Please
Kaleidoscope Lyrics


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I know you mean to help when you're giving me advice
But don't you realize that you can't live my life
I've got to get me up and fly
I can't breathe down here
And if I crash keep standing by
I'm just gettin' into gear

Stand by me
You don't need to say a word
If I stumble or I fall
Or I can't see the writing on the wall
Please don't say nothing at all
Just stand by me
Just stand by me

Don't tell me about how I'm doing right or wrong
I don't need no advice on how to sing my song
I've got to find my own way
And do my own thing
And if you wanna be my friend
Let me push my own swing

Stand by me
You don't need to say a word
If I stumble or I fall
Or I can't see the writing on the wall
Please don't say nothing at all




Just stand by me
Just stand by me

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Kaleidoscope's "Please" speak to the theme of independence. The singer is acknowledging that they appreciate their friend's intention to help with advice, but they also recognize that no one else can live their life for them. The verses suggest that the singer is feeling held back in some way— perhaps they feel trapped or limited by external expectations. The chorus then shifts to the simple request of their friend just being present and not judging them for their choices.


The line "Let me push my own swing" is a powerful image, suggesting that the singer wants agency and control over their own life. The request "Please don't say nothing at all / Just stand by me" further emphasizes this sentiment: the singer wants support and solidarity, but without judgment or unsolicited opinions. The song can be interpreted as a call to self-actualization and the importance of staying true to oneself, despite external pressures.


Overall, "Please" is an anthem for personal freedom and the importance of accepting oneself. The song encourages the listener to stand by their own desires and dreams, and to surround themselves with friends and loved ones who will do the same.


Line by Line Meaning

I know you mean to help when you're giving me advice
I understand your intention to assist me through advice


But don't you realize that you can't live my life
You cannot comprehend my life and its challenges


I've got to get me up and fly
I must strive towards my own goals and aspirations


I can't breathe down here
I cannot succeed while being held back


And if I crash keep standing by
Stay supportive even if I fail


I'm just gettin' into gear
I am still starting out and learning


Don't tell me about how I'm doing right or wrong
I don't need guidance on the decisions I make


I don't need no advice on how to sing my song
I will find the style and method that works best for me


I've got to find my own way
I am responsible for carving out my own path


And do my own thing
I will pursue my passions and interests


And if you wanna be my friend
If you want to support me as a friend


Let me push my own swing
Allow me to take the reins and control my own life


Stand by me
Be there to support me


You don't need to say a word
You don't have to vocalize your support


If I stumble or I fall
If I face challenges or obstacles


Or I can't see the writing on the wall
Or if I am unsure or confused about my direction


Please don't say nothing at all
Just your presence and support is enough


Just stand by me
Just be there for me


Just stand by me
Just support and encourage me




Contributed by Michael L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Spike Speigel

I know you mean to help when you're giving me advice
But don't you realize that you can't live my life
I've got to get me up and fly
I can't breathe down here
And if I crash keep standing by
I'm just gettin' into gear

Stand by me
You don't need to say a word
If I stumble or I fall
Or I can't see the writing on the wall
Please don't say nothing at all
Just stand by me
Just stand by me

Don't tell me about how I'm doing right or wrong
I don't need no advice on how to sing my song
I've got to find my own way
And do my own thing
And if you wanna be my friend
Let me push my own swing

Stand by me
You don't need to say a word
If I stumble or I fall
Or I can't see the writing on the wall
Please don't say nothing at all
Just stand by me
Just stand by



All comments from YouTube:

Larry Brown

In the context of the era in which this was released it was a pretty masterful track both for guitars and harmonies. It was one of my favorites of the era and the first place I ever heard of David Lindley whose playing became considerably more familiar thanks to Jackson Brown and the whole LA "Country Rock" scene. I give this a big thumbs up. This recording game me a great deal of enjoyment when I was still young enough to be lugging equipment up the narrow stairwell at the Cheetah Club in Venice CA.

Searchandpreserve

It always feels strange, when nobody seems to recognize the songs you like best...

Ashish Pandit

You can discuss songs w me anytime, I'm all into 60s psychedelia

Flannigan79

Not when intentionally violating the entire piss out of popularity goes back 25 or 30 yrs

Spike Speigel

I know you mean to help when you're giving me advice
But don't you realize that you can't live my life
I've got to get me up and fly
I can't breathe down here
And if I crash keep standing by
I'm just gettin' into gear

Stand by me
You don't need to say a word
If I stumble or I fall
Or I can't see the writing on the wall
Please don't say nothing at all
Just stand by me
Just stand by me

Don't tell me about how I'm doing right or wrong
I don't need no advice on how to sing my song
I've got to find my own way
And do my own thing
And if you wanna be my friend
Let me push my own swing

Stand by me
You don't need to say a word
If I stumble or I fall
Or I can't see the writing on the wall
Please don't say nothing at all
Just stand by me
Just stand by

Robert Marino

1
Heard this at 18 years old, had an earworm that lasted 55 years ...
Rediscovered the cut around 2 weeks ago .

It is as relvant now as it was in 67 ...

Dan Serdutz

Saw these guys plat when I was 17 in El Monte, CA 1967 at The Street Scene. Never forgot this superb song. Pure magic. Lindley went on to become huge on recorded music by the best of that day.

TJ O'Neill

I want this played at my funeral. This is the only thing I have in writing about that just yet (early days & all...)

Saad Rifaii

One of my favs

Aboring Fart

We need more Glockenspiel! Thanks!

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