Badge
Eric Clapton; Cream Lyrics
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Thinkin' that I might have drove you too far.
And I'm thinkin' 'bout the love that you laid on my table.
I told you not to wander 'round in the dark.
I told you 'bout the swans, that they live in the park.
Then I told you 'bout our kid, now he's married to mabel.
Don't you notice how the wheel goes 'round?
And you better pick yourself up from the ground
Before they bring the curtain down,
Yes, before they bring the curtain down.
Talkin' 'bout a girl that looks quite like you.
She didn't have the time to wait in the queue.
She cried away her life since she fell off the cradle.
The lyrics of "Badge" by Cream, written by Eric Clapton and George Harrison, seem to be a reflection on a previous relationship. The singer is thinking about the times they shared, but also the mistakes that were made, mainly driving too far or too fast. The love that was offered is also mentioned, perhaps as a regretful reminiscence.
In addition, there is a mention of a warning not to wander in the dark and a story of swans living in the park. These could be interpreted as metaphors for caution and beauty, respectively. There is also a mention of a child who is now married to someone named Mabel, indicating that time has passed and life has moved on.
The chorus brings up the concept of the ups and downs of life, and the cyclical nature of existence. There is a warning to pick oneself up before the final curtain falls, indicating that life is finite and one should make the most of it.
The final verse talks about a girl who looks like the previous partner, but who suffered greatly and cried her life away. This is a sad note to end on, again implying the importance of seizing happiness while it is available.
Overall, "Badge" appears to be a poignant reflection on lost love, regret, and the passage of time.
Line by Line Meaning
Thinkin' 'bout the times you drove in my car.
Reflecting on the memories of you riding in my car.
Thinkin' that I might have drove you too far.
Wondering if I pushed you too much and caused harm.
And I'm thinkin' 'bout the love that you laid on my table.
Recalling the love and care you provided during our time together.
I told you not to wander 'round in the dark.
Advising you to be cautious when in unfamiliar surroundings.
I told you 'bout the swans, that they live in the park.
Mentioning the swans that reside in the nearby park.
Then I told you 'bout our kid, now he's married to Mabel.
Sharing the news about our child who is now married to someone named Mabel.
Yes, I told you that the light goes up and down.
Reminding you of the cyclical nature of life.
Don't you notice how the wheel goes 'round?
Asking if you've noticed the continuous cycle of events.
And you better pick yourself up from the ground
Urging you to get back up after experiencing a setback.
Before they bring the curtain down,
Before it's too late and time runs out.
Talkin' 'bout a girl that looks quite like you.
Bringing up a girl who resembles you.
She didn't have the time to wait in the queue.
She was too impatient to wait for her turn in line.
She cried away her life since she fell off the cradle.
She struggled through life because she never fully recovered from a difficult childhood.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ERIC PATRICK CLAPTON, GEORGE HARRISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@muffs55mercury61
A time in history that will never ever be duplicated again.
@PennPearson
So true. It was a golden era. I remember it well.
@marclayne9261
1969....I heard this song, age 14....
@joesix-pack4022
"duplicated again"? Tautology? 🤔
@yousefabdelmonem3788
@Joe Six-Pack It did get duplicated once but that was a mistake 👍
@zagagrad
Oh yeah!
@syncrolecyne
This song NEVER ages.
@pablozewoppa
You are 100% correct
@halliebrokerassistant1726
Always
@halliebrokerassistant1726
Seven years later