Lucky Man
Emerson_Lake_&_Palmer Lyrics
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And ladies by the score
All dressed in satin
And waiting by the door
Ooh, what a lucky man he was
Ooh, what a lucky man he was
They made up his bed
A gold covered mattress
On which he was laid
Ooh, what a lucky man he was
Ooh, what a lucky man he was
He went to fight wars
For his country and his king
Of his honor and his glory
The people would sing
Ooh, what a lucky man he was
Ooh, what a lucky man he was
A bullet had found him
His blood ran as he cried
No money could save him
So he laid down and he died
Ooh, what a lucky man he was
Ooh, what a lucky man he was
The lyrics of Emerson Lake & Palmer's "Lucky Man" tell a story of a man who seems to have it all. The first stanza paints a picture of his opulence and the attention he receives from women. The repetition of the line "Ooh, what a lucky man he was" emphasizes the luxurious lifestyle he lives.
In the second stanza, the focus shifts to his sleeping arrangements, which are equally lavish. The gold-covered mattress suggests he is wealthy beyond measure. However, the juxtaposition of the first two stanzas with the third stanza shows that his possessions and privileges were in vain. He went to fight wars for his country and was praised for his heroism. However, in the end, his luck ran out, and he died in battle. The line "No money could save him" highlights the futility of wealth when one's life is on the line.
Overall, "Lucky Man" is a poignant reminder that material possessions and money are not enough to bring true fulfillment in life. The focus on external success detracts from the fleeting and unpredictable nature of life, reminding us to value what we have while we have it.
Line by Line Meaning
He had white horses
He owned majestic horses that were a symbol of power and wealth.
And ladies by the score
He had numerous women who were attracted to him because of his financial status and lavish lifestyle.
All dressed in satin
These women wore expensive and luxurious clothing that was a reflection of the man's wealth.
And waiting by the door
These women were always ready and eager to be with him and enjoy his riches.
Ooh, what a lucky man he was
The chorus line repeats to reinforce the image of a fortunate man who had everything he could ever want.
White lace and feathers
The man was surrounded by extravagant and ornate decorations in his bedroom.
They made up his bed
These decorations were used to create a luxurious sleeping environment that was fit for a king.
A gold covered mattress
Even the man's bed was made of expensive and valuable materials that were a sign of his immense wealth.
On which he was laid
This further emphasizes that the man lived a life of comfort and extravagance.
He went to fight wars
Despite his life of luxury, the man was also brave and patriotic and was willing to put himself in harm's way for his country and king.
For his country and his king
The man was not just fighting for himself, but for a greater cause and for his sense of duty and honor.
Of his honor and his glory
The people praised and admired the man for his heroism and bravery in battle.
The people would sing
The public showed their appreciation for the man through music and song, which was a sign of respect and honor in those times.
A bullet had found him
Despite his bravery, the man was not invincible and was eventually injured during his service.
His blood ran as he cried
The man suffered greatly from his injury and was in pain and distress.
No money could save him
Despite his wealth, the man could not buy his way out of his injury or death.
So he laid down and he died
The man eventually succumbed to his injury and died, showing that even the luckiest of men cannot escape the inevitability of death.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Gregory Lake
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind