Levon
Ofln - Elton John Lyrics
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He calls his child Jesus 'cause he likes the name
And he sends him to the finest school in town
Levon, Levon likes his money
He makes a lot they say
Spends his days counting
In a garage by the motorway
He was born a pauper
To a pawn on a Christmas day
When the New York Times
Said God is dead and the war's begun
Alvin Tostig has a son today
And he shall be Levon
And he shall be a good man
And he shall be Levon
In tradition with the family plan
And he shall be Levon
And he shall be a good man
He shall be Levon
Levon sells cartoon balloons in town
His family business thrives
Jesus blows up balloons all day
Sits on the porch swing watching them fly
And Jesus, he wants to go to Venus
Leave Levon far behind
Take a balloon and go sailing
While Levon, Levon slowly dies
He was born a pauper
To a pawn on a Christmas day
When the New York Times
Said God is dead and the war's begun
Alvin Tostig has a son today
And he shall be Levon
And he shall be a good man
And he shall be Levon
In tradition with the family plan, woo
And he shall be Levon
And he shall be a good man
He shall be Levon
And he shall be Levon
And he shall be a good man
And he shall be Levon
In tradition with the family plan, woo
And he shall be Levon
And he shall be a good man
He shall be Levon
The lyrics to Elton John's song "Levon" tell the story of a man named Levon who carries the scars of his past like a crown. Levon is portrayed as a complex character, with various elements of his life and personality presented throughout the song.
In the first verse, it is mentioned that Levon named his child Jesus because he likes the name, hinting at a fascination with religion or spirituality. Levon's financial success is also highlighted, with references to his wealth and his penchant for spending his days counting money in a garage by the motorway. This shows Levon's materialistic side and his preoccupation with wealth and possessions.
The second verse delves deeper into Levon's origins, describing him as being born into poverty to an insignificant parent on Christmas day. The mention of the New York Times declaring "God is dead" and the start of a war adds a sense of societal upheaval and challenges the listener to consider the impact of these events on Levon's life. The birth of Alvin Tostig's son on the same day suggests a parallel between Levon and this child, whose future potential and purpose are also yet to be determined.
The chorus repeats the phrase "And he shall be Levon" multiple times, emphasizing the importance of Levon's identity and destiny. He is expected to follow the family plan and become a good man, thereby continuing the family legacy. This could signify the pressure placed on Levon to conform to societal expectations and live up to the family's reputation.
The final verse introduces Levon's family business of selling cartoon balloons in town, which appears to thrive. Here, Jesus is depicted as actively participating in the family business, spending his days blowing up balloons. However, Jesus expresses a desire to leave behind Levon and his world, wishing to go to Venus and escape to a different reality. This stark contrast between Levon and Jesus suggests a tension between the materialistic and spiritual aspects of Levon's life.
Overall, "Levon" can be interpreted as a reflective commentary on the complexities of life, the conflicting aspirations and pressures individuals face, and the struggle to reconcile material wealth with spiritual fulfillment. It raises questions about identity, societal expectations, and the pursuit of personal happiness amidst a changing world.
Line by Line Meaning
Levon bears his war wound like a crown
Levon proudly displays his injury from war, seeing it as a symbol of honor and strength
He calls his child Jesus 'cause he likes the name
Levon names his child Jesus simply because he has a fondness for the name, not necessarily for religious reasons
And he sends him to the finest school in town
Levon ensures that his child receives the best education available in their locality
Levon, Levon likes his money
Levon takes pleasure in his wealth and financial success
He makes a lot they say
It is rumored that Levon earns a substantial amount of money
Spends his days counting
Levon spends his days meticulously counting and managing his money
In a garage by the motorway
Levon conducts his money counting activities in a garage located next to the highway
He was born a pauper
Levon was born into poverty
To a pawn on a Christmas day
Born to parents who were unable to provide for him, symbolically referencing him as a pawn in the game of life, and born on a day associated with hope and joy
When the New York Times said God is dead and the war's begun
Referring to a time of skepticism and conflict, highlighted by a famous headline questioning the existence of God and the commencement of a war
Alvin Tostig has a son today
The birth of Levon is announced, with his father's name being Alvin Tostig
And he shall be Levon
Levon will be his given name
And he shall be a good man
Levon is expected to grow up to be a righteous and virtuous individual
And he shall be Levon
Reiterating that Levon is the chosen name for the child
In tradition with the family plan
Levon's upbringing and values will align with the established family values and traditions
Levon sells cartoon balloons in town
Levon's occupation involves selling playful and colorful balloons in his community
His family business thrives
The balloon-selling business that Levon's family owns and operates is prosperous
Jesus blows up balloons all day
Jesus, Levon's child, spends his days inflating balloons as part of the family business
Sits on the porch swing watching them fly
Jesus leisurely sits on the porch swing, observing the balloons soar into the sky
And Jesus, he wants to go to Venus
Jesus desires to explore and venture to the planet Venus
Leave Levon far behind
Jesus hopes to leave Levon, his father, behind and embark on his own journey
Take a balloon and go sailing
Jesus envisions using a balloon as transportation to sail away to Venus
While Levon, Levon slowly dies
As Jesus dreams of a different life, Levon's spirit gradually fades and diminishes
And he shall be Levon
Affirming the continued identification of the child as Levon
And he shall be a good man
Reiterating the expectation for Jesus to grow into a morally upright individual
And he shall be Levon
Emphasizing once more that the child will bear the name Levon
In tradition with the family plan, woo
Confirming Jesus' adherence to the predetermined family values and expectations
And he shall be Levon
Stating again that the child's name will be Levon
And he shall be a good man
Reiterating the hope that Jesus will become a morally upright and virtuous individual
He shall be Levon
Concluding with the assertion that the child will be named Levon
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Elton John, Bernard Taupin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind