John Cale, OBE (born 9 March 1942) is a Welsh musician, composer, singer-so… Read Full Bio ↴John Cale, OBE (born 9 March 1942) is a Welsh musician, composer, singer-songwriter and record producer. He was a founding member of the experimental rock band The Velvet Underground in early 1965. Though best known for his work in rock music, Cale has worked in various genres including drone and classical. Since departing from the Velvet Underground in 1968 he has released over thirty albums. Of his solo work, he is perhaps best known for his 1973 album 'Paris 1919' and the song of the same name, art rock works reminiscent of film scores and tuneful pop music being perhaps the most accessible of his pieces.

Born on 9th March 1942 in Garnant, Wales, Cale spoke only Welsh until the age of seven, when he began to learn English at school. He went on to study viola at Goldsmiths College, University of London, where he became involved in avant garde music. He traveled to the U.S. to continue his studies, thanks to the help and influence of Aaron Copland, and met and worked with various avant-garde composers, including John Cage, while becoming fascinated with the new Anglo-American art movements.

In 1965, he co-founded the Velvet Underground with Lou Reed. Though best known for his work with the band, Cale has produced a massive body of work that ranges from tastefully arranged strings and piano over Dylan Thomas poetry to barely-suppressed, nigh-psychotic aggression set to high-energy avant-garde rock. Cale's style is almost impossible to pin down, as almost every album contains new experiments and influences. He is also well known as the producer of such works as the debuts of The Stooges, The Modern Lovers, and Patti Smith (the critically acclaimed 'Horses'). He also played a major role in Nico's 'The Marble Index'.

He's released some compilation works such as 'Seducing Down the Door: A Collection 1970-1990' that attempt to show the range and depth of his music. Cale was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as member of the Velvet Underground in 1996, and he was also appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2010. As the years have gone by, he's had a wide variety of tours, additionally dealing with his own personal demons.

Please
John Cale Lyrics

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Won't you help me please,
I'm growing old
A million years ago

Won't you help me sneeze,
I've caught a cold
Another way to go

Just hold on tightly
This shows on my breed
They speak so very slow
It gets so hard to follow

Slowly in the mist of captive eyes
To carry you from home
Hansom cab again from dawn till dusk
My power amphibious bride

I'll just leave you here like this
I'm sure you won't be missed
Before this night is done
These words won't seem so wrong.

Oh it can't be that bad
Back up in Trinidad

Come down and see me soon
When you get back from the moon.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics in "Please" by John Cale paint a narrative of an individual who is reaching old age and seeking comfort from someone else. The repetition of "won't you help me please" creates a sense of desperation, and the mention of growing old and catching a cold suggests that this individual is becoming increasingly physically vulnerable. The line "another way to go" seems to suggest that they are ready to accept their fate, whether that be aging or illness.

The second verse introduces more imagery, with the mist and captive eyes evoking a sense of being trapped or lost. The reference to a "power amphibious bride" is more difficult to interpret, as the language is quite obscure. However, it could suggest a yearning for something powerful or transformative, or could be a metaphor for a love interest. The final verse seems to suggest that the individual is anticipating their own death, with the lyrics "I'll just leave you here like this" implying that they are ready to let go.

Overall, the lyrics to "Please" are quite enigmatic, and may be interpreted in a variety of ways. However, the overarching themes of aging, vulnerability, and acceptance of fate are present throughout.

Line by Line Meaning

Won't you help me please, I'm growing old
The singer is asking for help in their old age.

A million years ago
An exaggeration to emphasize the singer's age.

Won't you help me sneeze, I've caught a cold
The singer is asking for assistance in getting rid of their cold.

Another way to go
Could be interpreted as wanting an alternative to feeling sick and helpless.

Just hold on tightly This shows on my breed They speak so very slow It gets so hard to follow
The artist is struggling to keep up with the pace of others and needs someone to support them.

Slowly in the mist of captive eyes To carry you from home Hansom cab again from dawn till dusk My power amphibious bride
A metaphorical description of someone who can lead the singer away from their current surroundings to a better place.

I'll just leave you here like this I'm sure you won't be missed Before this night is done These words won't seem so wrong.
The singer is feeling conflicted and unsure about leaving someone behind but ultimately rationalizes it.

Oh it can't be that bad Back up in Trinidad Come down and see me soon When you get back from the moon.
A positive message to someone who is struggling, offering a hopeful future meeting.

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN DAVIES CALE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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