Molly
Denver. John Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I ran away from home
I went to join the circus
Went to see the cotton candy whirl
And make me lots of money on my own
For Molly, oh, my pretty Molly
But she's waiting all alone
Someday soon I will return to her
Then I made the big time
Bright 11ghts, show biz
I'm really in the circus
There's only one thing wrong
I haven't saved a penny on my own
For Molly, oh, my pretty Molly
But she's writing everyday
Molly understands, so it's okay
Ride a windy box car
See a thousand children young and old
Oh, that grease paint smile
Can hide your soul
Here comes a carousel
Guess which town it is
Feel the thrill
Grease paint covers everything
But winters chill
I'm reading Molly's letter
The ink is fading
And the page is fuming yellow
Long ago, I promised Molly
Don't you know I
I will close my eyes and go to her?
The lyrics to "Molly" by John Denver tell the story of a young man who runs away from home to join the circus. He dreams of making lots of money and returning to his beloved Molly. However, as he enters the show business and experiences the bright lights of the circus, he realizes that he hasn't been able to save any money for Molly. Despite this, Molly continues to write to him and understand his situation.
The song captures the nostalgic longing of the singer, as he reminisces about the carefree days of his youth and the innocence of his relationship with Molly. While the circus provides excitement and thrills, it also serves as a metaphor for the transient and superficial aspects of showbiz. The mention of a carousel highlights the constant traveling and changing towns that comes with being part of the circus.
As the song progresses, the singer reads Molly's fading letter, symbolizing the passage of time and the fading of their connection. Yet, he still holds onto his promise to close his eyes and go to her, suggesting a sense of hope and determination to reunite with Molly, despite the challenges he faces.
Overall, "Molly" explores themes of longing, sacrifice, and the pursuit of dreams, while presenting a bittersweet reflection on the singer's journey and the enduring love he shares with Molly.
Line by Line Meaning
When I was a young man
During my youth
I ran away from home
Escaped from my household
I went to join the circus
I became a part of the circus community
Went to see the cotton candy whirl
Witnessed the mesmerizing spinning of cotton candy
And make me lots of money on my own
To earn a significant amount of money independently
For Molly, oh, my pretty Molly
In honor of Molly, my beautiful companion
But she's waiting all alone
However, she patiently waits in solitude
Someday soon I will return to her
In the near future, I will come back to her
Then I made the big time
Eventually, I achieved great success
Bright 11ghts, show biz
Vibrant and dazzling entertainment industry
I'm really in the circus
I truly belong to the circus world
There's only one thing wrong
Yet, there remains a single problem
I haven't saved a penny on my own
I haven't managed to save any money independently
For Molly, oh, my pretty Molly
For the sake of Molly, my lovely Molly
But she's writing everyday
However, she writes to me daily
Molly understands, so it's okay
Molly comprehends the situation, therefore it is acceptable
Ride a windy box car
Traveling aboard a precarious freight train
See a thousand children young and old
Observing numerous children of diverse ages
Oh, that grease paint smile
The smile covered in theatrical makeup
Can hide your soul
Is capable of concealing one's true essence
Here comes a carousel
Approaching is a carousel
Guess which town it is
Attempt to determine the location of the town
Feel the thrill
Experience the excitement
Grease paint covers everything
Theatrical makeup conceals everything
But winters chill
Except for the coldness of winter
I'm reading Molly's letter
I am perusing Molly's written correspondence
The ink is fading
The ink is losing its vibrancy
And the page is fuming yellow
Additionally, the page is emitting a yellow discoloration
Long ago, I promised Molly
In the distant past, I made a vow to Molly
Don't you know I
Surely you are aware that I
I will close my eyes and go to her?
I will shut my eyes and reunite with her?
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BIFF ROSE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind