For 30 years Allan Taylor has been considered as the consummate performer, a writer of literary gracefulness whose troubadour chronicles encapsulate the realism of otherwise unsung heroes, otherwise uncharted lives. His songs are faultlessly constructed and flawlessly performed, with his instantly recognizable voice, attractively dark and mellow, accompanied by his intricately detailed yet full-sounding guitar.
Brighton Beach
Allan Taylor Lyrics
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Young boy, not a hair on his face
They're looking out at the big wide world
This was their time, this was their place
He said, one day I will make you mine
We'll be together till the end of time
Brighton Beach in 1959
Young man, plays a mean guitar
So cosmic, but this is the 60s
Everything is far out, way too far
Revolution is in the air
But everyone is stoned and they don't care
'Cos it's New York in 1969
Everybody changes, as time goes by
But we can make it, if we try
Another city, bright lights
A winning streak, you're hitting the heights
Another face you wanna get to know
Everybody says it's the way to go
Maybe you came on just a little too strong
Maybe you played too hard and it all went wrong
But it was London town in 1979
Change partners, change of scene
Kids get stuck somewhere inbetween
No problem, we can work it out
But things get broken and people shout
She feels guilty thinking she should've stayed
And he gets scared 'cos the bills ain't paid
It was somewhere in suburbia in 1989
Everybody changes, as time goes by
But we can make it, if we try
Take it easy, take it slow
There's not much more you need to know
Looking back on the times you had
Hang on to the good, forget the bad
Take one last look down memory lane
It's good to be starting over again
On Brighton Beach in 1999
Brighton Beach in 1999
The lyrics of "Brighton Beach" by Allan Taylor tell the story of a couple who first met in Brighton Beach in 1959. The song follows their journey as they change partners, change scenes, and move through life's ups and downs over the next four decades. The couple's story is set against the backdrop of changing times, with each verse taking place in a different decade, from 1969 in New York to 1989 in Suburbia to a final return to Brighton Beach in 1999.
The song's central message is that everyone changes as time goes by, but we can make it if we try. The couple in the song faces challenges and difficulties, but they manage to survive and even find happiness again. The lyrics are poignant and reflective, capturing the bittersweet feeling of looking back on a life that has passed by.
Overall, "Brighton Beach" is a beautiful and melancholic meditation on the passage of time, the resilience of the human spirit, and the importance of cherishing the good moments while leaving the bad behind.
Line by Line Meaning
Young girl, so pretty
A young girl who was beautiful and attractive.
Young boy, not a hair on his face
A young boy without a beard or mustache.
They're looking out at the big wide world
They are exploring and discovering the world around them.
This was their time, this was their place
They felt that this moment was special and unique, a time to treasure and cherish.
He said, one day I will make you mine
He promised to be with her forever and to make her his own.
We'll be together till the end of time
They would stay together forever, till the end of time.
Brighton Beach in 1959
A location and year where this love story took place.
Young woman, flowers in her hair
A young woman wearing a floral headpiece.
Young man, plays a mean guitar
A young man who plays the guitar very well.
So cosmic, but this is the 60s
A period when there was a lot of emphasis on the metaphysical and spiritual things.
Everything is far out, way too far
Everything is beyond the norm, bizarre and unconventional.
Revolution is in the air
A significant change is about to happen.
But everyone is stoned and they don't care
People are under the influence of drugs, and are not worried about the consequences.
'Cos it's New York in 1969
A location and year when this story took place.
Everybody changes, as time goes by
People evolve over time, as they grow older and learn new things.
But we can make it, if we try
We can overcome the challenges and difficulties, and make things work as long as we put in the effort.
Another city, bright lights
A new city with lots of lights and excitement.
A winning streak, you're hitting the heights
A time when everything is going well, and you are achieving great success.
Another face you wanna get to know
A new person you want to meet and get to know.
Everybody says it's the way to go
People recommend this as the best thing to do.
Maybe you came on just a little too strong
Perhaps you were overly enthusiastic and forceful.
Maybe you played too hard and it all went wrong
Perhaps you tried too hard, and it led to negative outcomes.
But it was London town in 1979
A location and year when this story took place.
Change partners, change of scene
To switch to a new companion, and move to a different location.
Kids get stuck somewhere in between
Children can get caught in the middle of the conflict or confusion.
No problem, we can work it out
It is not an issue, we can handle it.
But things get broken and people shout
Things can get damaged or destroyed, leading to loud arguments or disagreements.
She feels guilty thinking she should've stayed
She blames herself for not staying in the previous relationship.
And he gets scared 'cos the bills ain't paid
He becomes afraid because bills and debts are not paid off.
It was somewhere in suburbia in 1989
A location and year when this story took place.
Take it easy, take it slow
To relax and to proceed gradually, without haste.
There's not much more you need to know
There isn't much more to acquaint oneself with.
Looking back on the times you had
Reflecting on the moments and experiences in the past.
Hang on to the good, forget the bad
Hold on to the positives and discard the negatives.
Take one last look down memory lane
To have one more look at the past experiences.
It's good to be starting over again
A new beginning can be a positive experience.
On Brighton Beach in 1999
A location and year when this story took place; a reminder of where it all began.
Contributed by Madelyn G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.