The middle bridge, featuring brass instruments, electric guitar and vocals, reprises the beginning of "You Never Give Me Your Money", but with different lyrics. The ending also reprises the arpeggiated guitar motif from the end of that track, similar to the figure featured prominently in the George Harrison written tracks "Here Comes the Sun" and "Badge" (co-written by Harrison and Eric Clapton).
Carry That Weight
Beatles Lyrics
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Carry that weight a long time
Boy, you gonna carry that weight
Carry that weight a long time
I never give you my pillow
I only send you my invitation
And in the middle of the celebrations
Boy, you gotta carry that weight
Carry that weight a long time
Boy, you gotta carry that weight
You're gonna carry that weight along time
The lyrics of "Carry That Weight" by the Beatles seem to be addressing the weight that one carries as a result of their actions. Specifically, it could be a reference to Paul McCartney's frustration with the burdens he was facing by trying to keep the band together. The repetition of "Carry that weight a long time" suggests a sense of enduring obligation or guilt, perhaps related to not sharing one's true feelings with others. The line "I never give you my pillow" may be interpreted as a symbol for vulnerability, with "pillow" standing in for the intimate emotions and thoughts that one keeps to oneself.
The second half of the song sees the singer breaking down in the midst of festivities, suggesting that the burden is finally taking its toll. The repetition of "Boy, you gotta carry that weight" serves as a reminder of the responsibility that has been assumed, a reminder that it will not be easy to shake off. There is a certain melancholy to the lyrics, as if the singer is resigned to his fate, knowing that he must continue carrying this weight indefinitely.
Overall, "Carry That Weight" can be interpreted as a meditation on the impact that one's actions have on others, even if those actions were not necessarily intended to be harmful. The lyrics express a sense of regret and a desire to be free of the weight that has been imposed.
Line by Line Meaning
Boy, you gotta carry that weight
You have to bear the burden of responsibility
Carry that weight a long time
You must carry that burden for an extended period
Boy, you gonna carry that weight
You will be responsible for a long time
Carry that weight a long time
The burden will be yours to carry for an extended period
I never give you my pillow
I never share my intimate thoughts with you
I only send you my invitation
I only invite you to participate in my life
And in the middle of the celebrations
Amidst all the merrymaking
I break down
I become overwhelmed and unable to cope
Boy, you gotta carry that weight
You have to bear the burden of responsibility
Carry that weight a long time
You must carry that burden for an extended period
Boy, you gotta carry that weight
You will have to take on that responsibility
You're gonna carry that weight along time
The burden will be yours to carry for an extended period
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Lennon, Paul McCartney
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind