Street Life
Bryan Ferry & Roxy Music Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They're always calling on my telephone
When I pick it up there's no one there
So I walk outside just to take the air
Come on with me cruising down the street
Who knows what you'll see, who you might meet
This brave new world's not like yesterday
It can take you higher than the milky way
Now I'm blinded I can't really see, yeah
No more bright lights confusing me, no
Don't ask me why I'm feeling blue
'Cause loving you is all I can do
Hey good-looking boys, gather around
The sidewalk papers gutter-press you down
All those lies can be so unkind,
They can make you feel like you're losing your mind
Street Life
Street Life
Street Life
What a Life
Back to nature boys, Vasser girls too
Watch what you say, or think, or do
Continental-style strasse girls might
But you know exactly if it's wrong or right
Education is an important key, yes
But the good life's never won by degrees, no
Pointless passing through Harvard or Yale
Only window shopping, it's strictly no sale
Week end starts Friday soon after eight
Your jet black magic helps you celebrate
You may be stranded if you stick around
And that's really something
The lyrics to Bryan Ferry & Roxy Music's "Street Life" depict the life of someone who is feeling overwhelmed and in need of solitude. The opening line highlights the individual's desire to be left alone because they are constantly being bothered by people calling their telephone. Even though they attempt to answer the phone, there is never anyone there, which leads to the singer heading outside merely to get some fresh air. The song continues with the individual requesting the listener to come on a street cruise, which could lead to unexpected encounters, uncertain futures, and a new way of life. The lyrics also mention the fact that the world has progressed since yesterday, which can make you feel enlightened, free, and even soaring through the Milky Way.
However, as the singer continues on this journey, they begin to feel blinded and unable to see. Their clarity is lost, and the bright lights tend to confuse their sense of direction. It is unclear why the individual is feeling down, but they explain that loving someone is all they can do. Despite this, good-looking boys, as well as tabloids, surround them and make them feel judged and ashamed. In the following part, the lyrics suggest that being educated is necessary, but it may not lead us to the good life, which is our ultimate goal. The final section of the song talks about how it is essential to celebrate life as we never know when we may get to celebrate again.
Line by Line Meaning
Wish everybody would leave me alone -yeah
I wish everyone would give me some space and privacy.
They're always calling on my telephone
People are constantly calling me on my phone.
When I pick it up there's no one there
No one is on the other end of the line when I answer the phone.
So I walk outside just to take the air
I leave my house to get some fresh air and escape from my phone.
Come on with me cruising down the street
Join me as I drive down the street.
Who knows what you'll see, who you might meet
You never know what kind of people or sights you might encounter while driving around.
This brave new world's not like yesterday
The world is constantly changing and evolving, and it's not the same as it was in the past.
It can take you higher than the milky way
The possibilities and opportunities are endless and can take you to great heights.
Now I'm blinded I can't really see, yeah
I'm overwhelmed and can't see things clearly anymore.
No more bright lights confusing me, no
I no longer want to be blinded by a glamorous and superficial lifestyle.
Don't ask me why I'm feeling blue
I don't want to explain why I'm feeling sad.
'Cause loving you is all I can do
The only thing that really matters to me is my love for someone.
Hey good-looking boys, gather around
Attractive men, come over here and gather around.
The sidewalk papers gutter-press you down
The tabloid newspapers can really bring you down with their negative stories and gossip.
All those lies can be so unkind,
The lies and rumors spread by the tabloids can be hurtful.
They can make you feel like you're losing your mind
The constant rumors and negativity can create mental instability.
Street Life
The lifestyle of life on the street.
Street Life
The lifestyle of life on the street.
Street Life
The lifestyle of life on the street.
What a Life
What a lifestyle!
Back to nature boys, Vasser girls too
Let's return to nature and enjoy the outdoors, both men and women.
Watch what you say, or think, or do
Be careful with your words, thoughts, and actions.
Continental-style strasse girls might
European-style street girls could
But you know exactly if it's wrong or right
You know what's right and wrong, despite external influences.
Education is an important key, yes
Education is important.
But the good life's never won by degrees, no
However, true happiness and fulfillment cannot be attained solely through education and degrees.
Pointless passing through Harvard or Yale
Simply passing through and not attaining a degree from prestigious universities like Harvard or Yale is meaningless.
Only window shopping, it's strictly no sale
Merely taking a look and not actually committing to something is pointless.
Week end starts Friday soon after eight
The weekend begins on Friday evening.
Your jet black magic helps you celebrate
Your charisma and charm helps you celebrate and enjoy life.
You may be stranded if you stick around
You may find yourself stuck and unable to move forward if you stay in one place for too long.
And that's really something
That's a significant realization or something worth noting.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: BRYAN FERRY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind