The Milkman Of Human Kindness
Billy Bragg Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If you're poorly, I will send poetry
I love you
I am the milkman of human kindness
I will leave an extra pint
If you're sleeping, I will wait
If your bed is wet, I will dry your tears
I love you
I am the milkman of human kindness
I will leave an extra pint
Hold my hand for me I'm waking up
Hold my hand for me I'm waking up
Hold my hand for me I'm making up
Won't you hold my hand - I'm making up
If you are falling, I'll put out my hands
If you feel bitter, I will understand
I love you
I am the milkman of human kindness
I will leave an extra pint
The Milkman of Human Kindness is a song by British artist Billy Bragg that speaks to the idea of being a selfless lover, a friend and a supporter. In this song, the milkman is a metaphor for someone who is always there to deliver support, comfort and love when needed. The first two lines of the song are about offering comfort and support to someone who is feeling lonely or unwell. The singer assures the person that they are not alone, and that someone cares for them deeply.
The next few lines are about expressing love for the person and describing himself as the 'milkman of human kindness', who does not hesitate to go an extra step to show his love and care. He talks about leaving an extra pint, which symbolizes going beyond the norm to show kindness and care. The lines about waiting for someone who is sleeping and drying tears of someone whose bed is wet are about being there for someone regardless of their situation.
The next few lines about waking up and making up are interpreted as self-realization and transformation. Having someone hold his hand while he is making up or figuring things out is an expression of vulnerability and showing trust in the person he loves. The last few lines of the song talk about being there for someone when they are falling and understanding the bitterness they feel. The singer assures them that they will always be there to lend a helping hand.
Line by Line Meaning
If you're lonely, I will call
I'll be there for you when you're feeling alone and need someone to talk to.
If you're poorly, I will send poetry
I'll send you something that might make you feel better if you're sick or not feeling well.
I love you
I have strong feelings of love and affection towards you.
I am the milkman of human kindness
I see myself as someone who delivers kindness to others just like a milkman delivers milk.
I will leave an extra pint
I will give you a little extra kindness, just like how a milkman might leave you an extra pint of milk.
If you're sleeping, I will wait
I'll be patient and wait for you if you're sleeping and not immediately available.
If your bed is wet, I will dry your tears
I'll be there to comfort you if you're feeling sad or crying.
Hold my hand for me I'm waking up
I need someone to hold my hand and support me as I try to wake up and face the world.
Hold my hand for me I'm waking up
I need someone to hold my hand and support me as I try to wake up and face the world.
Hold my hand for me I'm making up
I need someone to hold my hand and support me as I try to make things right or apologize for my actions.
Won't you hold my hand - I'm making up
I'm asking for your help and support as I try to make things right and make amends for any wrongdoings.
If you are falling, I'll put out my hands
I'll be there to catch you and offer support if you're falling or going through a tough time.
If you feel bitter, I will understand
I'll try my best to empathize and understand if you're feeling angry or resentful towards something.
I love you
I have strong feelings of love and affection towards you.
I am the milkman of human kindness
I see myself as someone who delivers kindness to others just like a milkman delivers milk.
I will leave an extra pint
I will give you a little extra kindness, just like how a milkman might leave you an extra pint of milk.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Billy Bragg
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@twold4this
Fantastic.
I suspect there would be many youngsters who would ask "What is this 'milkman' of which you speak?"
You know the old joke(sic)
"My wife's just gone to Indonesia"
"Jakarta?"
"No, she went by 747!"
I told this to a youngster working in a coffee shop. She looked bemused.
I said
"Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia!"
She replied "I know that. What's a 747?"
I'm old.
@davidsweeney4021
We played this at my younger brother's funeral on Monday. always grateful to the lovely man for introducing me me to BB all those years ago! RIP lovely Mark
@mindydawnsilvergarden5460
Shit. 💔 Sorry for your loss. But that is BRILLIANT to play at a funeral 💕👍🏽
@davidsweeney4021
@MindyDawn Silvergarden Thank you MndyDawn
@alimackenzie2168
it makes me cry for no reason.
@alimackenzie2168
and I don't know why. Sorry for your loss
@georgehtwells
RIP Mark ❤
@nordiccafe6435
So glad I've found this upload. I was 12 and watching music videos on late night tv. Taping stuff like the Cure, Thompson Twins, Grauzone.
So this song comes on. The exact performance as here. I'd never heard of Billy before. Everything about this made me stop and pay attention. The guitar, the chord changes, his accent, the lyrics, even his look. I was mesmerised. Instantly loved it.
Being so young I hadn't realised there was more to music than just throwaway pop and haircuts. I now saw there could be real depth.
Because it was the early 80s you had to hold onto moments like this. There was no instantly jumping online to find out more about the artist, or hear other songs. I asked people at school if they knew anything about this Billy Bragg from England. No they were all into Simple Minds and Duran.
So it was just me and that one tape. Must've watched it over 200 times. Copying the chords. Trying to figure out the lyrics. Not easy for a Swedish kid- milkman of human kindness didn't make any sense to me. Didn't matter it still seemed real and heartfelt. I wore that tape out, like what happens with VHS. It eventually became unplayable. When I couldn't play it anymore, I lost something more than just a short catchy song.
So seeing this again, for the first time in like, 35 years, I'm suddenly 12 again.
That's a good feeling.
@michaelvomdorp555
Wow - very nice comment !
@dogpissmagazine4508
It was my daughter's 9thd birthday today and all she wanted was that we played this song when she woke up and when she went to bed.
@FionnCr
Im born in barking like Billy and only coming cross this now. I listen to modern day versions like Jamie T and Hak Baker. Might be worth a listen to ya. X