Love Of The Common People
Elton John Lyrics

Living on free food tickets
Struggling to make ends meet and relying on government assistance for basic needs like food.

Water in the milk from the hole in the roof
Living in poor-quality housing with leaks and holes, where rain and other elements infiltrate even the food and drink.

Where the rain came through
Further emphasizing the dilapidated conditions of the living situation.

What can we do
A rhetorical question that conveys a sense of helplessness and despair at the current situation.

Tears from your little sister
The poignant image of a sibling crying because she doesn't have adequate clothing to wear to an important event.

Crying 'cause she doesn't have a dress without a patch for the party to go
Highlighting the stark contrast between the hopelessness of the current situation and the desire for something better - even something as simple as a new dress.

Oh but you know she'll get by
Despite the hardship, there is a glimmer of hope and resilience in this line - the willingness to keep moving forward and find a way to make it work.

'Cause she's living in the love of the common people
Acknowledging the idea that even though there is financial struggle, there is still love and community within the family, which can provide a sense of support and comfort.

Smiles from the heart of the family man
Suggesting that even though the father may not have much, he still finds joy in the time he spends with his family, and cherishes those moments of connection and happiness.

Daddy's gonna buy her a dream to cling to
Promising the little sister that even though things may be tough, her father will find a way to help her feel better and attain some happiness.

Momma's gonna love her just as much as she can
Reiterating the idea that even though there may be financial struggle and hardship, the mother's love knows no bounds and she will always do what she can to support her children emotionally.

And she can
An affirmation that despite the difficult times, the little sister is still capable of achieving great things and finding happiness in the world around her.

It's a good thing you don't have bus fare
Sarcastically commenting on the state of desperation and destitution - if there was bus fare, it would be lost anyways due to holes in pockets or other circumstances.

It would fall through the hole in your pocket
Further emphasizing the poor living conditions and financial struggles of the person in the song.

And you'll lose it in the snow on the ground
Adding another layer of difficulty to the situation, where even something as simple as transportation becomes an obstacle due to the snow and weather conditions.

Out walking your dog to find a job
Showing the effort and initiative that the person in the song is taking to make a better life for themselves, even if the circumstances are dire.

Trying to keep your hands warm
A small detail that conveys the daily struggles and discomfort associated with living in poverty and trying to make ends meet.

But the hole in your shoe lets the snow come through
Highlighting the lack of basic necessities, like appropriate footwear, that can make living in snowy conditions even more challenging.

And it chills you to the bone
A visceral image that conveys the deep discomfort and even danger that can come with living in the cold and lacking proper clothing or shelter.

You better go home where it's warm
An urgent reminder that in order to survive and stay healthy, it's important to return to a place of safety and stability when possible.

Living on dreams ain't easy
Acknowledging the reality of the situation - that even though resilience and determination are important, there are still very real obstacles to overcome and struggles to face.

But the closer the knit the tighter the fit
Suggesting that there is strength and support to be found within a close-knit community or family, which can help individuals weather the toughest storms together.

And the chills stay away
When there is warmth and love within a family and community, even the coldest external conditions can't dampen the spirits or the resilience of those involved.

You can take them in stride, for family pride
When there is a shared sense of pride and purpose within a family and community, it can give individuals the strength to keep moving forward even when the going gets tough.

You know that faith in your foundation
Reinforcing the importance of having a strong and supportive community or family to lean on during difficult times, and the positive effects of having faith in that foundation.

And with a whole lot of love and a warm conversation
Emphasizing that the foundation of resilience and strength during difficult times is not just material resources, but also the emotional support and love that can sustain individuals through hardship.

And a _______ prayer making you strong
Although the exact details of what fills in this blank are not clear, it is likely that the missing word is either a specific type of prayer or a type of spirituality or religion that can provide additional strength and support during difficult times.

Where you belong
Concluding the song on a hopeful note, suggesting that even though difficult times may come and go, there is still a sense of belonging and connectedness to a loving family or community that can help weather the toughest storms.