Dolphins
Billy Bragg Lyrics
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Saturday's child
And all about the time
We were running wild
I've been searching
For the dolphins in the sea
And sometimes I wonder
This world may never change
The way it's been
And all the ways of war
Won't change it back again
I'm not the one to tell
This world how to get along
I only know that peace will come
When all our hate is gone
This world may never change
The song "Dolphins" by Billy Bragg has a simple structure with its verses built around the desire to find a different world. The lyrics draw on the poet's nostalgic memories for a time when he was young and free-running wild with his friends. The mention of Saturday's child is a reference to the old nursery rhyme "Monday's child", which assigns characteristics to people based on the day they were born. The lyrics also suggest a certain sadness as the singer is searching for something in the sea, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for searching for lost love, lost dreams, or lost innocence.
The chorus is where the song gains its power. Here, Bragg laments the state of the world and holds out hope that change is possible. He mentions the dolphins as a symbol of freedom and hope, creatures not bound by the limitations of human-made borders that divide and cause conflict. He wonders if the person he is singing to also thinks about him, indicating that maybe they will find the dolphins together, and the idea of 'second chances' emerges.
Line by Line Meaning
Sometimes I think about
Reflecting on past experiences
Saturday's child
A person born on a Saturday, symbolizing free spirit and creativity
And all about the time
Memories of a specific period in time
We were running wild
Engaging in reckless or uninhibited behavior
I've been searching
Actively seeking something
For the dolphins in the sea
Looking for something pure and innocent in nature
And sometimes I wonder
Questioning the present and future
Do you ever think of me
Wondering about someone's thoughts and feelings towards the artist
This world may never change
Presenting a bleak realization about the state of the world
The way it's been
Referring to the world's history and the cyclical nature of events
And all the ways of war
Mentioning the futility of war and its negative impact
Won't change it back again
Stating that war does not solve problems, but rather exacerbates them
I'm not the one to tell
Admitting a lack of authority or expertise on the topic
This world how to get along
Suggesting that getting along is essential for humanity to thrive
I only know that peace will come
Remaining optimistic despite acknowledging the current state of the world
When all our hate is gone
Identifying hate as a major barrier to achieving peace
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: FRED NEIL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
bloodnokian
Billy is brilliant here but Cara Tivey's backing vocals and piano elevates the song to sublime.
Rozenax Sax
This song was written and originally recorded by the great Fred Neil. Billy's version is a cover, albeit a really good one even though he took it at a much slower tempo.
Moments
Thanks, that enabled me to discover the original, which I find to be better because simpler. I like Billy's slow tempo but the song has always seemed to me "overproduced" - which was quite unusual for him.
Alan Whitton: Life Coach - Therapist - London
Reminds me of when I was younger trying to figure out myself and understand the world. Here I am at 50, none the wiser, but hopefully kinder. Still searching for the Dolphins...
Matt Wilkinson
My favourite Bragg song.
Alastair West
Beautiful...
Sheldon Dave
My mate having this played at his funeral yesterday brought me here :(
Sheldon Dave
@camera0o0 Thanks mate. All the best x
camera0o0
Any man who would want this played at their funeral would have been worth knowing. My condolences and my congratulations, you lost something worth having.
Sheldon Dave
@William Hicks Thanks mate x