The Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters Songfacts says: The off-beat title of this s… Read Full Bio ↴The Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters Songfacts says: The off-beat title of this song gives no clues as to its subject matter, in fact it was inspired by lyricist Bernie Taupin's first visit to New York. Country boy Bernie was born on a farm in Lincolnshire, and was still not entirely comfortable about city living three years after it was recorded.

Mona Lisa & Mad Hatters
Elton John Lyrics

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And now I know
Spanish Harlem are not just pretty words to say
I thought I knew
But now I know that rose trees never grow
In New York City

Until you've seen this trash can dream come true
You stand at the edge while people run you through

And I thank the Lord
There's people out there like you
I thank the Lord there's people out there like you

While Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters
Sons of bankers, sons of lawyers
Turn around and say good morning to the night
For unless they see the sky
But they can't and that is why
They know not if it's dark outside or light

This Broadway's got
It's got a lot of songs to sing
If I knew the tunes I might join in
I'll go my way alone
Grow my own, my own seeds shall be sown, in New York City

Subway's no way for a good man to go down
Rich man can ride and the hobo he can drown
And I thank the Lord for the people I have found
I thank the Lord for the people I have found

While Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters
Sons of bankers, sons of lawyers
Turn around and say good morning to the night
For unless they see the sky
But they can't and that is why
They know not if it's dark outside or light

And now I know
Spanish Harlem are not just pretty words to say
I thought I knew
But now I know that rose trees never grow
In New York City

Subway's no way for a good man to go down
Rich man can ride and the hobo he can drown
And I thank the Lord for the people I have found
I thank the Lord for the people I have found

While Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters
Sons of bankers, sons of lawyers
Turn around and say good morning to the night
For unless they see the sky
But they can't and that is why

They know not if it's dark outside or light
They know not if it's dark outside or light

Overall Meaning

In Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters Part 2, Elton John starts by reflecting on the way he used to perceive things before gaining new experiences. He mentions that Spanish Harlem, which he earlier thought were just pretty words to say, is actually a place worth visiting. He also talks about how he assumed that rose trees grew in New York City when in reality, they don't. Elton John then goes on to describe the harsh reality of living in New York City, especially for those who are less privileged. He talks about standing at the edge while people run you through, and how it takes people like those he has found to make things better. A recurring theme in this song is the dichotomy between the wealthy and poor in New York City. Elton John points out that while the wealthy children (sons of bankers, sons of lawyers) might not have to worry about many things, they are also unaware of what it is like to not be able to see the sky or know if it is dark or light outside.

The lyrics in Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters Part 2 are highly nuanced and tightly packed with meaning, highlighting different aspects of life in New York City – the good and the bad. The line “Subway's no way for a good man to go down, Rich man can ride and the hobo he can drown” is especially powerful, condemning the segregation and disparity that exist in the city.

Line by Line Meaning

And now I know
I have gained new knowledge and insight

Spanish Harlem are not just pretty words to say
The phrase 'Spanish Harlem' has deeper meaning and significance than just being words

I thought I knew
I believed I had understanding or knowledge on a particular matter

But now I know that rose trees never grow
I have learned that certain things are impossible or do not exist

In New York City
Referring to a specific location

Until you've seen this trash can dream come true
One cannot truly understand or comprehend the reality of a situation until they have experienced it firsthand

You stand at the edge while people run you through
In difficult situations, you are vulnerable to being attacked and criticized by others

And I thank the Lord
Expressing gratitude or appreciation to a higher power

There's people out there like you
Thankful for individuals who offer support or understanding in difficult times

While Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters
Referring to certain types of people

Sons of bankers, sons of lawyers
Children of wealthy or influential families

Turn around and say good morning to the night
Ignoring or not acknowledging their surroundings or reality

For unless they see the sky
Without visual confirmation, they are clueless to what is happening around them

But they can't and that is why
They are unable to see or recognize their environment

They know not if it's dark outside or light
They are unable to discern reality or the circumstances around them

This Broadway's got
Referring to a specific location or area

It's got a lot of songs to sing
The location is filled with entertainment or opportunities

If I knew the tunes I might join in
If I had the appropriate knowledge or skillset, I would participate or partake in the entertainment

I'll go my way alone
I will pursue my own path or journey without assistance

Grow my own, my own seeds shall be sown, in New York City
I will create and establish my own future in this specific location

Subway's no way for a good man to go down
Taking the subway is not a viable option for a person with good intentions and morals

Rich man can ride and the hobo he can drown
Those with wealth and power have advantages and are less susceptible to harm or danger than those without

And I thank the Lord for the people I have found
Expressing gratitude for finding individuals who provide support and companionship