Dé Danann were first to find her - see her web site www.mauraoconnell.com for more information.
Broken Bicycles
Maura O'Connell Lyrics
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With rusted handle bars, out in the rain
Somebody must have an orphanage for
All these things that nobody wants any more
September's reminding July
It's time to be saying goodbye
Summer is gone, but our love will remain
Like old broken bicycles out in the rain
Broken bicycles, don't tell my folks
ThereÕs all those playing cards pinned to the spokes
Laid down like skeletons out on the lawn
The wheels won't turn when the other has gone
The seasons can turn on a dime
Somehow I forget every time
For all the things that you've given me will always stay
Broken, but I'll never throw them away
Maura O'Connell's "Broken Bicycles" is a poignant song that masterfully speaks about the theme of passing time and the strong hold of memories over our hearts. The lyrics of the song reflect the idea of objects being discarded and left behind, yet still holding sentimental value. The opening line of "broken bicycles, old busted chains" is symbolic of something that may have once been useful or loved, but now serves as a reminder of the past. The rusted handlebars and the cards pinned to the spokes further convey the idea of abandonment and neglect.
The chorus "September's reminding July, it's time to be saying goodbye" is a clever metaphor for the cyclic nature of life, where everything has its time and place. Just as people grow and change, seasons come and go, and we must bid farewell to the old to make way for the new. However, the love that we had during the summer months may sometimes stand the test of time like the broken bicycles left out in the rain.
The final verse encapsulates the essence of the song, where even though the objects may be broken and unusable, they are still treasured as a symbol of the past. The lyrics "for all the things that you've given me will always stay, broken, but I'll never throw them away" testify to the fact that memories that once seemed insignificant can still hold emotional relevance.
Line by Line Meaning
Broken bicycles, old busted chains
The bicycles are no longer functioning properly, and the chains are broken and unusable.
With rusted handle bars, out in the rain
The bikes have been exposed to the elements, causing the handlebars to rust, and are now left out in the rain.
Somebody must have an orphanage for
There must be a place where abandoned items like these bikes can be taken care of and given to someone in need.
All these things that nobody wants any more
The bikes and other items have become unwanted, either due to their condition or because of the passing of time.
September's reminding July
The changing of the seasons from summer (July) to fall (September) is a reminder that time is passing by.
It's time to be saying goodbye
The end of summer is approaching, and it's time to say goodbye to warm weather and sunshine.
Summer is gone, but our love will remain
Although summer is coming to an end, the love shared by the singer and her partner will endure.
Like old broken bicycles out in the rain
Their love may be broken and battered, but it will persevere through the challenges they face.
Broken bicycles, don't tell my folks
The singer is afraid of disappointing her parents with the state of the broken bicycles.
There's all those playing cards pinned to the spokes
As kids, they used to attach playing cards to the spokes of the bike, but now the bikes are too broken to do so.
Laid down like skeletons out on the lawn
The bikes are now lifeless, like the bones of skeletons, strewn about on the grass.
The wheels won't turn when the other has gone
When one bike is taken away, the other one won't roll or move.
The seasons can turn on a dime
The changing of the seasons can happen unexpectedly and quickly.
Somehow I forget every time
Despite experiencing the changing seasons year after year, the singer still finds herself caught off guard by the transition.
For all the things that you've given me will always stay
The memories and love that the partner has given to the singer will never fade or be forgotten, much like the broken bicycles they cherish.
Broken, but I'll never throw them away
Even though the bikes are broken, the singer will never get rid of them because of the sentimental value attached to them.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: TOM WAITS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind