Sherman was just a television producer, most famous for the quiz show "I've Got a Secret," not at all known as a comedian or performer, and it shocked everyone in the know when songs from his album My Son, The Folk Singer became popular. In fact, president John F. Kennedy was heard singing the song Sarah Jackman. Sherman's overnight popularity suddenly ended when the nation's attention focused on Kennedy's assassination, and the nation was too sad for such up-beat musical offerings.
Sherman then slipped back into his longtime depression, and died, quietly, at the young age of 48.
Signs
Allan Sherman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Children at play.
No deposit, no return.
No casting today.
Wait for the dialtone.
Do not fold, do not bend.
Do not open till Christmas.
No checks cashed,
Make deliveries in the rear.
Shake well before using.
This end up, my dear.
Close cover before striking.
Do not push, do not shove.
No shorts in the dining room.
Dump no rubbish, my love.
(Don't be a fool, don't be a fool, my love.)
Made in Japan.
Slippery when wet.
Save this wrapper to dispose of gum.
All sales final, my pet.
Do not write in this space.
Do not cross double line.
For external use only.
Inspected by number 29.
Curb your dog.
Keep away from heat.
Do not remove this tag
Under penalty of law, my sweet!
Speed checked by radar.
Positively no admission.
Oh my darling, if pain persists,
Consult physician!
My love gave me a sign.
Allan Sherman's song "Signs" is a satirical rendition of various common signs that people come across in their daily lives. The lyrics begin with warning signs such as "Keep off the grass." and "No casting today." The song then progresses to more mundane signs such as "Wait for the dialtone." and "Close cover before striking." The lyrics also refer to warning signs for consumer products such as "Slippery when wet." and "Save this wrapper to dispose of gum." The lyrics then end with a humorous nod to medication signs in medical advertisements, "Oh my darling, if pain persists, consult a physician."
Each verse of the song is a humorous take on the various signs that people encounter in their daily lives. The lyrics are cleverly crafted to highlight the sometimes ridiculous and often contradictory nature of these signs. The song is a commentary on how we are constantly bombarded with signs that tell us what to do and what not to do.
Line by Line Meaning
Keep off the grass.
Don't step or walk on the grass.
Children at play.
Kids are playing, be careful.
No deposit, no return.
You won't get your money back if you don't pay a deposit.
No casting today.
Don't fish or throw anything in the water today.
Wait for the dialtone.
Listen for the sound before dialing the phone number.
Do not fold, do not bend.
Don't crease or fold the paper.
Do not open till Christmas.
Don't open the gift until Christmas day.
Open other end.
Open from the opposite side of this label.
No checks cashed,
We don't accept checks for payment.
Make deliveries in the rear.
Deliveries should be made to the back of the building.
Shake well before using.
Agitate the contents before using.
This end up, my dear.
Keep this side up, my dear.
Close cover before striking.
Shut the cover before striking the match.
Do not push, do not shove.
Don't apply too much pressure when using.
No shorts in the dining room.
Wear pants or long clothes in the dining area.
Dump no rubbish, my love.
Dispose of trash in a proper place, my dear.
(Don't be a fool, don't be a fool, my love.)
Don't act foolishly, my dear.
Made in Japan.
This product was manufactured in Japan.
Slippery when wet.
This surface can be slippery when wet.
Save this wrapper to dispose of gum.
Keep this wrapper to dispose of chewing gum later.
All sales final, my pet.
No refunds or returns are allowed, my dear.
Do not write in this space.
Don't write or scribble in this area.
Do not cross double line.
Don't drive over or cross the double lines on the road.
For external use only.
Use this only externally, don't swallow or ingest it.
Inspected by number 29.
This product was inspected by the number 29.
Curb your dog.
Keep your dog on a leash and clean up after it.
Keep away from heat.
Don't expose this to heat or fire.
Do not remove this tag
Don't take off this tag.
Under penalty of law, my sweet!
Breaking this law will result in legal punishment, my dear!
Speed checked by radar.
The speed of cars has been checked by radar.
Positively no admission.
Absolutely no one is allowed to enter.
Oh my darling, if pain persists,
If pain continues or doesn't go away, my love,
Consult physician!
See a doctor!
My love gave me a sign.
My lover communicated something important to me.
Lyrics © Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ALLAN SHERMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
goldenskyhook
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