Once Upon a Time In the West
DINING ROOM - Dire Straits Lyrics
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Scaring the pedestrians for a minute
Crossing up progress driving on the grass
Leaving just enough room to pass
Sunday driver never took a test
Oh yeah, once upon a time in the west
Yes it's no use saying that you don't know nothingIt's still gonna get you if you don't do something
Sitting on a fence that's a dangerous course
Oh, you could even catch a bullet from the peace-keeping force
Even the hero gets a bullet in the chest
Oh yeah, once upon a time in the west
Mother Mary your children are slaughtered
Some of you mothers ought to lock up your daughters
Who's protecting the innocents
Heap big trouble in the land of plenty
Tell me how we're gonna do what's best
You guess once upon a time in the west
Oh yeah, once upon a time in the west
Oh yeah, once upon a time in the west
Oh yeah, once upon a time in the west
(Once upon) once upon a time in the west
Once upon a time in the west
Once upon a time in the west
Once upon a time in the west
Once upon a time in the west
Once upon a time in the west
Once upon a time in the west
Once upon a time in the west
Once upon a time in the west
The lyrics of "Once Upon a Time in the West" by Dire Straits evoke a sense of nostalgia while tackling themes of societal decay, moral ambiguity, and the consequences of a reckless existence. The first verse paints a vivid picture of individuals who derive amusement from breaking laws and disregarding rules, positioning themselves as thrill-seekers who revel in the chaos of life. This reckless behavior is exemplified by the metaphor of a “Sunday driver” who operates without knowledge or concern for the rules of the road. This suggests a broader critique of society’s tendency to prioritize fleeting thrills over responsibility, ultimately leading to danger and chaos, both personally and collectively. The reference to "once upon a time" offers a sense of romantic nostalgia, hinting at a simpler, possibly more virtuous past that stands in stark contrast to the current state of affairs.
As the song progresses into the second verse, the theme of inaction emerges, underscoring the danger of complacency. The lyrics suggest that ignorance is not a shield from consequences; compliance with the status quo can lead to grave outcomes. By likening sitting on the fence to a "dangerous course," the song emphasizes the imperative to take action rather than remain passive. The dire warning that even heroes can fall victim to violence serves as a reminder that idealism does not guarantee safety, especially in a tumultuous world. This darker tone poignantly encapsulates the idea that the very values that once defined heroism are now called into question, reflecting a societal shift where righteousness often leads to tragedy.
The third verse shifts dramatically in focus, transitioning to the profound impact that societal violence has on families and individuals. The imagery of “Mother Mary” lamenting her slaughtered children evokes a sense of deep sorrow and highlights the loss of innocence amid widespread chaos. The reference to "lock up your daughters" signals a call to protect vulnerable members of society in an increasingly hostile environment. This portrays a world riddled with threats, where the moral fabric seems to be fraying. The plea for those in positions of authority to safeguard the innocents reiterates the urgency for change and accountability, posing the question of how societal problems can be addressed effectively when they have reached a crisis point.
The chorus, echoing "once upon a time in the west," reinforces the notion that the “west” symbolizes not just a geographical location but an idea of what life could and perhaps once was, filled with hope and promise. However, it is juxtaposed with the current grim realities, suggesting a stark departure from those ideals. The repetition emphasizes not only nostalgia but also the cyclical nature of human follies and societal issues. This refrain serves as an unsettling reminder that while there is a longing for a better past, the present holds challenges that demand recognition and action. Ultimately, the song presents a narrative that intertwines longing, critique, and a call to consciousness about the state of humanity, illustrating how dreams of the past can be tainted by the harsh truths of the present.
Line by Line Meaning
Some people get a cheap laugh breaking up the speed limit
Certain individuals find amusement in violating traffic laws, seeking thrills in irresponsible behavior.
Scaring the pedestrians for a minute
Their reckless actions briefly alarm innocent bystanders, highlighting the disregard for safety.
Crossing up progress driving on the grass
They disrupt advancement by taking shortcuts, literally and metaphorically ignoring the established path.
Leaving just enough room to pass
They carelessly squeeze by, only granting minimal space for others, reflecting a self-centered attitude.
Sunday driver never took a test
A leisurely, unskilled driver represents those who navigate life without preparation or understanding.
Oh yeah, once upon a time in the west
This phrase evokes a nostalgic but fantastical past, hinting at a time of chaos and romanticized adventure.
Yes it's no use saying that you don't know nothing
Denying awareness of harsh realities achieves nothing, as ignorance does not spare one from consequences.
It's still gonna get you if you don't do something
Inaction is still fraught with danger, implying that evading responsibility does not prevent adverse outcomes.
Sitting on a fence that's a dangerous course
Being indecisive or neutral can lead to perilous situations, as taking no side can be risky.
Oh, you could even catch a bullet from the peace-keeping force
Even those who claim to uphold safety can become threats, illustrating the fragile nature of security.
Even the hero gets a bullet in the chest
Even the most valiant figures face mortality and vulnerability, underlining the unpredictability of fate.
Oh yeah, once upon a time in the west
The bittersweet reminiscence of a bygone era resonating with both nostalgia and regret.
Mother Mary your children are slaughtered
A somber plea highlighting the suffering of innocents, evoking maternal grief in dire circumstances.
Some of you mothers ought to lock up your daughters
A stark warning about the dangers that threaten the vulnerable, underscoring the need for protection.
Who's protecting the innocents
A rhetorical question about accountability and the responsibility to safeguard those who cannot defend themselves.
Heap big trouble in the land of plenty
Amidst abundance, significant issues persist, revealing the contradiction between wealth and societal dysfunction.
Tell me how we're gonna do what's best
A call to action for collective responsibility, emphasizing the need for thoughtful decision-making.
You guess once upon a time in the west
An ambiguous conclusion, suggesting that understanding the past is complex and open to interpretation.
Oh yeah, once upon a time in the west
Reaffirming the theme of nostalgia and the allure of a legendary but troubled past.
(Once upon) once upon a time in the west
Reiterating the enchanting tale, blending memories with lessons learned from history.
Once upon a time in the west
The phrase serves as a powerful reminder of a story that combines elements of danger, heroism, and moral dilemmas.
Once upon a time in the west
An echoing refrain that binds all themes of the song, reinforcing its mythical and cautionary nature.
Once upon a time in the west
Continued emphasis on the narrative of past glories and failures that shape present realities.
Once upon a time in the west
The phrase encapsulates the essence of storytelling, resonating with those who reflect on human experiences.
Once upon a time in the west
A final invocation of the legendary past, inviting listeners to ponder its lessons and implications.
Once upon a time in the west
Concluding the exploration of this narrative, encouraging introspection and understanding of life's complexity.
Once upon a time in the west
An ultimate reference to the cycles of history, alluding to the perpetual dance of chaos and order.
Once upon a time in the west
Ending on a note that beckons the audience to carry forward the stories of the past into the present.
Once upon a time in the west
The final reiteration serves as a potent reminder of narratives that shape identity and temporal context.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Mark Knopfler
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Koncerthuset
Want to experience this live in concert? - Tickets are available for August 18, 19 & 20. It's in Copenhagen, Denmark. Get your tickets here: https://bit.ly/3tOfxHi
@wolfgineer9340
I looked up the prices in curiosity as someone who lives in the Southern US and has no chance to see this live. After converting the price, I would be going multiple times if I could. Nothing could cover the quality directly in person visually and definitely audio. I would be so dam happy by the end of the set. Dammit i want a ticket
@اصغرکهوند-ض9ز
۳باشه
@svogender
@@wolfgineer9340 I have just received my ticket today..!! 😊👍 Cheers from Copenhagen Denmark..!
@ImonRashid
You are paying the air fare ?
@kthomsen3612
Got tickets for the 20th :)
@davidbrown4271
I’ll admit this is my favorite western hands down 😊
@jasonkimmins1717
This isn’t music, this is magic
@SimplyDavid78
❤ couldn't agree more
@Francis-mt8xu
Idiot its still music