Ronald's Right
A Day in Black and White Lyrics
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I couldn't read some kind of hieroglyphic
Answer you phone or return my letters as if its all the same
So read your bill
You always overpay
Heard that before
Like everything else you say
Save your nickels and save your dimes
'Cause we don't want to wait in line
The first verse of A Day in Black and White's song "Ronald's Right" references a man who is seen as a higher power or authority figure, sitting upstairs "writing something down" that is illegible to the singer. This cryptic writing could be seen as an allegory for larger societal themes, such as the inability to understand or predict the actions of those in power. The mention of the man writing in hieroglyphics also adds to this idea of something ancient and mysterious happening beyond our understanding.
The second half of the verse shifts focus to a more personal relationship, in which the singer is frustrated with someone who will not answer their calls or return their letters. The repetition of the phrase "as if it's all the same" emphasizes the feeling of being ignored and devalued by this person, as if their communication doesn't matter.
The following chorus about overpaying and hearing it before suggests that this person has a history of telling lies or making empty promises. The final two lines of the chorus, "Save your nickels and save your dimes / 'Cause we don't want to wait in line," imply that the singer and those they represent are tired of waiting for something that may never come. They are taking control of their own time and money, preparing for a future in which they may not be able to rely on this person or institution for support.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a man upstairs writing something down
Someone is writing something up above.
I couldn't read some kind of hieroglyphic
I couldn't decipher the writing.
Answer your phone or return my letters as if it's all the same
Please respond to my attempts to contact you, as if they are equally important.
So read your bill
Look at your invoice.
You always overpay
You typically pay more than is necessary.
Heard that before
That's familiar.
Like everything else you say
It's consistent with your behavior.
Save your nickels and save your dimes
Save your smaller amounts of money.
'Cause we don't want to wait in line
To avoid waiting, let's save up and be prepared next time.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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