The Sprout and the Bean
Newsom Joanna Lyrics

I slept all day
I spent the entire day sleeping

I woke with distaste
I felt unpleasant upon waking up

And I railed
And I complained bitterly

And I raved
And I spoke wildly or insanely

That the difference between
That the distinction or contrast between

The sprout and the bean
A metaphorical comparison between two things, each representing different stages of growth or development

It is a golden ring
It is something valuable, something one might seek after

It is a twisted string
It is something that is tangled, difficult to unravel

And you can ask the counselor
And one can seek advice from an expert

You can ask the king
Or one can ask someone who is in a position of power

And they'll say the same thing
And they will give the same answer

And it's a funny thing:
And it's strange or curious, worth reflecting on

Should we go outside?
Do we want to venture out into the world?

Should we break some bread?
Should we share a meal together?

Are y'interested?
Are you interested in doing these things with me?

And as I said
As I previously mentioned

I slept as though dead
I slept deeply, feeling as though I were dead to the world

Dreaming seamless dreams of lead
Dreaming about heavy or burdensome thoughts or ideas

When you go away
When you leave me

I am big-boned and fey
I feel heavy and whimsical at the same time

In the dust of the day
Lost or forgotten amidst the busyness and mundane aspects of life

And in the dirt of the day
Feeling grimy or stained due to everyday activities

And the danger, danger, drawing near them was a white coat
And the threat, looming before them was a doctor or medical professional (symbolized by a white coat)

And the danger, danger, drawing near them was a broad boat
And the threat, looming before them was a large, possibly overwhelming challenge (symbolized by a broad boat)

And the water, water, running clear beneath a white throat
And the fluid, potentially life-saving element flowing beneath someone's throat or voice (symbolized by clear water)

And the hollow chatter of the talking of the tadpoles
And the pointless or empty speech of those who are inexperienced or immature (symbolized by tadpoles)

Who know th'outside
Those who have knowledge or experience of the world beyond themselves

Should we go outside?
Do we want to explore or learn more about the world around us?

Should we break some bread?
Should we connect with others over a shared experience or conversation?

Are y'interested?
Do you want to join me in this exploration or connection?