A year later, Friedman struck a chord in the UK, this time with a magical duet (performed with singer Denise Marsa) entitled Lucky Stars. Lucky Stars zoomed to #3 in the UK singles charts going instantly gold.
The now classic single Lucky Stars paved the way for a slew of hits off of Friedman's humorously titled album "Well, Well" Said the Rocking Chair", including familiar tracks such as Lydia and Rocking Chair as well as singles from his first album, Woman of Mine and Ariel.
Dean Friedman holds the honor of having one of his songs banned by the BBC. The song goes "I am in love with a McDonalds girl." Because the song had the name of a business in it, the BBC wouldn't play it.
Dean wrote the music for the UK TV series "Boon" and is also known in his local area as a children's entertainer with such songs as "I'm Somebody Too", "Brush Your Teeth" and "Never, Never Play With Matches". In addition, he has released a collection of "Silly Hebrew School songs for silly Jewish kids covering Jewish holidays".
Now in his 50s, Dean still writes, records and tours.
Discography:
Dean Friedman (1977)
"Well, Well" Said the Rocking Chair (1978)
Rumpled Romeo (1981)
Live! At The Duke of York (1985)
Music From 'Boon' - TV Soundtrack (1986)
Dean's 'Kids Songs' (????)
A Million Matzoh Balls (????)
I Bought A Vampire Motorcyle - Soundtrack (1990)
Songs for Grownups (1998)
Dean Friedman In Concert – Shepherds Bush Empire (1998)
The Treehouse Journals (2002)
Squirrels in the Attic (2006)
Submarine Races (2010)
See www.deanfriedman.com for more information.
Rocking Chair
Dean Friedman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
"well, well," said the rocking chair.
"it's been a while since I've seen such stark despair."
"who told you like was fair? "
"woa, woa," said the radio, "sit, there are some things you ought to know"
"there is little you can do to stop the pain and it's gonna happen time and time again,
But just remember even though it sounds insane,
All right. it's gonna be all right. it's gonna be all right. it's gonna be all right.
"no, no," said the balcony, "if it's pity you want don't come to me."
"no, nothing comes for free."
"yes, yes," said the coffee cup, "maybe now is the time to act grown up."
"if you feel like your world is crashing in, simply dial up your nearest kith or kin."
"if you open up and let them in,
You'll discover that you'll probably make it through once again."
All right. it's gonna be all right. it's gonna be all right. it's gonna be all right.
"hey, hey," said the table top, "don't be making like you're anything you're not."
"make do with what you've got".
"don't forget," said the cuckoo clock, "any parts you need we've got in stock."
"take a look at the place you call your home. you're reflected in all the things you own. and the seeds of reason you have sown,
They're a measure of a part of you that's already grown."
All right. it's gonna be all right. it's gonna be all right. it's gonna be all right.
Dean Friedman’s song “Rocking Chair” is a simple yet powerful message of hope and encouragement during tough times. The song opens up with the image of a rocking chair, which metaphorically represents the wisdom of the elderly. The rocking chair speaks of seeing “such stark despair” and how life is not fair. The radio then comes in, conveying the message that there is little that can be done to stop the pain and that it will happen again and again. However, despite the pain and the seeming insanity of it all, it is impossible to ever love somebody in vain. The message here is that love is always worth it and worth fighting for.
The balcony then chimes in, saying that there is no pity to be found there, and nothing comes for free. The coffee cup then advises being grown-up about the situation and reaching out to friends and family when the world feels like it's crashing down. The table top reminds us to make do with what we have and not pretend to be something we're not. Finally, the cuckoo clock encourages us to look at our homes and recognize that we're reflected in all of the things we own. The seeds of reason we've sown are a measure of a part of us that's already grown.
Overall, the song “Rocking Chair” is a simple and yet powerful message of hope and encouragement during tough times. It draws on the wisdom of our elders and reminds us to rely on the love and support of our friends and family. We are reminded to make do with what we have and not to pretend to be something we're not. The message is clear: no matter how hard things get, it's going to be all right.
Line by Line Meaning
"well, well," said the rocking chair.
The rocking chair observed the singer's stark despair.
"it's been a while since I've seen such stark despair."
The rocking chair is shocked at the intensity of the singer's despair.
"who told you like was fair? "
The rocking chair questions the singer's expectation of fairness in life.
"woa, woa," said the radio, "sit, there are some things you ought to know"
The radio invites the artist to listen to some advice.
"there is little you can do to stop the pain and it's gonna happen time and time again,
But just remember even though it sounds insane,
It's impossible to ever love somebody in vain."
The radio advises the artist that pain is inevitable and loving someone is never in vain.
"no, no," said the balcony, "if it's pity you want don't come to me."
"no, nothing comes for free."
The balcony refuses to offer the singer pity and reminds them that everything comes at a price.
"yes, yes," said the coffee cup, "maybe now is the time to act grown up."
"if you feel like your world is crashing in, simply dial up your nearest kith or kin."
"if you open up and let them in,
You'll discover that you'll probably make it through once again."
The coffee cup urges the singer to act like an adult and seek support from family and friends in times of need.
"hey, hey," said the table top, "don't be making like you're anything you're not."
"make do with what you've got".
"don't forget," said the cuckoo clock, "any parts you need we've got in stock."
"take a look at the place you call your home. you're reflected in all the things you own. and the seeds of reason you have sown,
They're a measure of a part of you that's already grown."
The table top advises the artist to be true to themselves and make the best of what they have, while the cuckoo clock reminds them that they have the resources they need to make changes. The artist is also encouraged to reflect on their home and possessions as a reflection of themselves.
"All right. it's gonna be all right. it's gonna be all right. it's gonna be all right."
The repeated chorus offers reassurance that things will eventually be okay for the artist.
Contributed by Chase G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Tony M
Dean, are you still on here?
I am 44 years old and my mum and dad had your album and I remember Lucky Stars, Lydia, etc getting played on their old Panasonic music centre when I was just a kid.
I also remember Ariel as it got a lot of airplay here in the UK and was another track that stuck in my head from childhood.
I forgot about the title track Well Well until recently when I gave it a listen and soon as your vocals kicked in, I recognised it and loads of memories came flooding back as it must be 1980 since I last heard this.
You play a part in the soundtrack to my childhood.
Love and respect,
Tony.
paul brennan
What an unusual and great song...
A song for a lonely person I felt.
Someone who may of not had many people around him...
And was feeling down..
It may of been someone dean knew.
Or maybe was himself at a certain time..
Or us all at times..
A sad song.. and a beautiful song also...
It signifies don't give up....
Dean brought inanimate objects to life in it.. and with an opinion also..
Great stuff..
Patrick Stocks
“Well, well,” said the rocking chair 🪑
“It’s been a while since I’ve seen such stark despair 😩 “
“Who told you like was fair?”
“Woa, woa,” said the radio 📻 “sit, there are some things you ought to know”
“There is little you can do to stop 🛑 the pain and it’s gonna happen time and time again
But just remember even though it sounds insane
It’s impossible to ever love 💕 somebody in vain”
Alright. It’s gonna be alright . It’s gonna be alright. It’s gonna be alright
“No, no,” said the balcony, “if it’s pity you want don’t come to me”
“No, nothing comes for free”
“Yes, yes” said the coffee ☕️ cup, “maybe now is the time to act grown up”
“If you feel like your world 🌎 is crashing in, simply dial up your nearest kith or kin”
“If you open up and let them in
You’ll discover that you’ll probably make it through once again “
Alright . It’s gonna be alright. It’s gonna be alright. It’s gonna be alright
“Hey, hey,” said the table top, “don’t be making like you’re anything you’re not”
“Make do with what you’ve got”
“Don’t forget,” said the cuckoo 🤪 clock ⏰ “any parts you need we’ve got in stock “
“Take a look 👀 at the place you call your home 🏠 You’re reflected in all
The things you own. And the seeds of reason you have sown
They’re a measure of a part of you that’s already grown “
Alright. It’s gonna be alright. It’s gonna be alright. It’s gonna be alright
CoolCat
Heard this just before New Year's Eve of 1979... I remember where I was, what I was wearing, who I was with and this amazing song. Bought the album, sang Dean's song called S&M at my gigs, bought his CD's, bought iTunes and recently downloaded Spotify versions. And it gets better every time I hear it as well as his incredible music. A true soulmate for a faraway songwriter!! 💙💙💙
jjbigz
What a great sound!
Pharaoh Sneferu
Always loved Dean's writing and voice. Inspired me write my own songs, albeit of the hard rock genre. Still, good music is good music. Still a fan after all these years.
Gavin Bradley
Talent shines through,deserved to be a mega star,maybe a few remix’s & the next generation would appreciate this talent.
Dean Friedman
Hey Folks, You can hear 'Rocking Chair' live on my 2014 Tour. Check out the tour-dates and get tickets via my official site which is DeanFriedman plus three letters that rhyme with calm. Thanks for listening and enjoy the music! Dean
Dean Friedman
I respectfully disagree, K. And whatever his flaws he has a decency that the alternative sorely lacks. Also, for what it's worth, he's never suggested we drink bleach to cure Covid.
K Townsend
Just went to the show at the Forum in Bath.
Dean at his best with some excellent new material.
But, drop the politics Dean. Biden is not a good guy.
Tracey Graham
I got your 45 of this!!!much love ❤️
Dean Friedman
@sammi francis I'd say there's a better than even chance you will! Meanwhile, if you'd like to receive tour updates and an occasional newsletter, just send an email to dean at deanfriedman dot rhymes with calm. Cheers!
sammi francis
Hope we are gonna hear this on the 2019 tour xxx