Do You Think It's Alright?
Maggie Bell Steve Winwood Lyrics
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Do you think it's alright,
To leave the boy with Uncle Ernie?
Do you think it's alright;
He's had a few too many tonight!
D'you think it's alright?
I think it's alright, yes I think it's alright
, he seems a decent enough fella.
Yeah I think it's alright,
To let him take our boy, Ronnie.
Maggie Bell & Steve Winwood's song "Do You Think It's Alright” features a conversation between the mother and father about whether it's okay to let Uncle Ernie take their son Ronnie. Uncle Ernie appears to be intoxicated, and the mother is concerned about leaving her son in his care. The father, however, finds Uncle Ernie to be a decent enough person and doesn't see any issue with his son spending time with him.
The lyrics seem to be a commentary on societal values and how they can differ from person to person. While the mother is concerned about her child's safety and well-being, the father doesn’t seem as concerned. In a larger sense, the conversation could be interpreted as commentary on how certain behaviors are viewed as acceptable or normalized, even if they can be damaging to individuals.
Overall, song's message is subtle and open-ended, making it up to the interpretation of the listener, but it can be seen as a critique of the values people hold towards conventional structures such as family and societal norms.
Line by Line Meaning
Do you think it's alright,
Mother is questioning the appropriateness of leaving the boy with Uncle Ernie.
To leave the boy with Uncle Ernie?
Mother is seeking validation for her concern about leaving the boy with Uncle Ernie.
Do you think it's alright;
Mother repeats her query for emphasis on the potential danger.
He's had a few too many tonight!
Mother specifies that Uncle Ernie has been drinking excessively, thus increasing her concern for the boy's safety.
D'you think it's alright?
Mother urgently seeks reassurance from Father regarding their decision.
I think it's alright, yes I think it's alright
Father, on the other hand, seems more nonchalant about the situation and calmly replies that he doesn't see anything wrong with leaving the boy with Uncle Ernie.
Lyrics © ABKCO MUSIC INC PETE TOWNSHEND CATALOG , FABULOUS MUSIC LTD , SPIRIT MUSIC GROUP
Written by: PETE TOWNSHEND
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