Rockets
Cat Power Lyrics


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Where do the dreams of babies go
Cause you know they're all so good
And they're also gone so fast
Keep all the guns at home
Help keep your momma safe
Cause you know she pretty good too
Where is the night so warm and so strange
That no one is afraid
Of themselves
Here, pick up, dig, dig out those weeds
Out of your happy go lucky fields
Of such predictive thinking
Where do the rockets find planets
Where do the rockets find planets
Where do the rockets find planets
Where are the dreams of the babies going
Cause you know they're all gone fast
Take, take as much as you can
Cause you know it's going so fast
And you know it's so good
Where are the man that mounted so brave
That they do not explode over everyone
Here, pick up, dig, dig out those weeds
Out of your happy go lucky fields
Of such predictive thinking
Where do the rockets find planets
Where do the rockets find planets
Keep your guns at home
Keep your guns at home
Help keep your momma safe
You know she's all good too
She's pretty good




Where are all the dreams of babies going
Did you know they're all good

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Cat Power's "Rockets" are deeply introspective and thought-provoking. The first verse asks a question about the fleeting nature of innocence and goodness. Babies are born pure and full of potential, but as they grow, they become tainted by the world around them. The questions seem to be directed at the listener, asking them to consider where their own dreams and innocence have gone. The theme of protection is also present in the line, "Keep all the guns at home, help keep your mama safe, cause you know she pretty good too." The message is clear - violence only leads to more violence, and the best way to protect loved ones is by not perpetuating the cycle.


The second verse touches on the concept of fear and how it can hold us back. The idea of a warm, inviting night where no one is afraid of themselves is a beautiful image, but also one that seems unattainable. The line, "pick up, dig, dig out those weeds out of your happy-go-lucky fields of such predictive thinking," calls on the listener to challenge their own thought patterns and beliefs in order to reach a state of fearlessness.


The repeated phrase, "Where do the rockets find planets?", seems to be a metaphorical question about the search for meaning and purpose in life. The rockets represent our ambitions and dreams, while the planets represent the places we hope to go and the goals we hope to achieve. The entire song can be viewed as an exploration of how we can pursue those dreams while maintaining a sense of goodness and innocence.


Line by Line Meaning

Where do the dreams of babies go
Questioning where the innocent and pure aspirations of babies disappear to


Cause you know they're all so good
Acknowledging the fact that these dreams are always good-natured


And they're also gone so fast
Recognizing the fleeting nature of these dreams


Keep all the guns at home
Advocating for peaceful and nonviolent living


Help keep your momma safe
Encouraging listeners to protect their loved ones from harm


Cause you know she pretty good too
Mentioning that the mother figure is also someone deserving of safety and care


Where is the night so warm and so strange
Questioning the location of the rare and comfortable nights when people don't feel scared


That no one is afraid
Emphasizing the state of fearlessness that's nowhere to be found


Of themselves
Clarifying that the absence of fear includes not having self-doubt or insecurity


Here, pick up, dig, dig out those weeds
Encouraging listeners to uproot negative thoughts and beliefs in their minds


Out of your happy go lucky fields
Describing the mind as a space that can be filled with positivity or negativity


Of such predictive thinking
Referring to harmful thoughts that are not based in reality


Where do the rockets find planets
Pondering the destination of the rockets launched into space


Take, take as much as you can
Encouraging listeners to seize every opportunity and make the most out of life


Cause you know it's going so fast
Acknowledging that life is short and goes by quickly


And you know it's so good
Confirming that life is also filled with wonderful experiences


Where are the man that mounted so brave
Questioning the whereabouts of people who show great courage and bravery


That they do not explode over everyone
Implying that bravery should not result in destruction or harm towards others


Keep your guns at home
Reiterating the importance of peaceful living


Keep your guns at home
Emphasizing again that violence should not be the answer


Help keep your momma safe
Reminding listeners of their responsibility to protect their loved ones


You know she's all good too
Repeating that the mother figure deserves safety and care


She's pretty good
Stating that the mother figure is admirable and worthy of protection


Where are all the dreams of babies going
Repeating the initial question about the fate of innocent dreams


Did you know they're all good
Reiterating that these dreams are always good-natured and pure




Lyrics © BEGGARS MUSIC, LTD.
Written by: CHAN MARSHALL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Peter Pumkinghead


on He-War

i love the cats

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