Once Upon A Time
Dire Straits Lyrics

Some people get a cheap laugh breaking up the speed limit
Some people find it entertaining to exceed the speed limit, which is considered a violation of the law.

Scaring the pedestrians for a minute
The people who intentionally exceed the speed limit may frighten pedestrians for a brief period while doing so.

Crossing up progress driving on the grass
Those who violate speed limits may cause disturbances by driving on the grass, thereby disrupting the process of normal traffic operations.

Leaving just enough room to pass
People who drive beyond the speed limit may provide a limited amount of space for others who are legally entitled to the use of the road to pass them by.

Sunday driver never took a test
People who drive at a slow and leisurely pace may not have ever taken a driving test to obtain their license.

Oh yeah, once upon a time in the west
This phrase is repeated throughout the song and is used to signify that the events that occurred were from a past era.

Yes it's no use saying that you don't know nothing
It is pointless to deny awareness of a situation when it may still result in negative consequences.

It's still gonna get you if you don't do something
Reminding listeners that taking action or finding solutions is better than letting an impending problem escalate.

Sitting on a fence that's a dangerous course
Being indecisive and hesitant may lead to undesirable or harmful outcomes.

Oh, you could even catch a bullet from the peace-keeping force
Even those who take neutral positions may become a victim of violence in conflicts between opposing forces.

Even the hero gets a bullet in the chest
Even those who attempt to act nobly and with bravery face risks and potential harm.

Mother Mary your children are slaughtered
A religious reference used to convey the tragic and devastating loss of innocent lives.

Some of you mothers ought to lock up your daughters
A warning to parents to take precautionary measures that would protect their children from harm.

Who's protecting the innocents
A question implying that innocent and vulnerable members of society may not have adequate protection, thus exposing them to danger.

Heap big trouble in the land of plenty
A phrase indicating that even in a place of abundance and prosperity, significant problems may still exist.

Tell me how we're gonna do what's best
A plea for guidance and knowledge to make decisions that would be beneficial to society.

You guess once upon a time in the west
An invitation to listeners to reflect on the fact that the situations being described in the lyrics are not isolated, but rather are part of a larger pattern of societal issues that have existed for a long time.

(Once upon) once upon a time in the west
Repetition of the opening phrase to reinforce the idea that the story being conveyed has historical significance.

Once upon a time in the west
Another repetition of the phrase, used as a concluding remark to leave listeners with a lasting impression of the lyrics' message.