Rick Rack
Billy Connolly Lyrics


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Rick rack, rickety rack
See the train go along the track
When I grow up I want to be an engine driver
But if I can't be that I'll be a deep sea diver.

My father says that I must always work on the land
And I never disagreed when I'd see him lift his hand
Mother thinks that I should be a carpenter to trade
That I could fill my house with the things that I had made.

Rick rack, rickety rack
See the train go along the track
When I grow up I want to be an engine driver
But if I can't be that I'll be a deep sea diver.

I look at the skies, see the birds that can fly, and I feel like cryin'
Like a bird on the tree I just want to free so I'll keep on tryin'.

Rick rack, rickety rack
See the train go along the track
When I grow up I want to be an engine driver
But if I can't be that I'll be a deep sea diver.

My brother says that I must pay attention at the school
Because I've never won a prize, he thinks that I'm a fool
Teacher always asks me why I look so far away
It's just that I find nothing in the words he has to say.

Rick rack, rickety rack
I'm leaving home and I'm never coming back




I'm on my way to be an engine driver
But if I can't be that I'll be a deep sea diver.

Overall Meaning

The song "Rick Rack" by Billy Connolly is a story about a young boy who daydreams about his future and his aspirations. He wants to be an engine driver when he grows up but his father wants him to work on the land, and his mother thinks he should be a carpenter. The song also touches on how his brother thinks he is a fool for not winning any prizes at school and how he feels like he never really connects with his teacher. Despite these obstacles, he is determined to reach his dreams, and if he can't be an engine driver, then he will be a deep sea diver.


The lyrics of the song show the struggles of a young boy who is trying to find his place in the world. He has big aspirations but is constantly told what he should be doing with his life. The song illustrates the importance of following your heart and chasing your dreams, even if others don't understand or approve of them. The chorus of the song is catchy and repetitive, making it easy to sing along to and emphasizing the theme of the song - following your dreams no matter what.


Line by Line Meaning

Rick rack, rickety rack
The sound of a train moving on the tracks.


See the train go along the track
Observing the train move along the tracks as it makes its journey.


When I grow up I want to be an engine driver
Expressing a desire to become a train driver as an adult.


But if I can't be that I'll be a deep sea diver.
If becoming a train driver is not an option, then being a deep-sea diver would be an attractive alternative.


My father says that I must always work on the land
The artist's father insists that he pursue a career in agriculture.


And I never disagreed when I'd see him lift his hand
The singer's fear of his father's discipline prevented him from disagreeing with his father's expectations.


Mother thinks that I should be a carpenter to trade
The singer's mother believes that he should pursue a career as a carpenter.


That I could fill my house with the things that I had made.
The mother believes that carpentry would be a useful skill, enabling her son to create furniture and other household items for his own use.


I look at the skies, see the birds that can fly, and I feel like cryin'.
Observing birds in flight causes the artist to feel emotional, as if he is missing out on something wonderful.


Like a bird on the tree I just want to free so I'll keep on tryin'.
The metaphor of a bird that longs to fly free is used to express the artist's desire to chase his dreams and achieve his goals.


My brother says that I must pay attention at the school
The singer's brother is encouraging him to take his studies seriously.


Because I've never won a prize, he thinks that I'm a fool
The lack of recognition for academic achievement makes the artist's brother believe he is foolish for pursuing such goals.


Teacher always asks me why I look so far away
The singer's teacher takes note of his distracted state and inquires about it.


It's just that I find nothing in the words he has to say.
The singer is disinterested in the content of his teacher's instruction.


I'm leaving home and I'm never coming back
The singer has made the decision to leave home and never return.


I'm on my way to be an engine driver
The artist's chosen destination is to become a train driver.


But if I can't be that I'll be a deep sea diver.
The artist is open to other career paths, including becoming a deep-sea diver, should the opportunity arise.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GERRY RAFFERTY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Shardric


on The evil Scotsman

It's not Billy Connolly.
It's actually called "Trouble"
It was written by George Allen and Garry Desmond and perormed by The Rockin' Jock.

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