Once Upon A Time in The West
FAMILY ROOM - Dire Straits Lyrics
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Scaring the pedestrians for a minute
Crossing up progress driving on the grass
Leaving just enough room to pass
Sunday driver never took a test
Oh yeah, once upon a time in the west
Yes it's no use saying that you don't know nothing
Sitting on a fence that's a dangerous course
Oh, you could even catch a bullet from the peace-keeping force
Even the hero gets a bullet in the chest
Oh yeah, once upon a time in the west
Mother Mary your children are slaughtered
Some of you mothers ought to lock up your daughters
Who's protecting the innocents
Heap big trouble in the land of plenty
Tell me how we're gonna do what's best
You guess once upon a time in the west
Oh yeah, once upon a time in the west
Oh yeah, once upon a time in the west
Oh yeah, once upon a time in the west
(Once upon) once upon a time in the west
Once upon a time in the west
Once upon a time in the west
Once upon a time in the west
Once upon a time in the west
Once upon a time in the west
Once upon a time in the west
Once upon a time in the west
Once upon a time in the west
In Dire Straits' song "Once Upon A Time In The West," the lyrics depict a scene of chaos and recklessness on the road. The first verse suggests that there are people who find amusement in breaking the speed limit, scaring pedestrians, and disregarding rules of the road. Their actions disrupt progress and order, symbolized by driving on the grass and leaving just enough room to pass. The reference to the Sunday driver never taking a test implies a lack of responsibility and awareness.
The second verse paints a picture of indifference and consequences. The lyrics suggest that pretending to be ignorant about the problems around us won't protect us from them. Sitting on the fence, being indecisive or passive, is a dangerous position to be in. The line about catching a bullet from the peace-keeping force further emphasizes that even those who think they are innocent or neutral can become victims of the chaos and violence.
The following lines bring attention to the suffering and violence experienced by innocent people. The mention of Mother Mary alludes to her anguish for her children, symbolizing the sorrow of all mothers whose children are affected. The line "Some of you mothers ought to lock up your daughters" implies that the world is becoming increasingly dangerous and unpredictable, and parents need to protect their children.
The lyrics then confront the issue of who is responsible for protecting the innocent. The reference to the "land of plenty" suggests that despite having ample resources, there is still grave trouble. The song questions how to determine the best course of action to address these problems, leaving the answer open-ended.
Overall, "Once Upon A Time In The West" reflects on a time and place where chaos, recklessness, and violence prevail. The lyrics suggest that even the most unsuspecting individuals can become victims in a world where progress and order seem to crumble. The song serves as a commentary on society's disregard for rules and the urgent need for protection and solutions in times of crisis.
Line by Line Meaning
Some people get a cheap laugh breaking up the speed limit
Certain individuals find amusement in disregarding the imposed maximum speed restrictions.
Scaring the pedestrians for a minute
Causing momentary fear among pedestrians.
Crossing up progress driving on the grass
Obstructing advancement by driving on non-designated areas.
Leaving just enough room to pass
Providing minimal space for others to go through.
Sunday driver never took a test
An inexperienced driver who never obtained a license.
Oh yeah, once upon a time in the west
Referring to a past era in the western region.
Yes it's no use saying that you don't know nothing
Denying knowledge will not prevent consequences.
It's still gonna get you if you don't do something
Action must be taken to avoid negative outcomes.
Sitting on a fence that's a dangerous course
Remaining indecisive in a risky situation.
Oh, you could even catch a bullet from the peace-keeping force
Even those seeking harmony can face harm.
Even the hero gets a bullet in the chest
Even the singer can suffer adversity.
Mother Mary your children are slaughtered
Expressing the anguish of innocent lives lost.
Some of you mothers ought to lock up your daughters
Implying the need for parental protection.
Who's protecting the innocents
Questioning the safeguarding of the blameless.
Heap big trouble in the land of plenty
A significant issue in a supposedly prosperous place.
Tell me how we're gonna do what's best
Seeking guidance on deciding the optimal course of action.
You guess once upon a time in the west
Speculating about a past era in the western region.
Oh yeah, once upon a time in the west
Reiterating the reference to a previous period.
Once upon a time in the west
Historically, in the western region.
Once upon a time in the west
Previously, in the western region.
Once upon a time in the west
At one point in the western region's history.
Once upon a time in the west
In an earlier time in the western region.
Once upon a time in the west
During a past era in the western region.
Once upon a time in the west
At a certain point in the western region's history.
Once upon a time in the west
During a specific period in the western region.
Once upon a time in the west
In a certain time frame in the western region.
Once upon a time in the west
In a particular epoch in the western region.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Mark Knopfler
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind