Girl Friend
Jonathan Richman And The Modern Lovers Lyrics


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If I were to walk to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston
Well, first I'd go to the room where they keep the Cezanne
But if I had by my side a girlfriend
Then I could look through the paintings
I could look right through them
Because I'd have found something that I understand
I understand a girlfriend
That's a girl, friend
Said G-I-R-L-F-R-E-N
That's a girlfriend, baby
That's something that I understand
Alright

I walk through the Fenway, I have my heart in my hands
I understand a girlfriend

That's a girl friend
Oh, that's a G-I-R-L-F-R-E-N
Well, that's a girlfriend, baby
That's something that I understand

Four o'clock in the afternoon in the Fenway
I have my heart in my hands

I understand a girlfriend
That's a girl, friend
That's G-I-R-L-F-R-E-N




That's a girlfriend, oh, baby
Well, that's something that I understand

Overall Meaning

In the song "Girl Friend," Jonathan Richman and The Modern Lovers sing about the importance of having a girlfriend by one's side when experiencing art. The singer speaks of wanting to go to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and visit the room where they keep the Cezanne paintings. However, he notes that if he had a girlfriend with him, he could look right through the paintings because he has found something he understands - a girlfriend. He repeats this sentiment throughout the song, emphasizing that having a girlfriend is something he comprehends and values deeply.


One interpretation of this song is that it speaks to the idea of finding someone who understands you and makes life more enjoyable. The singer is not necessarily interested in art itself; rather, he sees the value in sharing experiences with another person. The repetition of the phrase "that's something that I understand" reinforces the idea that the singer has found something simple and meaningful in his girlfriend. It's possible that the Museum of Fine Arts is a stand-in for any kind of cultural experience - the singer is saying that he could enjoy anything as long as he has his girlfriend there with him.


Overall, "Girl Friend" is a simple yet effective song about the importance of human connection. Jonathan Richman and The Modern Lovers use humor and repetition to convey a valuable message about finding happiness in relationships.


Line by Line Meaning

If I were to walk to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston
If I were to travel to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston by foot


Well, first I'd go to the room where they keep the Cezanne
My first destination would be the room in which the paintings of Cezanne are kept


But if I had by my side a girlfriend
However, if I were accompanied by a romantic partner


Then I could look through the paintings
I would be able to observe the paintings carefully


I could look right through them
My understanding of the paintings would be deep and insightful


Because I'd have found something that I understand
This depth of understanding would be the result of my relationship with my girlfriend


I understand a girlfriend
Having a girlfriend provides me with a kind of understanding that is beyond mere intellectual comprehension


That's a girl, friend
A girlfriend is a person of the female gender and also a friend


Said G-I-R-L-F-R-E-N
Spelled out, the word is composed of the letters G-I-R-L-F-R-E-N


That's a girlfriend, baby
That's a romantic partner who happens to be female, my dear


Alright
Very well


I walk through the Fenway, I have my heart in my hands
As I walk through the Fenway neighborhood, I carry my emotions with me


Four o'clock in the afternoon in the Fenway
The time is four o'clock in the afternoon, and I am still in the Fenway




Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: Jonathan Richman

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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