the listener appreciates the artist's work,


But if you don't, stop there
it's better to stop listening or looking since you'll never appreciate it.


'Cause I really don't care
The artist isn't bothered by listener criticism since their work is personal to them.


I said, Papa someday I'm gonna write a symphony
The singer addresses their father, saying they plan to create complex musical pieces someday.


48-piece band all dressed up like me
The artist envisions a large group of talented musicians expressing themselves similarly to the artist's music.


I'm gonna chill the marrow in their bones
The singer wants to create music that resonates with the listener on an emotional and intellectual level.


But as long as I can't get into Carnegie Hall
Until they get their big break, the singer will continue making simple, authentic music.


I keep writing songs that are all my own
The singer creates music purely from their original ideas and vision.


Very simple and dumb, like I always have done
The artist doesn't use complicated metaphors or technical composition, but creates heartfelt music in a simple way.


If you like them, yeah
If the listener connects with the artist's music,


But if you don't, too bad
it doesn't matter much to the singer since they are already pleased with what they created.


'Cause it's all I have
Without their art, the singer feels as though they have nothing else.


Ever since I met her, I keep thinking
After meeting someone special,


"God, how great it is to play a guitar"
the artist feels inspired and grateful to still be able to create music.


This way I feel that she's always with me
Playing guitar reminds the artist of that special someone's presence and support.


'Cause every other song's telling me that this time is about our love
The singer writes songs about their relationship, expressing their feelings through their music.




Contributed by Parker Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

More Versions