Closing Theme
Matthew Grimson Lyrics
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Dressed in lace and lilac linen
Take their hands and hush their giggling
The closing theme has come to town
Tie your grandfather's bow tie
Give him a boutonniere and straw hat
And sit him down into his lawn chair
And we'll all be there
In our Sunday suits
And our graduation dress
Goodbye, we'll never re-shingle your barn
Or watch the leaves turn brown
Our little league team has all turned out
With their caps off, they point to the sky
And down it comes with a grace it can't have
The closing theme has come to town
The closing theme has come to town
Matthew Grimson's "Closing Theme" evokes a sense of nostalgia while delicately balancing a bittersweet reflection on moments of transition, the passage of time, and the farewells inherent in life's ephemeral nature. The opening stanza sets the scene with imagery associated with innocence and the joy of childhood. The mention of daughters dressed in "lace and lilac linen" suggests a youthful, almost ethereal beauty, while their giggling represents the carefree spirit of youth. The act of hushing them points toward the solemnity of a significant moment; the "closing theme" indicates that this joy, like all good things, must eventually come to an end, signaling a turning point in their lives, perhaps a moving-on or a farewell occasion that now requires reflection and maturity.
The second stanza shifts the focus to an elder, presumably a grandfather, highlighting traditions and familial ties. By dressing him in a bow tie, boutonniere, and straw hat, there's a sense of reverence for the past and respect for those who have paved the way. His placement in a lawn chair not only signifies comfort but also the crucial role of memory-keeping and storytelling in maintaining family legacies. The act of sitting "up close so he can see" deepens the emotional layer—it's not just about witnessing the event but also about engaging in a cherished experience before the inevitable closing of this chapter. This duality of youth and age within the same space creates a rich tapestry that captures the complexity of familial relationships and the passing down of traditions, memories, and values.
As the lyrics continue, the mention of “Sunday suits” and “graduation dress” underscores a collective experience of ceremony and celebration. There's a poignant awareness that these moments are fleeting and that they carry both joy and sadness. The metaphor of not being able to "re-shingle your barn" or “watch the leaves turn brown” serves as a powerful reminder that certain opportunities are lost forever—their absence analogous to the inevitability of change and aging. The barn represents home, stability, and security, while "the leaves turning brown" suggests the natural cycle of life and decay. These lines evoke a mourning for what once was; the farewell to these memories signifies a closing of chapters that can never be revisited the same way again.
In the fourth stanza, the imagery of the little league team further reinforces the theme of youth and the bittersweet process of growing up. The act of pointing towards the sky symbolizes aspirations, dreams, and innocence, yet there's also an implicit acknowledgment of a loss of innocence as they transition from carefree children into more serious roles in life. The phrase "down it comes with a grace it can't have" suggests that this transition, while beautiful, is inherently marked by an awkwardness or difficulty that comes with maturity. The repetition of “the closing theme has come to town” cements the overarching theme of finality. It reinforces the inevitability of endings, whether they pertain to childhood dreams, familial bonds, or the collective experiences shared among loved ones. Grimson encapsulates a reflective acknowledgment of life’s transient nature, creating a rich emotional tapestry that resonates with anyone who has experienced the complexities of growing up, parting ways, and clinging to cherished memories.
Line by Line Meaning
Let your daughters off the back porch
Give your daughters the freedom to step away from the safety of home.
Dressed in lace and lilac linen
They are adorned in delicate and beautiful attire, signifying innocence and youth.
Take their hands and hush their giggling
Calm their playful excitement with a tender gesture, as a moment of seriousness approaches.
The closing theme has come to town
A sense of finality has arrived; the end of an era or chapter is upon us.
Tie your grandfather's bow tie
Help your grandfather prepare, adding a touch of formality and respect to his appearance.
Give him a boutonniere and straw hat
Accessorize him with a flower and hat that evoke tradition, symbolizing both celebration and nostalgia.
And sit him down into his lawn chair
Guide him to a place of comfort, where he can take in the moment.
He sits up close so he can see
He positions himself near the action, eager to witness and engage with the cherished moments.
And we'll all be there
Everyone will gather together, united in this significant occasion.
In our Sunday suits
Dressed in our best outfits, reflecting reverence and respect for the occasion.
And our graduation dress
Wearing attire that marks the achievement and transition into new phases of life.
Goodbye, we'll never re-shingle your barn
A farewell is spoken, acknowledging that some tasks and memories will remain unfinished.
Or watch the leaves turn brown
Recognizing that some experiences and seasons of life will be left behind and unobserved.
Our little league team has all turned out
The community of youth, once together in a team, has come to honor what has been shared.
With their caps off, they point to the sky
In a gesture of reverence, they express hope and aspiration as they look upward.
And down it comes with a grace it can't have
An inevitable conclusion arrives, marked by a beauty that seems almost unreal in its timing.
The closing theme has come to town
The final act or chapter has arrived, echoing through the gathering as a bittersweet reminder.
The closing theme has come to town
Once again, we acknowledge the end, reinforcing the sense of finality in this shared experience.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Matthew Grimson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind