Ballad Of A Thin Man
Golden Earring Lyrics


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From the Album:
* Lovesweat

You walk into the room - with your pencil in your hand
You see somebody naked and you say: Who's that man
You try so hard but, you don't understand
Just what you'll say when you get home
Because somethin' is happenin' here
But you don't know what it is -
Do you - Mister Jones?
You raise your head - and you ask. Is this where it is?
And somebody points to you and says it's his
And somebody else says Well what is
And you say Oh my God - am I here all alone?
You hand in your ticket - And you go watch the geek
Who immediately walks up to you -
When he hears you speak - and says -




Now does it feel to be such a freak
And you say

Overall Meaning

There are several interpretations of the lyrics to Golden Earring's song Ballad of a Thin Man. One possible interpretation is that the song is commenting on the experience of being an outsider, a misfit, or simply not fitting in with the norms and expectations of society. The singer (presumably Mister Jones) seems to be someone who is trying to understand what's going on around him, but is always one step behind. He asks questions, but doesn't really get any answers. He sees people doing things that he doesn't understand, but can only view them as "weird" or "freakish."


The use of phrases like "somebody naked" and "watch the geek" suggests that the narrative is taking place at some kind of freak show or carnival, where people are coming to see things that are unusual or unexpected. However, the song can also be interpreted on a more metaphorical level, as a commentary on the strangeness and alienation that can come from being part of a society that doesn't fully accept or understand you.


Overall, the lyrics to Ballad of a Thin Man suggest a sense of confusion, uncertainty, and anxiety about what it means to belong in the world. The singer seems to be searching for meaning and understanding, but is unable to find it in the bizarre and surreal environment he finds himself in.


Line by Line Meaning

You walk into the room - with your pencil in your hand
As you enter the room with your writing tool, you observe that someone is unclothed, and you inquire who that person is.


You see somebody naked and you say: Who's that man
Upon witnessing a naked individual, you pose a question, seeking to learn the person's identity.


You try so hard but, you don't understand
Despite your diligent efforts, you are unable to comprehend the situation fully.


Just what you'll say when you get home
You ponder what you will tell others when you leave this place and return to your dwelling.


Because somethin' is happenin' here
You recognize that there is an event taking place within the location you are occupying.


But you don't know what it is - Do you - Mister Jones?
Despite your awareness of the situation, you are uncertain about what is happening within this space. Is that not the case, Mister Jones?


You raise your head - and you ask. Is this where it is?
You lift your head and question if this is the exact location where the event is transpiring.


And somebody points to you and says it's his
Someone draws attention to you and confirms that you are the person in charge of the happening within the space.


And somebody else says Well what is
Another person questions the nature of the event.


And you say Oh my God - am I here all alone?
You express shock in discovering that you may be the sole individual responsible for this event.


You hand in your ticket - And you go watch the geek
You present your ticket and proceed to observe the person who is queer and unconventional, referred to as a 'geek.'


Who immediately walks up to you - When he hears you speak - and says -
As soon as the 'geek' hears you speak, he approaches you and says -


Now does it feel to be such a freak
He questions how you feel being an outsider or someone who is considered weird or unusual.


And you say
You respond to the 'geek's' inquiry.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Bob Dylan

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Richard

Until you will come up with a better version, this one beats all! Mr. Barry Hay, his colleagues of Golden Earring and the great orchestra are leading the primary League

Agapanthus

This one's close: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84upSQIDUYU

MA Jones

...Bob Dylan cover; thanks.

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