As Time Goes By
Beegie Adair & Denis Solee Lyrics
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Take ten broken limbs
And make it alright for them
And I needed you more,
More than you'll ever notice
But I need to do more
If you're to ever know this
No, you won't care at all
For you won't care at all
No, you won't care at all
Dance puppet boy
If you do a good job
Then they'll want you again,
Give it all that you've got
Show them the joy and the pain and the ending
Then do it again, and we'll all stop pretending
They'll pay more attention to what's before mentioned
As you bob your head
'cause you're not even listening
A very small few of you even give meanings
But laugh, clown boy, laugh
'cause it's always so pleasing
Feel, damn you, feel
Like you're alive again
I needed to know,
Needed a show of hands
For all this couldn't be sure
As we see a lot of them
And I traded it all,
Could I make a difference
At all?
I met a woman,
She was wonderful,
Everything perfect,
We both had the world
But I filled up my senses
With thoughts from the ghost
And I spent her life savings
Left no room for
Both of us
Crying and trying
And screaming aloud,
I barely can see her tumultuous crowds
Are careful to hide her and sing much too loud
See, you don't even know what I'm talking about
Feel, damn you, feel
Like you're alive again
I needed you more,
Than you would ever've noticed
Et Al
Couldn't be sure
That you would ever notice
But I gave it my all
Did I make a difference at all?
Like you're alive again
Take ten broken limbs
The lyrics to Beegie Adair & Denis Solee's song "As Time Goes By" tell the story of a performer or entertainer who is trying to connect with the audience on a deeper level. The verses explore the idea of feeling alive again, of using one's talents to uplift and heal those who may be hurting or broken. The lyrics express the yearning to make a difference in the world and to be acknowledged for one's efforts, even if it seems that most people are not paying attention.
The pre-chorus switches to a more cynical tone, as the performer acknowledges that most people in the audience won't care about the deeper meanings of the music or the message being conveyed. Instead, the performer is encouraged to "dance puppet boy" and put on a good show to win the approval of the masses. The chorus continues this theme, with the line "Laugh, clown boy, laugh / 'cause it's always so pleasing" suggesting that the performer's true emotions and motivations are not important as long as the audience is entertained.
The second verse introduces a romantic element, with the performer meeting a woman who initially seems to be everything he's been looking for. However, his obsession with his craft and his desire to make a difference in the world overshadows his relationship, causing him to make poor decisions and ultimately pushing his partner away. The verse ends with the performer acknowledging the futility of his efforts, wondering if he made a difference at all.
Overall, the lyrics to "As Time Goes By" are a poignant commentary on the intersection of art and entertainment, and the challenges faced by those who seek to create meaningful work in a world that values surface-level spectacle.
Line by Line Meaning
Like you're alive again
Experience life with enthusiasm and energy
Take ten broken limbs
Fix and mend things, make them work again
And make it alright for them
Fix things for others and make their lives better
And I needed you more,
I required your help and support
More than you'll ever notice
You didn't realize how much I needed you
But I need to do more
I have to put in more effort to show my appreciation
If you're to ever know this
You need to be aware of how important you are to me
Or you won't care at all
If you're not made aware of it, you won't value my efforts
No, you won't care at all
You may not even acknowledge my existence
Dance puppet boy
Entertain others, perform for their pleasure
If you do a good job
Success depends on doing it well
Then they'll want you again,
People want to see something they enjoyed before
Give it all that you've got
Put in all the effort to do it well
Show them the joy and the pain and the ending
Depict emotions and tell a story that resonates with people
Then do it again, and we'll all stop pretending
Repeat the act and break down the facade of pretense
They'll pay more attention to what's before mentioned
People will notice and appreciate what was done earlier
As you bob your head
Seeming to enjoy the act, but not really paying attention to it
'cause you're not even listening
People fake interest and don't truly engage with what's happening
A very small few of you even give meanings
Only a few people truly understand and appreciate the art form
But laugh, clown boy, laugh
Entertain and amuse, even if it means putting on a mask
'cause it's always so pleasing
People are pleased and amused by the performance
Feel, damn you, feel
Experience emotions, don't suppress them
I needed to know,
I wanted to be sure
Needed a show of hands
Desired a response or acknowledgement from people
For all this couldn't be sure
Uncertain of the outcome or how things would turn out
As we see a lot of them
Many people attend the performance
And I traded it all,
Gave up something valuable
Could I make a difference
Wondered if my efforts would have an impact
At all?
Questioned the effectiveness of my actions
I met a woman,
I fell in love with someone
She was wonderful,
She was amazing and perfect in every way
Everything perfect,
Everything was just right
We both had the world
We felt like we had everything we wanted
But I filled up my senses
I was distracted by something else
With thoughts from the ghost
Thinking about something from the past
And I spent her life savings
I wasted her money
Left no room for both of us
I didn't leave us enough time or money to be together
Crying and trying
Struggling and feeling sad about the situation
And screaming aloud,
Yelling out in frustration or desperation
I barely can see her tumultuous crowds
I can't see her amidst the noisy and chaotic crowd
Are careful to hide her and sing much too loud
People are hiding the girl and making too much noise
See, you don't even know what I'm talking about
People aren't truly listening or understanding what's happening
Et Al
And others
Couldn't be sure
Wasn't certain about something
That you would ever notice
That you would ever pay attention
But I gave it my all
I put in all my efforts
Did I make a difference at all?
Did my actions have any impact or effect?
Lyrics © CONSALAD CO., Ltd., BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Sentric Music, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Herman Hupfeld
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind