A Little Night Music
Helen Hobson Lyrics
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Are we a pair?
Me here at last on the ground,
you in mid-air.
Where are the clowns?
Isn't it bliss?
Don't you approve?
one who can't move.
Where are the clowns?
There ought to be clowns.
Just when I'd stopped
opening doors,
finally knowing
the one that I wanted was yours,
Making my entrance again,
with my usual flair,
Sure of my lines,
no one is there.
Don't you love farce?
My fault, I fear.
I thought that you'd want what I want
sorry, my dear.
And where are the clowns?
Quick, send in the clowns.
Don't bother, they're here.
Isn't it rich?
Isn't it queer?
Losing my timing this late
in my career?
And where are the clowns?
There ought to be clowns.
Well, maybe next year
The song "A Little Night Music" by Helen Hobson is a poignant ballad that captures the feeling of disappointment and regret that comes when we have missed opportunities. The repetitive question "Where are the clowns?" symbolizes the lack of support, encouragement, and joy in life when everything falls apart. The opening line, "Isn't it rich?" is a bittersweet comment on the absurdity and irony of life in general, and how we often find ourselves in situations that we never thought possible.
The singer of the song is reflecting on a lost love, someone who they thought was "the one" but who didn't feel the same way. The second verse, "Just when I'd stopped, opening doors, finally knowing the one that I wanted was yours, making my entrance again, with my usual flair, sure of my lines, no one is there" highlights the disappointment and frustration that comes from making yourself vulnerable again, only to be let down. The line "Don't you love farce? My fault, I fear" shows that the singer is aware of their own role in the situation, but they can't help feeling heartbroken anyway.
The final line of the song, "Well, maybe next year" is a sad but hopeful comment that things may get better in the future, and that there may still be a chance for happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
Isn't it rich?
Isn't it amusing or ironic?
Are we a pair?
Are we temporary companions?
Me here at last on the ground,
I'm finally settled down or grounded.
you in mid-air.
You're still soaring high or ungrounded.
Where are the clowns?
Where are the performers that can make us laugh or cry?
Isn't it bliss?
Isn't it heavenly or delightful?
Don't you approve?
Don't you agree or support?
One who keeps tearing around,
One who's always on the go or in a hurry,
one who can't move.
One who's stuck or can't progress.
there ought to be clowns.
There should be more performers that can evoke emotions.
Just when I'd stopped opening doors,
Just when I thought I had it all figured out.
finally knowing
Finally discovering or realizing.
the one that I wanted was yours,
The one I wanted was already taken by you.
Making my entrance again,
Trying again.
with my usual flair,
With my typical style or confidence.
Sure of my lines,
Confident of what I will say.
no one is there.
No one is there to listen or respond.
Don't you love farce?
Don't you enjoy something that is ridiculous or exaggerated?
My fault, I fear.
I'm responsible or to blame.
I thought that you'd want what I want
I assumed you had similar desires.
sorry, my dear.
Sorry, I made a mistake or hurt you.
Quick, send in the clowns.
Try to make us emotionally move on from this awkward situation.
Don't bother, they're here.
We don't need anyone else to make us laugh or cry; we already have ourselves.
Isn't it queer?
Isn't it strange or unusual?
Losing my timing this late in my career?
Am I losing my momentum or reputation at this stage in my career?
Well, maybe next year
Maybe things will improve or I will improve the next time around.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: STEPHEN SONDHEIM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind