Sally
Mike Oldfield Lyrics


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Isn't it good to know
You only get one go
Give me a key and let me see
Try and act normally

Seems it's an ancient art
To be the one who starts it rolling
Wouldn't you like to know the way?
Hear what the wise man say

Sally, I'm just a gorilla
I'll say I'll love you ever more
Even an ape from Manila
Couldn't stop me knocking on your door

One and a-one make two
Only you must come through
If there's a way, then let me say
I'd rather stay with you

Seems it's an ancient art
To be the one who starts it rolling
Wouldn't you like to know the way?
Hear what the wise man say

Sally, I'm just a gorilla
I'll say I'll love you ever more
Even an ape from Manila
Couldn't stop me knocking on your door

Sally, I'm just a gorilla
I'll say I'll love you ever more




Even an ape from Manila
Couldn't stop me knocking on your door

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Sally" by Mike Oldfield seem to be about a man who is trying to win over a woman named Sally. The first few lines suggest that the singer believes in the idea of seizing opportunities as they come, and that life is all about taking that one chance that we have been given. The singer then asks for a key, implying that he wants a chance at Sally's heart as well. He wants to act normally around her, indicating that he doesn't want to appear too eager or desperate.


The song then goes on to repeat the idea that there is an ancient art to starting romantic relationships, and the singer wishes someone would show him the ropes. He wants to hear what the wise man says, suggesting that he is open to advice and guidance.


The chorus of the song is where the title character, Sally, comes in. The singer calls himself a gorilla, implying that he is fierce and strong. He promises to love Sally forever, even if he has to travel all the way from Manila in the Philippines to get to her. He talks about the importance of the two of them coming together, saying that he would rather be with her than anywhere else.


Overall, the lyrics of "Sally" seem to be about a man who is pursuing a woman and is willing to do whatever it takes to win her over. The song is filled with references to love, romance, and the pursuit of happiness, all set to Oldfield's signature style of instrumental music.


Line by Line Meaning

Isn't it good to know
It's reassuring to think about


You only get one go
You have one chance at life


Give me a key and let me see
Allow me to try and unlock something


Try and act normally
Behave in a natural and unaffected manner


Seems it's an ancient art
It appears to be a skill passed down through time


To be the one who starts it rolling
To initiate the process or action


Wouldn't you like to know the way?
Don't you want to learn how to do it?


Hear what the wise man say
Listen to the advice of someone who knows more


Sally, I'm just a gorilla
I am not sophisticated, just simple


I'll say I'll love you ever more
I promise to love you always


Even an ape from Manila
Even someone of my lowly status


Couldn't stop me knocking on your door
I will keep trying to win your affection


One and a-one make two
Simple arithmetic


Only you must come through
You are the only one who can make it happen


If there's a way, then let me say
I am willing to try any option


I'd rather stay with you
I prefer to be with you




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Mike Oldfield, Nicholas Ramsden

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Paul Dockree

One and a-one make two.
Only you must come through.
If there's a way, then let me say:
I'd rather stay with you.

Seems it's an ancient art
To be the one who starts it rolling.
Wouldn't you like to know the way?
Hear what the wise man say.


Think on. I often do. 1979 you say? Exactly.



All comments from YouTube:

Benjamin Pearson

Love this track, you don't need all the technological wizardry with this melodic quality; that guitar solo is from heaven

MetalFairy Animation

Today I was going through the Soho record shops casually checking out the Mike Oldfield LPs, not expecting to find anything special. Guess what I found for only £4. My heart nearly stopped.

B. Stanley

Easily one of his finest guitar solos

KingKaitain

Wow, finally got to hear this! Remember buying Platinum at university and another Oldfield fan was in my room when I stuck the CD on. When 'Sally' (aka 'Into Wonderland') started he practically spat out his drink, yelling 'What the FUCK is THIS???"

ivana minafra

Well, Sally is kind of a weird song and interprétation...fun and tender anyway but a bit quirky 😅

ivana minafra

Sheltering Sky sorry, I think I wrote in the wrong line, kingkaitan comment, just above yours, made me laugh 😉

ivana minafra

😁😂

Stirlingv8

I think it's sublime, and possibly one of the greatest guitar solos ever. Plus it owes so much musically to the A side of Platinum that it makes no sense not to include it on the B. He loved his Sally, and so he wrote her a song. He's not going to ask anybody else to sing it for her is he? Not his fault he can't sing (and it doesn't stop a good few people these days). Well done Mike and well done for having the balls to sing it in the first place. It's from the heart and it's genuine.

odyshape odyshape

I don't get it, why they didn't include this on the "DELUXE EDITION" (2013).
It is soooo much cuter, than the redone "Into Wonderland"!
(Pat, Switzerland)

Vladimir Doskocil

@Robin Scott Yes, it's too personal and Mike rework it.

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