A graduate of St. Andrew's School, Wainwright is best known for a 1972 novelty song hit Dead Skunk (in the Middle of the Road), with pianist Teddy Wender and for playing Captain Spalding (the "singing surgeon") on three episodes of the American television show M*A*S*H in its third season (1974-1975), but his musical reputation is much deeper. Using a witty, self-mocking style, Wainwright has recorded over twenty albums on eleven different labels. Two of his albums have been nominated for Grammy awards.
He is also a regular actor in Judd Apatow movies. His biggest role was playing the father on Judd's show, Undeclared.
In 2012 his latest offering Older Than My Old Man Now was released.
Official website : http://www.lwiii.com/
A.M. World
Loudon Wainwright III Lyrics
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I'm riding in a long black car
Chauffeur's in the front, I'm in the back
It's a limousine and I'm a star
It's calculated and it's cold
It's calculated and it's cold
They love my ass, I go first class
Who needs a heart of gold
No the dream's not as swell as it may seem
There's ups and there's downs and autograph hounds
It's not all peaches and cream
But yes it's a dream come true
Yes it's a dream come true
I got three guitars, I got credit cards
I got more money than you
Baby it's an A.M world
Baby it's an A.M world
Get yourself a flag, run it up a pole
And keep that thing unfurled
I'm riding in a long black car
I'm riding in a long black car
Chauffeur's in the front, I'm in the back
It's a limousine and I'm a star
In the song A.M. World, Loudon Wainwright III reflects on the life of a famous musician, riding in the comfort of a long black limousine as his chauffeur drives him around in style. The song is an introspective reflection on the cost of success and the commercial nature of the music industry, as expressed through the lyrics about the calculated and cold nature of the lifestyle he is living. Wainwright is fully aware that success often comes at a price, as indicated by the lines "It's not all swell as it seems" and "There's ups and there's downs and autograph hounds." Despite the downsides, Wainwright recognizes that he has achieved a dream and is enjoying the trappings of fame, such as the ability to afford multiple guitars and credit cards.
The chorus of the song, "Baby it's an A.M world, get yourself a flag, run it up a pole, and keep that thing unfurled," is a commentary on the competitiveness of the entertainment world and the need to always be out front and visible. Wainwright seems to be suggesting that it takes work to maintain relevance in the industry and to stay successful.
Overall, A.M. World is a cautionary tale about the ups and downs of success and the need to stay grounded in the face of fame and fortune.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm riding in a long black car
I am being driven around in a luxurious vehicle
Chauffeur's in the front, I'm in the back
There is a professional driver operating the car while I sit in the luxurious back seat
It's a limousine and I'm a star
The car is a limo and I'm a successful celebrity
It's calculated and it's cold
The whole celebrity lifestyle is premeditated and devoid of warmth and genuine human relationships
They love my ass, I go first class
My wealth and status have enabled me to enjoy all the luxuries of life
Who needs a heart of gold
Being rich and famous is worth more than having a kind and caring personality
No the dream's not as swell as it may seem
Despite the glamorous life, there are still downsides such as the constant demands of fans and media
There's ups and there's downs and autograph hounds
Ups and downs come with success and one has to put up with obsessive fans
It's not all peaches and cream
Life is not always easy and perfect for celebrities
Yes it's a dream come true
Despite the challenges, being successful and famous is still a dream-come-true for the artist
I got three guitars, I got credit cards
As a successful singer/songwriter, I have multiple guitars and credit cards
I got more money than you
I have more wealth and financial assets than the average person
Baby it's an A.M world
The fast-paced lifestyle of being famous and successful is an 'A.M world', always on the go
Get yourself a flag, run it up a pole, And keep that thing unfurled
Make the most of your dreams and passions, and do not let anything hold you back
Lyrics © Spirit Music Group
Written by: LOUDON WAINWRIGHT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind