Burton Cummings; singer, pianist, songwriter was born in the Canadian city … Read Full Bio ↴Burton Cummings; singer, pianist, songwriter was born in the Canadian city of Winnipeg on December 31st, 1947. He played with a band called the Deverons before joining The Guess Who as lead vocalist in 1965. After spending ten years with that band, he decided to pursue a solo career. His first self-titled album was released in 1976. The single, "Stand Tall," sold over a million copies. He has written and co-written many of The Guess Who's tracks, as well as his own singles. After breaking up with The Guess Who and going it alone, Cummings ultimately made the move to Sherman Oaks, California and began writing and singing for films in the late 1970's. He currently winters in California and returns to Winnipeg in the summer, living in Canada throughout autumn. He also co-starred in the movie "Melanie."

Pretty Pictures
Burton Cummings Lyrics

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Some will sell their Coca-Cola
Some will sell their energy
Some will look the other way when
There are things they should not see
Ooh, ooh

You're ruled by fear, you're ruled by passion
Yeah, it ain't okay

Ha, ha, you're laughing that laugh
'Cause you know it's in fashion
Yeah, I'll look away 'cause I'm okay

In the pretty pictures
I would rather hide
In the pretty pictures

Flights of fancy, climbing ladders
Some might throw their chance away
Life can sometimes lift the spirit
Shine the light, point the way
Ooh, ooh

You're ruled by fear, you're ruled by passion
Yeah, it ain't okay
Ha, ha, you're laughing that laugh
'Cause you know it's in fashion
Yeah, I'll run away 'cause I'm okay

In the pretty pictures
I know how to hide
In the pretty pictures
I have got my sanctuary
In the pretty pictures
I would rather live
In the pretty pictures

Some will sell their Coca-Cola
Some will sell their energy
I know I'm all right
I have got my sanctuary

In the pretty pictures
I know I'm all right

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Burton Cummings's song "Pretty Pictures" delve into the idea of escapism through the metaphorical motif of "pretty pictures." The song begins with Cummings stating that some people are willing to turn a blind eye to the things that they should not see, choosing to sell their Coca-Cola or energy in order to maintain their status quo. The chorus amplifies this sentiment, with the singer confessing that they would rather hide in the pretty pictures than face reality. However, the second verse takes a slightly more optimistic turn, with Cummings acknowledging that life can sometimes lift the spirit and point the way, even if some might choose to throw their chance away. The song ends with the singer asserting that they have their own sanctuary within the pretty pictures and feel alright.

The imagery of "pretty pictures" in the lyrics is a clear indication of Cummings's intent to convey the idea of superficiality or surface-level beauty that distracts from the harsh realities of life. This is further emphasized by the repeated refrain of being "ruled by fear, ruled by passion," which highlights how emotions can dominate one's decisions, leading them to sell out or ignore the truth to keep up. The song underscores the notion that such behavior may provide temporary relief but highlights the dangers of bottling up emotions.

Line by Line Meaning

Some will sell their Coca-Cola
People will give up their values and principles for materialistic gain

Some will sell their energy
People will give up their energy and vitality for external acceptance

Some will look the other way when There are things they should not see
People often choose to ignore or avoid unpleasant truths and realities for their own comfort and convenience

You're ruled by fear, you're ruled by passion Yeah, it ain't okay
Our emotions can often take over our rational thoughts, leading to negative consequences

Ha, ha, you're laughing that laugh 'Cause you know it's in fashion Yeah, I'll look away 'cause I'm okay
People often conform to social trends and norms, even if it goes against their own values and beliefs

Flights of fancy, climbing ladders Some might throw their chance away Life can sometimes lift the spirit Shine the light, point the way
Life offers endless opportunities, but some people may miss them out of fear or lack of confidence. However, life can also be uplifting and provide guidance through tough times

In the pretty pictures I would rather hide
People tend to hide in superficial and comfortable situations, rather than facing reality and facing their problems

In the pretty pictures I know how to hide
The artist is comfortable and familiar with escaping reality and avoiding their issues

In the pretty pictures I have got my sanctuary
The artist finds comfort and safety in the superficial and idealized world they have created in their mind

In the pretty pictures I would rather live
The artist prefers to live in their idealized world rather than dealing with the hardships and challenges of reality

I know I'm all right
The singer believes that they are doing okay, despite potentially ignoring or avoiding their issues

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: BURTON CUMMINGS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Comments from YouTube:

Elaine Walls

3y↑2

A voice that is timeless, but the clothing has not aged well. 🤣

Loni DeLaHuerta

I Love those pretty pictures 📷 😍 🎶

Unknown

3y↑2

Nice piano....real shame those old uprights aren't appreciated as they should be...

jmack619

@4loops43 yeah.. that was a great mini documentary.

4loops43

Actually I seen a recent video of BC he still has his old piano he wrote most of his hits on...search for magic piano it’s really good as he tells some stories