Gillan was born in Hounslow, Middlesex, England. He joined the band Deep Purple in 1969. In 1970, he sang the part of Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar. After leaving Deep Purple in 1973, he went into brief retirement before forming the Ian Gillan Band. The early band sound had a distinct jazz-rock aspect which proved unpopular and was replaced by a more high powered hard rock sound as Gillan reformed the lineup and shortened the groups name to Gillan. With the release of Mr. Universe Ian Gillan was back in the UK charts and through several more line up changes released a string of hit singles and successful albums including Glory Road, Future Shock, Double Trouble, and finally Magic.
Then he announced the band would fold as he needed to rest his damaged vocal cords. In 1983 he joined Black Sabbath to record the Born Again album before rejoining a reunited Deep Purple shortly after completing the Born Again tour in early 1984. He left Purple again in 1989, but rejoined for good in 1992. He remains in the band today.
Gillan is now working on a project to document his 40-year career, tentatively called Gillan's Inn. Tony Iommi, Jeff Healey, various members of Deep Purple and many others will be featured on this 2006 DVD project.
A Day Late 'N' a Dollar Short
Ian Gillan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I wanted to know
what I was like inside
In the morning every day of my life
Face in my mirror
seems so surprised
And I dance by the light
of the silvery moon
That's what my momma said
Wild dreams and empty thoughts
Going through your head
Once I tried to set myself on fire
I was burning with desire
Voice of reason whispers in my ear
I see the light
but I cannot hear
Naked dancers
chanting in the night
Day late and a dollar short
Never was and I never will be
what you're gonna be
A day late and a dollar short
it's what my momma said
Wild dreams and empty thoughts
Going through your head
Day late and a dollar short
Dream on, dream on
You're dreamin'
Day late and a dollar short
Momma said
Get back to your bed
Day late and a dollar short
It's what she said to me
The lyrics to Ian Gillan's song "A Day Late 'N' a Dollar Short" reflect themes of self-discovery, personal reflection, and missed opportunities. In the first verse, the singer expresses a desire to truly understand themselves by metaphorically attempting to consume their own being. This suggests a deep curiosity about their own identity and a longing to uncover what lies within.
The second verse takes a more introspective turn as the singer discusses their daily routine, particularly their encounters with their own reflection in the mirror. The surprise in their face suggests a disconnect between how they perceive themselves and how they are perceived by others. This may hint at feelings of insecurity and a struggle to find their true sense of identity.
The chorus repeats the phrase "Day late and a dollar short," which is a colloquial expression meaning that one is always behind and missing out on opportunities. The singer's mother is the one who tells them this, adding an element of parental guidance and wisdom. The mention of "wild dreams and empty thoughts" suggests a constant stream of ideas and aspirations that may feel unfulfilled or unattainable.
The third verse presents a metaphorical scenario where the singer tries to set themselves on fire, symbolic of being consumed by intense desire or passion. However, there is a voice of reason that whispers to them, possibly representing rationality or caution preventing them from fully embracing their desires. The mention of seeing the light but not being able to hear it suggests a dichotomy between experiencing and understanding, or perhaps a struggle to fully grasp their own potential.
The final chorus reinforces the ideas presented throughout the song, with the addition of "dream on, dream on, you're dreamin'." This line signifies a mix of encouragement and disappointment, acknowledging the power of dreams while also acknowledging their potential futility. The song concludes with the singer being told by their mother to return to bed, implying a return to a state of inaction or complacency.
Overall, "A Day Late 'N' a Dollar Short" explores themes of self-discovery, missed opportunities, and the tension between dreams and reality. It delves into the singer's quest for understanding, their longing for something more, and the guidance and wisdom provided by their mother.
Line by Line Meaning
Once I tried to eat myself alive
I attempted to fully experience and understand my own existence
I wanted to know
what I was like inside
I desired to discover my true self and understand my inner being
In the morning every day of my life
Each day, upon reflection, I question and examine my existence
Face in my mirror
seems so surprised
When I gaze upon my reflection, I am often taken aback by the unexpected aspects of my true self
And I dance by the light
of the silvery moon
I find solace and inspiration in the serene and mystical ambiance of the moonlight
Day late and a dollar short
I consistently fall behind and fail to meet expectations or fulfill obligations in a timely manner
That's what my momma said
These are the words of wisdom imparted to me by my mother
Wild dreams and empty thoughts
Going through your head
Your mind is filled with extravagant fantasies and meaningless musings
Once I tried to set myself on fire
At one point, I attempted to ignite my passion and embrace my intense desires
I was burning with desire
My yearning and longing for something greater consumed me completely
Voice of reason whispers in my ear
Amidst my fervor, a rational voice attempts to guide and advise me
I see the light
but I cannot hear
I have glimpses of enlightenment and understanding, yet struggle to fully comprehend and internalize them
Naked dancers
chanting in the night
Figuratively, I observe uninhibited individuals passionately expressing themselves in the darkness
Never was and I never will be
what you're gonna be
I have come to accept that I can never achieve or become what others may expect or desire of me
Dream on, dream on
You're dreamin'
Continue to pursue your aspirations, even if they seem far-fetched or unrealistic
Momma said
Get back to your bed
My mother advises me to return to a state of rest or comfort, implying that my ambitions may be misguided
It's what she said to me
These are the words of guidance and caution bestowed upon me by my mother
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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