This is not correct writing for Gene's going solo.
So You Say You Lost Your Baby
Gene Clark; Gosdin Brothers Lyrics
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Catch the moment on the run
And you say there's nothin' easy
About the plywood tract you're from
And you stand inside your wind stilts
Watch the sentence act begun
So you say you lost your baby
With the stand to watch the trials go,
From here to there behind the scene
Throw your troubles to the moon trolls
To swallow up like stormy dreams
Take an entrance to a stand-off,
Looking if there's such a strife
And you say you lost your baby,
Wondering if its in your life
Well you fly your banners Mondays,
That take a rise and fall in one
Ask the questions of the pilgrims,
As they come to pledge what's done
Claim a tabernacle hillside
Where you'll sight the dyin' sun
So you say you lost your baby,
Don't you know that you're the one.
So you say you lost your baby,
Do you know that you're the one.
Interpretation:
The lyrics to Gene Clark's song So You Say You Lost Your Baby are somewhat cryptic, but seem to paint a picture of a person who is struggling with their own feelings of inadequacy while trying to navigate the challenges of life. The lines "you say there's nothin' easy about the plywood tract you're from" and "you stand inside your wind stilts, watch the sentence act begun" seem to suggest that the person feels trapped and somewhat powerless in their situation.
The chorus - "So you say you lost your baby, do you know that you're the one" - is particularly intriguing. It seems to suggest that the person is blaming themselves for their own unhappiness or misfortune, which is not an uncommon phenomenon. The subsequent lines "with the stand to watch the trials go, from here to there behind the scene...take an entrance to a stand-off, looking if there's such a strife" suggest that this person is something of an observer, watching life unfold around them but not quite sure how to fully participate in it.
The final verse has a somewhat mystical quality to it, with references to "moon trolls" and "tabernacle hillside...where you'll sight the dyin' sun." It seems to suggest that the person is searching for answers or some kind of deeper meaning, but is not quite sure where to look.
Overall, the lyrics to So You Say You Lost Your Baby are somewhat enigmatic, but suggest a sense of displacement, powerlessness, and perhaps a longing for something more.
Line by Line Meaning
Well you're smolderin' with fly words,
You speak impressively and with confidence
Catch the moment on the run
Seize opportunities when they arise
And you say there's nothin' easy
You acknowledge that life is hard
About the plywood tract you're from
You recognize the challenges of growing up in a working-class neighborhood
And you stand inside your wind stilts
You have an elevated view and perspective
Watch the sentence act begun
You observe events as they unfold
So you say you lost your baby
You claim to have lost your significant other
Do you know that your the one
You recognize that you bear some responsibility for the situation
With the stand to watch the trials go,
You have the willpower to witness difficult situations
From here to there behind the scene
You observe events from both near and far
Throw your troubles to the moon trolls
You attempt to escape your problems in vain
To swallow up like stormy dreams
Your problems are overwhelming and consuming
Take an entrance to a stand-off,
You prepare to engage in a conflict or confrontation
Looking if there's such a strife
You assess the situation to determine if it warrants a confrontation
And you say you lost your baby,
You again mention your lost significant other
Wondering if its in your life
You question whether they were ever really in your life
Well you fly your banners Mondays,
You have a routine or pattern to your behavior
That take a rise and fall in one
Your behavior can be erratic and unpredictable
Ask the questions of the pilgrims,
You seek answers or guidance from others
As they come to pledge what's done
Others offer their support and commitment
Claim a tabernacle hillside
You stake your claim to a particular place or perspective
Where you'll sight the dyin' sun
You observe the end of a particular era or period
So you say you lost your baby,
You again mention your lost significant other
Don't you know that you're the one.
You take responsibility for the breakup and its aftermath
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: GENE CLARK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Dennis LaGrua
Gene Clark was the sound of the Byrds , their lead singer and their head writer that wrote some great songs. He recreated the sound after he left the group but it was never a commercial success. The Gosdin brothers provided good harmony vocals
Bryan Palmer
Remember as a young boy hearing this on NZ radio during the late 60s, didn't know who it was but I liked it- over 50 yrs later I still do it's a beautiful song RIP Gene Auckland New Zealand 2022
Dave Zelzer
Bought this album in 1967 (I think) Great cuts all-- but this is my favorite...