Disappear
Gilbert O’Sullivan Lyrics


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I was asking for a drink last night
Never noticing that things just weren't quite right
For the bartender said you look queer
So disappear
Before I realized what I'd be through
A girl came up to me and said "I love you"
But I whispered gently in her ear
To disappear
What is wrong with everyone in this town
That's what I am asking me
And to my reply it's bound to be
Something I'll never forget
That alone it would happen again
But if it did, I'd know right there and then




I would pack everything I have here
And disappear

Overall Meaning

The song "Disappear" by Gilbert O'Sullivan is a melancholic and introspective piece that expresses the singer's disillusionment with his surroundings. The lyrics describe a night out where the singer is at a bar and people around him seem to think he doesn't fit in, commenting on his appearance and demeanor. While he is still trying to make sense of this interaction, a young woman approaches him and confesses her love. However, instead of reciprocating the feelings, he tells her to disappear, revealing his general unhappiness with his current situation.


The chorus of the song emphasizes the singer's desire to escape from his present circumstances. He wonders what is wrong with everyone in the town and contemplates leaving everything behind to start anew. The lyrics suggest that the singer is feeling isolated and misunderstood, and he is contemplating running away to find a place where he truly belongs.


Overall, "Disappear" is a song about loneliness, disillusionment, and the desire for a fresh start. The lyrics are relatable to anyone who has felt out of place in their surroundings and longed for a sense of belonging.


Line by Line Meaning

I was asking for a drink last night
I ordered a drink at night


Never noticing that things just weren't quite right
I didn't realize that something was off


For the bartender said you look queer
The bartender told me I looked strange


So disappear
The bartender suggested I leave


Before I realized what I'd be through
Before I understood the consequences


A girl came up to me and said 'I love you'
A woman approached me and expressed her love


But I whispered gently in her ear
But I quietly told her


To disappear
To leave me alone


What is wrong with everyone in this town
I wonder what's causing trouble in this area


That's what I am asking me
I'm questioning it myself


And to my reply it's bound to be
I expect it will be my response


Something I'll never forget
Something I'll always remember


That alone it would happen again
That if it happens again without others involved


But if it did, I'd know right there and then
But if it did, I would immediately know


I would pack everything I have here
I would gather all my belongings


And disappear
And leave this place




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: GILBERT O'SULLIVAN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@martinwedge7732

I’ve only heard the demo version on the Himself CD deluxe edition. The added strings on the released single version certainly add something although it’s evident Gilbert was still finding his feet with this old man Bob Dylan style. Great to see his progression before landing at the door of Gordon Mills. Such a super talented singer songwriter x

@RWillemM

Unbelievable Gilbert! Love it!

@Phil-tb2yz

This song is as old as me and this is the first time I've heard it, although the instrumental bit at the end sounds like something from a 1970's kids programme.

@Zephaniah3verse17

Yes!! Reminds me of Clangers... and how it felt to be aged seven.

@jamesewanchook2276

Celt props from Vancouver!

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