The Park
Idina Menzel & Michael John LaChiusa Lyrics


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She didn't want to come along
But in his condition... she didn't want to leave him alone
It was too perfect...
Central park
Jungle and hidden treasures for greedy fishes
The baby didn't like it
The baby didn't trust me
Made me more than horny

I told her to wait in the clearing
Her husband and me'd be right back
No stars, the jungle's black
Then I led him down into the bushes
Down into the boathouse
Right asides the pond
Over by the statue
Couple of steps beyond

Then I cracked him on the head
And with an electrical cord I keep with me for 'special occasions'...
I tied him up!

Then I went back to the wifey
Told her there'd been an accident
She was needed (Louie?!)
Baby's gonna dance tonight! (Louie?!)
Baby's gonna get it for free (Get off me, you son of a...!)
Baby's gonna rock and roll (Get off!)
And do the do! (Aah! *Breathing heavily)

You wanna know how good she was?
You wanna know how good I was?
Well, what do you think?
After...
After...
Cold, chilly, eyes like a demon
Hot, burning

You wanted this (Louie?!)
Yes, you did, tell the truth (Louie!! Aah!)
I see what I wanna see
I know what I wanna know
I don't need you to tell me what's true (Aah)




If you don't like it baby, you (Aah)
You...

Overall Meaning

The song "The Park" by Idina Menzel & Michael John LaChiusa portrays a dark and twisted story. The lyrics depict a woman who initially didn't want to go to the park but felt compelled to accompany her partner, who seems to be in a vulnerable state. The mention of his condition suggests that he may be unwell or emotionally distressed, leading her to worry about leaving him alone.


The lyrics describe the setting of Central Park as being too perfect, possibly symbolizing a deceptive facade. The park is portrayed as a jungle with hidden treasures for greedy fishes, implying that there may be hidden dangers or temptations lurking within. However, the baby, likely referring to the woman's inner instinct or intuition, didn't trust or feel comfortable in this environment. The mention of being made more than horny suggests a heightened sense of desire or anticipation.


The song takes a dark turn as the singer leads the woman's husband into the bushes and the boathouse. The use of sensory details, mentioning the darkness and lack of stars, sets a sinister atmosphere. The lyrics reveal that the singer proceeds to strike the husband on the head and ties him up with an electrical cord, expressing their sinister intentions.


Returning to the woman, the singer deceives her by claiming there has been an accident, emphasizing her need to be present. The lyrics suggest a twisted desire for the baby (potentially referencing the illicit act committed) to dance and get something for free, alluding to a sense of control and dominance. The references to rocking and rolling and doing the do further emphasize the sexual and violent undertones.


The final section of the lyrics portrays a sense of defiance and nihilism. The singer challenges the woman's perception, asserting that they see and know what they want, without needing outside validation or truth. The mention of cold, chilly eyes like a demon contrasted with hot, burning passion symbolizes a dark and destructive nature. The repetition of "Louie" implies a heightened sense of chaos and internal struggle. Ultimately, the song portrays a disturbed mind and explores themes of manipulation, deception, and self-delusion.


Line by Line Meaning

She didn't want to come along
She was reluctant to join


But in his condition... she didn't want to leave him alone
However, due to his state, she didn't want to abandon him


It was too perfect...
The situation seemed unbelievably ideal


Central park
The famous park in the city


Jungle and hidden treasures for greedy fishes
A metaphor for the park's landscape and attractions


The baby didn't like it
The baby wasn't enjoying the environment


The baby didn't trust me
The baby lacked trust in the singer


Made me more than horny
It aroused intense desire in me


I told her to wait in the clearing
I instructed her to remain in an open space


Her husband and me'd be right back
Her husband and I would return soon


No stars, the jungle's black
There was no starlight, darkness surrounded us


Then I led him down into the bushes
I guided him to a secluded area with thick foliage


Down into the boathouse
Further down, inside the structure used for boats


Right aside the pond
Adjacent to the pond


Over by the statue
Near the statue


Couple of steps beyond
A short distance away


Then I cracked him on the head
I hit him forcefully on his head


And with an electrical cord I keep with me for 'special occasions'...
Using a specific cord I carry for such purposes...


I tied him up!
I bound him securely


Then I went back to the wifey
I returned to the wife


Told her there'd been an accident
Informed her of a fabricated accident


She was needed (Louie?!)
It was necessary for her presence


Baby's gonna dance tonight! (Louie?!)
The baby will dance tonight!


Baby's gonna get it for free (Get off me, you son of a...!)
The baby will receive something without any payment (Get off me, you...!)


Baby's gonna rock and roll (Get off!)
The baby will enthusiastically enjoy themselves (Get off!)


And do the do! (Aah! *Breathing heavily)
And engage in passionate activities (Aah! *Breathing heavily)


You wanna know how good she was?
Are you curious about her skills?


You wanna know how good I was?
Do you want to gauge my abilities?


Well, what do you think?
What is your assumption?


After...
Following that...


After...
Afterward...


Cold, chilly, eyes like a demon
Emotionless, cold, with an intense gaze


Hot, burning
Passionate, intense


You wanted this (Louie?!)
This is what you desired (Louie?!)


Yes, you did, tell the truth (Louie!! Aah!)
Yes, you did, be honest (Louie!! Aah!)


I see what I wanna see
I perceive what I desire


I know what I wanna know
I understand what I want to be aware of


I don't need you to tell me what's true (Aah)
I don't require your confirmation of reality (Aah)


If you don't like it baby, you (Aah)
If you aren't pleased with it, baby, you (Aah)


You...
You...




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Leslie Feist

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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