Madeline and Nine
Mike Doughty Lyrics


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All my life I've been slow and senseless
Not struck dumb, I've just dumb that's all
But I can give you the constellations
Lay down here and we'll count them all

Madeline, Madeline and nine

Call me back when the war is over
Call me back when your boyfriend's gone

Slave to the inside light
My world is burning on eternally
For the fire I lack
This flame is feeling fine

Give my eyes just for your intentions
Risk my back to impress you now
I'm so joyful that I have found you
All's I need's is to see you now

Slain by the words I lack




My world is bursting sappy music and
With the face so sad I long to make you mine

Overall Meaning

The song "Madeline and Nine" by Mike Doughty is a beautiful song filled with rich and deep lyrics. The first verse of the song sets the stage for the emotional connection between the singer and Madeline. The lines "All my life I've been slow and senseless / Not struck dumb, I've just dumb that's all" describe the singer's lack of verbal eloquence or ability to express himself due to a mental or emotional block. Despite this, he believes he can give Madeline the constellations if she will just lay down with him, indicating his willingness to make a deep and meaningful connection with her.


The chorus of the song repeats the line "Madeline, Madeline and nine," which seems to be a kind of incantation or mantra. It's unclear what the significance of "nine" might be, but since it's repeated throughout the song, it does seem to be very important in some way. The second verse suggests a connection between Madeline and the singer that is deeper than a mere friendship. The line "Risk my back to impress you now" indicates that he is willing to put himself in a vulnerable position to gain her affection.


The third verse stays true to the sense of longing and yearning present in the rest of the song's lyrics. The lines "My world is bursting sappy music / And with the face so sad I long to make you mine" describe the singer's intense emotions and desire to be with Madeline. Overall, the song is a beautifully written expression of longing and vulnerability, with a sense of sincere yearning woven throughout.


Line by Line Meaning

All my life I've been slow and senseless
I have always lacked quick wit and the ability to perceive things accurately


Not struck dumb, I've just dumb that's all
I'm not completely unable to speak, I'm just generally unable to express myself very well


But I can give you the constellations
Despite my shortcomings, I can show you the stars and the beauty in the night sky


Lay down here and we'll count them all
Let's lay here together and marvel at the vastness of the universe


Madeline, Madeline and nine
This line doesn't have a clear meaning, it could be a reference to someone or something important to the artist


Call me back when the war is over
I don't want to be involved in conflict or drama, please reach out to me when things are calmer


Call me back when your boyfriend's gone
I have romantic feelings for you and would prefer you to be available before pursuing anything further


Slave to the inside light
I am consumed by my own thoughts and emotions, trapped within my own mind


My world is burning on eternally
I am constantly tormented by the intensity of my feelings


For the fire I lack
I am usually not very passionate or driven, but when it comes to you I feel a strong desire


This flame is feeling fine
These intense emotions are actually making me happy, despite the pain they bring


Give my eyes just for your intentions
I am willing to sacrifice my own vision or understanding in order to see things from your perspective


Risk my back to impress you now
I am willing to take risks or put myself in danger to gain your approval or affection


I'm so joyful that I have found you
I am overwhelmingly happy to have met you and have you in my life


All's I need's is to see you now
All I want is to be in your presence, to see and be near you


Slain by the words I lack
I am held back or defeated by my inability to express myself adequately


My world is bursting sappy music and
Despite my emotional turmoil, my feelings for you bring a beautiful and uplifting energy to my world


With the face so sad I long to make you mine
I see the sadness in your face and yearn to be the one to bring you happiness and joy




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: MIKE DOUGHTY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Maddie cain

i grew up listening to this song because my parents love mike doughty and my name is madeline!😂

Rebecca

My kitten was named after this song 🌹

Loud0glbc

perfection. . . if this is not. it's damn close. Thanks Mike

Eamon Doyle

1) Thanks for sharing this. 2) The third line of the second verse is "I'm aware of your oscillations."

Quentin Karamitsos

For the music I like, this song is sounding fine

Aye Oh Tha Don

my refined uncle david from toronto turned my onto this guy about 5 years ago while i was out there visiting and i've been hooked ever since...he's just got a good vibe....almost like the anti bukowski of music....if that makes sense....

frushtrated

1) Thanks! 2) Thanks again! I know the song backward and forwards and STILL managed to bungle it up!

thislevelisclouds

Yep, for sure. Same deal with the earlier version of "Unsingable Name"

Madeline Love

It's about me :)))) even pronounces my name correctly which is super obscure

The Cosmonaut

Daniel Doucet ooo that’s weird

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