Watching The Party
Fairground Attraction Lyrics


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Midnight neons blur in drunken eyes
And flicker their mad, mad light
Fireworks fall like a floral arcade
It's a carnival tonight

And I'm watching the party
I'm watching the party
I'm listening to the laughing
I'm watching the party, yeah

Here's the TV game show host
He's telling some marvelous jokes
Here's the prizes someone could win
Just make the lucky wheel of fortune spin

But I'm watching the party, yeah
I'm watching the party
I'm listening to the laughing
I'm watching the party

Picture a chintzy, chintzy ballroom hall
Diamante necklaces and mirror-ball
The conductor yawns and looks at his watch
And swings his baton in time to a waltz

Me, I'm watching the party
I'm watching the party




I'm listening to the laughing
I'm watching the party

Overall Meaning

The song "Watching The Party" by Fairground Attraction is a slow and mellow ballad about someone who is observing a party from the sidelines. The vivid imagery of the lyrics paints a picture of a carnival-like atmosphere; the flashing neon lights, the fireworks, and the game show host all contribute to the scene. However, the singer is not a participant of the festivities. Instead, they choose to observe from a distance, taking in the laughter and merriment of the other guests. As the song progresses, the scene changes to a chintzy ballroom hall with sparkling diamonds and a conductor leading a waltz. The singer remains an observer throughout, watching the party unfold before their eyes.


The lyrics of the song can be interpreted in various ways. Perhaps the singer is an introverted individual who prefers to take in the surroundings before fully immersing themselves in a new environment. Alternatively, they may be feeling lonely or disconnected from the partygoers and are choosing to observe from afar rather than putting themselves out there. The lyrics of the song also paint a somewhat melancholic portrait of the passing of time. The conductor's yawn and the prizes on the wheel of fortune all suggest a certain monotony and a longing for something more than the usual party routine.


Line by Line Meaning

Midnight neons blur in drunken eyes
The bright neon lights at midnight are hazy in the eyes of inebriated people


And flicker their mad, mad light
The lights blink erratically, giving a sense of chaos


Fireworks fall like a floral arcade
The fireworks display looks like an array of flowers


It's a carnival tonight
Tonight's celebration is like a carnival


And I'm watching the party
The artist is observing the festivities


I'm watching the party
The singer is observing the festivities


I'm listening to the laughing
The singer is actively listening to the laughter and excitement around them


I'm watching the party, yeah
The artist is still observing the festivities


Here's the TV game show host
The TV game show host makes an appearance at the party


He's telling some marvelous jokes
The host is entertaining the guests with some amusing anecdotes


Here's the prizes someone could win
There are exciting prizes to be won at the party


Just make the lucky wheel of fortune spin
To win a prize, all one needs to do is spin the wheel of fortune


Picture a chintzy, chintzy ballroom hall
Imagine a gaudy ballroom filled with outdated decor


Diamante necklaces and mirror-ball
The guests are adorned with fake diamond jewelry and a disco ball sparkles above


The conductor yawns and looks at his watch
The orchestra conductor is bored and checking the time


And swings his baton in time to a waltz
The orchestra continues to play a waltz while the conductor conducts unenthusiastically




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MARK EDWARD CASCIAN NEVIN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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