The Kid
Buddy Mondlock Lyrics
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Now I'm watering elephants
But sometimes I lie awake in the sawdust
Dreaming I'm in a suit of light
Late at night in the empty big top I'm
All alone on the high wire
Look, he's working without a net this time
He's a real death-daffier
I'm the kid who always looked out the window
Failing tests in geography
But I've seen things far beyond just the schoolyard
Distant shores of exotic lands
They're the spires of the Turkish empire
It's six months since we made landfall
Riding love with the spice of India
Through Gibraltar, we're rich men all
I'm the kid who thought we'd someday be lovers
Always held out that time would tell
Time was talking, I guess I just wasn't listening
No surprise if you know me well
And as we're walking toward the train station
There's a whispering rainfall
'Cross the boulevard you slip your hand in mine
In the distance the train calls
I'm the kid who has this habit of dreaming
Sometimes gets me in trouble too
But the truth is I could no more stop dreaming
Than I could make them all come true
In Buddy Mondlock's song "The Kid," the singer reflects on different stages of their life and identity. The first verse details their life as a circus worker, watering elephants but dreaming of performing on the high wire. This could symbolize a desire for something more exciting or a longing for the life they left behind when they ran away with the circus. The second verse describes their experiences traveling the world, seeing exotic places and cultures. They paint a vivid picture of their journey, from the spires of the Turkish empire to riding love with the spice of India. The third verse is about a failed romantic relationship. Despite hoping that they would eventually become lovers, they realize that time has passed them by and they missed their chance. They end the song with a reflection on their habit of dreaming, acknowledging both its benefits and consequences.
One interpretation of the song's theme is the search for identity and purpose. The singer paints a picture of a life that is both exciting and unfulfilling, leaving them wanting something more. They have experienced different things in life, but still feel they are searching for something that will make them whole. The song seems to suggest that through it all, the singer's identity is linked to their dreams and imagination.
In addition, the theme of missed opportunities is also present in the song. The singer reflects on the times they didn't take the opportunities presented to them, such as not studying hard enough in geography or not acting on their feelings. They seem to regret these missed chances, but also acknowledge that their habit of dreaming may have contributed to this.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm the kid who ran away with the circus
I'm someone who left everything behind and joined the circus
Now I'm watering elephants
I'm doing the job of watering the elephants
But sometimes I lie awake in the sawdust
But at times, I am unable to sleep and just lie there on the sawdust
Dreaming I'm in a suit of light
I dream of wearing a suit that shines brightly
Late at night in the empty big top I'm All alone on the high wire
During the night, I am alone on the high wire in the empty big top
Look, he's working without a net this time
People shout 'look', as I'm working without a safety net
He's a real death-daffier
They think I'm crazy and laughing at death
I'm the kid who always looked out the window
I'm the one who always used to look out the window in class
Failing tests in geography
Failed in geography subject in school
But I've seen things far beyond just the schoolyard
But I have seen and experienced things much beyond the school life
Distant shores of exotic lands
I've seen faraway shores of different exotic lands
They're the spires of the Turkish empire
These are the spires of the Turkish empire
It's six months since we made landfall
It has been six months since we landed
Riding love with the spice of India
Sailed with the spices of India and the feeling of love
Through Gibraltar, we're rich men all
Crossing the Gibraltar Strait made us feel wealthy
I'm the kid who thought we'd someday be lovers
I always thought that one day we would be lovers
Always held out that time would tell
I always held the belief that time would reveal everything
Time was talking, I guess I just wasn't listening
Time revealed certain things, but I was not attentive enough to listen
No surprise if you know me well
It's not surprising if you know me well
And as we're walking toward the train station
While walking towards the train station
There's a whispering rainfall
It is raining lightly
'Cross the boulevard you slip your hand in mine
You hold my hand while crossing the street
In the distance the train calls
The train can be heard in the distance
I'm the kid who has this habit of dreaming
I have this habit of dreaming
Sometimes gets me in trouble too
Sometimes it lands me in trouble
But the truth is, I could no more stop dreaming
But the truth is, I cannot stop dreaming
Than I could make them all come true
Nor can I make all my dreams come true
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BUDDY MONDLOCK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind