Star
Gerry Rafferty Lyrics
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Now you're walking down the street with your feet off the ground
They read in the press all about your success
They believe every word they've been told
After all you've been through tell me what will you do
When you find yourself out in the cold? (ah tell me, ah tell me)
When you appear on the stage there's a standing ovation
You breeze through the door and when you take a floor
You expect to have it all to yourself
After all you've been through tell me what will you do
When you find yourself back on the shelf? (ah tell me, ah tell me)
You breeze through the door and when you take a floor
You expect to have it all to yourself
After all you've been through tell me what will you do
When you find yourself back on the shelf? (ah tell me, ah tell me)
The lyrics to Gerry Rafferty's song "Star" describe the aftermath of fame and success. The first verse suggests that once someone becomes a "star," they may become disconnected from reality, with their "head in a cloud" and "feet off the ground." The media's portrayal of their success becomes the truth in the eyes of their fans, and they are expected to keep up with this image. However, the chorus questions what will happen when this image fades away and they are left "out in the cold." The second verse highlights the high-pressure nature of performing, with expectations being high and the crowd eagerly watching. But again, the chorus raises the question of what will happen when this doesn't last, and they find themselves "back on the shelf."
Overall, the song is a commentary on the fleeting nature of fame and the potential negative effects it can have on individuals. It suggests that the pressure to maintain an image can be exhausting and that the adoration of fans may not always be sincere or lasting. The chorus repeats the same question, emphasizing the uncertain future that comes with fame.
Line by Line Meaning
So they made you a star, now your head's in a cloud
You were made famous and now you have an inflated ego
Now you're walking down the street with your feet off the ground
You feel like you're above everyone else
They read in the press all about your success
People know all about your achievements from the media
They believe every word they've been told
The public takes everything they hear about you as truth
After all you've been through tell me what will you do
Given everything you have faced, what will be your next move?
When you find yourself out in the cold? (ah tell me, ah tell me)
What will you do when you fall out of the public eye?
When you appear on the stage there's a standing ovation
You receive a lot of praise and admiration when you perform
You really live out your performance, you're the biggest sensation
You put on a great show and people love you
You breeze through the door and when you take a floor
You casually enter and take over a room
You expect to have it all to yourself
You believe that you should be the center of attention
When you find yourself back on the shelf? (ah tell me, ah tell me)
What will you do when your fame dwindles and you're no longer in the spotlight?
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Camille Stein
It's 2:42 a.m. and three years since last I posted.
I'm going through a rough time and for some reason I just had to play (and play ad infinitum) this song.
I just can't stop crying 😢😢 but maybe this is cathartic.
Thank you, Gerry and Stealers Wheel, for being there patiently waiting for me to return. ❤
Isn't it amazing how music can evoke (invoke?) such strong emotions? 🎉
Time to return playing this wonderful song.
zeedfighting 8545
So they made you a star, now your head's in a cloud,
Now you're walking down the street with your feet off the ground
They read in the press all about your success,
They believe every word they've been told.
After all you've been through tell me what will you do,
When you find yourself out in the cold?
When you appear on the stage there's a standing ovation,
You really live out your performance, you're the biggest sensation.
You breeze through the door and when you take the floor
You expect to have it all to yourself.
After all you've been through tell me what will you do
When you find yourself back on the shelf?
You breeze through the door and when you take the floor
You expect to have it all to yourself.
After all you've been through tell me what will you do
When you find yourself back on the shelf?
Horacio Nicolas Herrera
So they've made you a star
Now your head's in a cloud
And you're walkin' down the street
With your feet are off the ground
They read in the press all about your success
They believe every word they've been told
After all you've been through tell what will you do
When you find yourself out in the cold
Ah, tell me Ah, tell me
When you appear on the stage
There's a standing ovation
You really live out your performance
You're the biggest sensation
You breeze through the door and when you take the floor
You expect to have it all to yourself
After all you've been through tell me what will you do
When you find yourself back on the shelf
Ah, tell me Ah, tell me
You breeze though the door and when you take the floor
You expect to have it all to yourself
After all you've been through tell me what will you do
When you find yourself back on the shelf
Ah, tell me Ah, tell me
Nonie Kendrick
A harmonica, a player piano & kazoos, among many other instruments . It is a musician’s dream & one of my all time faves. So sad so few people have ever heard it.
mrsdaytripper86
You just dont get unique sound and quality like this anymore. Long live Gerry and his smooth grooves.
J G
This was a Joe Egan composition, they were fantastic together.
Camille Stein
It's 2:42 a.m. and three years since last I posted.
I'm going through a rough time and for some reason I just had to play (and play ad infinitum) this song.
I just can't stop crying 😢😢 but maybe this is cathartic.
Thank you, Gerry and Stealers Wheel, for being there patiently waiting for me to return. ❤
Isn't it amazing how music can evoke (invoke?) such strong emotions? 🎉
Time to return playing this wonderful song.
Paul Rooks
Are you ok now?
Camille Stein
@Paul Rooks Oh, Paul! How so terribly kind of you to ask! 🫂 Yes, I am. I think that it was something that I had to do.
Thank you so very much for taking the time to ask.
~Camille
Cherrie Long
Love Steelers Wheel and this song is awesome! Love Gerry Rafferty and his solo tunes like Baker Street and Right Down the Line.Another great talent who died too soon. RIP Gerry.
Kristen K
My late mother loved this song...she had the 45 rpm single...took me years to find it on CD...way before youtube. So glad its so easy to listen to now. Love this song so much. Miss you mom.
mikedo6
💌💌💌
Harry S. Anchan
This is definitely the group's best. Released on December 22, 1973, reaching # 29 on March 23, 1974. R.I.P., Gerry.