Parade
A. Johanson Lyrics


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Somewhere in your mind you dive
Into summer thoughts
You′re dreaming of a little fire
That'll light up all that′s lost

Going round in circles all the time
As your fears begin to fade
Once you found out no one knows, no one knows
No one knows who is who at a masquerade

Pin me on the wheel of fortune now
I'm running out of luck today

Get me back to the parade
Get me back to the parade
Get me back to the parade
Get me back to the parade

Ceremonial goodbyes
Never quit their jobs
They get along but in disguise
Pretending to be gods

They're going round in circles all the time
As their fears came out of the shade
Once they found out no one knows, no one knows
No one knows what is what at a masquerade

They pinned you on the wheel of fortune cause
You′re running out of luck today

There ain′t no heaven
So go back to the parade

Go back to the parade - there ain't no
Go back to the parade
Go back to the parade - there ain′t no
Go back to the parade





There ain't no heaven you know
There ain′t no heaven you know

Overall Meaning

In the first section of the lyrics, the singer portrays a sense of escapism and yearning for something more. The line "Somewhere in your mind you dive into summer thoughts" suggests that the person is trying to escape their current reality by delving into nostalgic memories or idealized fantasies. They dream of finding a small fire that will bring light to everything they have lost, symbolizing a desire for hope and renewal.


The second section delves into the feeling of being trapped or stuck in repetitive patterns. The line "Going round in circles all the time" highlights the frustration of being unable to break free from these cycles. However, as their fears start to fade, they realize that no one truly knows anyone else's identity or true nature at a masquerade. This can be interpreted as a commentary on the masks people wear and the difficulty of understanding the true intentions or motivations of others.


The third section introduces the idea of luck and fate. The singer mentions being pinned on the wheel of fortune, a metaphor for chance and unpredictable circumstances. They feel that their luck is running out, indicating a sense of helplessness or desperation. The repeated plea to be taken back to the parade reflects a desire to return to a more carefree and joyful time, perhaps seeking refuge or salvation from their current struggles.


In the fourth section, the lyrics take on a more universal perspective. The singer suggests that ceremonial goodbyes, or superficial gestures of farewell, never truly leave and continue to have an impact. People may pretend to be all-knowing or godlike, but underneath, they too are confined by their own disguises. The repetition of "There ain't no heaven you know" emphasizes a disillusionment or skepticism towards the idea of a heavenly or perfect afterlife. Instead, the singer advises returning to the parade, which can be seen as a metaphor for embracing life's uncertainties, imperfections, and the joyous moments that make it worthwhile.


Overall, "Parade" explores themes of escapism, masks, fate, and the search for meaning in life. It invites listeners to question societal conventions, challenge the facades people put on, and find solace or purpose in embracing the unpredictability of existence.


Line by Line Meaning

Somewhere in your mind you dive
Exploring the depths of your thoughts


Into summer thoughts
Immersed in thoughts of warmth and happiness


You′re dreaming of a little fire
Yearning for a spark of inspiration


That'll light up all that′s lost
To illuminate everything that's been forgotten


Going round in circles all the time
Trapped in a repetitive cycle


As your fears begin to fade
With the gradual disappearance of your fears


Once you found out no one knows, no one knows
Realizing that nobody truly understands


No one knows who is who at a masquerade
Identity becomes unclear in a masquerade


Pin me on the wheel of fortune now
Feeling subject to the whims of luck


I'm running out of luck today
Luck is not in my favor today


Get me back to the parade
Return me to a place of joy and celebration


Get me back to the parade
Take me back to the vibrant procession


Get me back to the parade
Bring me back to the lively event


Get me back to the parade
Restore me to the festive gathering


Ceremonial goodbyes
Farewells performed in a formal manner


Never quit their jobs
Always in constant existence


They get along but in disguise
Functioning harmoniously while hiding their true identities


Pretending to be gods
Faking a superior level of power


They're going round in circles all the time
Caught in an endless cycle


As their fears came out of the shade
When their fears finally emerged from hiding


Once they found out no one knows, no one knows
Upon discovering that nobody truly comprehends


No one knows what is what at a masquerade
The true nature of things becomes uncertain in a masquerade


They pinned you on the wheel of fortune cause
They made you subject to the unpredictable nature of luck


You′re running out of luck today
Luck is slipping away from you today


There ain′t no heaven
There is no utopia


So go back to the parade
Return to the joyful celebration


Go back to the parade - there ain't no
Rejoin the exuberant gathering - without any


Go back to the parade
Return to the lively procession


Go back to the parade - there ain′t no
Revisit the festive event - lacking any


Go back to the parade
Go back to the vibrant gathering


There ain't no heaven you know
You are aware that there is no paradise


There ain′t no heaven you know
You know there is no celestial realm




Writer(s): A. Johanson

Contributed by Mateo J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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