Gonna Be Good
Paul Kelly Lyrics


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I'm gonna be good from now on
I'm gonna be good
I'm gonna be good from now on
I'm gonna be good

I wrote a list, I thought it best
Of all that must apply
I wrote a list, it didn't take long

I'm gonna be good from now on
I'm gonna be good

I'm gonna be good from now on
I'm gonna be good

My sweet brothers, my sisters all
They're standing by
They've been delighted, they've been appalled

I'm gonna be good from now on
I'm gonna be good

Like Big John says in his song
You gotta walk the line
The line is narrow, the line is long

I'm gonna be good from now on
I'm gonna be good
I'm gonna be good from now on
I'm gonna be good

I'm gonna do right from now on
I'm gonna do right





(It's gonna be good, it's gonna do right)
(It's gonna be good, it's gonna do right)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Paul Kelly's song "Gonna Be Good" convey a strong sense of determination and a commitment to change. The repeated refrain, "I'm gonna be good from now on," emphasizes the singer's intention to leave behind past mistakes or shortcomings and embrace a new, positive way of living.


The opening lines, "I wrote a list, I thought it best / Of all that must apply," suggest that the singer has taken time to reflect upon their past behavior and has created a list of necessary changes or improvements. The brevity of the list indicates a realization that the path to goodness is not a complex one.


The mention of "sweet brothers, my sisters all / They're standing by" suggests that the singer's loved ones are supportive of their commitment to change. The following line, "They've been delighted, they've been appalled," implies that these loved ones have witnessed both the singer's positive and negative actions in the past, but are hopeful for their future.


The reference to Big John's song and the line, "You gotta walk the line / The line is narrow, the line is long," adds depth to the message of the song. It suggests that staying on the path of goodness requires discipline and perseverance. The line may also allude to the challenges and temptations the singer must navigate in order to maintain their newfound commitment.


In summary, "Gonna Be Good" is a song that reflects a determination to change and a commitment to living a better life. It acknowledges the support of loved ones, the simplicity of the list of necessary changes, and the challenges that lie ahead.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm gonna be good from now on
I have made a decision to change my ways and behave in a more positive and righteous manner starting from this moment onwards.


I wrote a list, I thought it best
To guide my transformation, I carefully composed a list of all the principles and values that I need to adhere to.


Of all that must apply
This list consists of all the necessary rules and guidelines that I must follow in order to be considered 'good'.


It didn't take long
Creating this list didn't require much time or effort, as I instinctively knew what aspects needed improvement.


My sweet brothers, my sisters all
Referring to my loved ones, including both male and female siblings, who are supporting me throughout this journey.


They're standing by
They are offering their unwavering support and encouragement as I strive to make positive changes in my life.


They've been delighted, they've been appalled
Some of my loved ones have expressed joy and satisfaction at my decision to be better, while others have been shocked or disapproving.


Like Big John says in his song
Drawing inspiration from the lyrics of the song Big John, I am reminded of the importance of staying on the right path and avoiding wrongdoing.


You gotta walk the line
To maintain a virtuous and upright life, I must consistently follow the morally correct course of action, as implied by the term 'walk the line'.


The line is narrow, the line is long
This metaphorical 'line' represents the challenging journey towards goodness and righteousness, which is both difficult and enduring.


I'm gonna do right from now on
To fully embody the idea of being 'good', I am committed to making ethical choices and doing what is morally right in all aspects of my life.


(It's gonna be good, it's gonna do right)
This repetition emphasizes my strong belief that by striving to be good and acting in a righteous manner, positive outcomes and blessings will follow.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Paul Maurice Kelly

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Evan C

Gorgeous way to write and record music. Beautiful!

conradmillermd

Love the melody and sound of this. Paulie ain't no angel, ya know...he was GREAT at the Highline Ballroom 5 25 13 NYC with nephew Dan K on the guitars and harmonies

koston2007

Cant promise im gonna be good, but this song inspires me to at least try! Amen.

Rhyme & Reason

Such a great album..., from the greatest songwriter on the planet...

Cooperblack

awesome...so good to see music being made and recording where music is played!!!..great vide, and that is what it is about. Being comfortable, relaxed and not under the thumb....looks like this recording was so much fun!!!!..and sounds like it was.

Nicole Stott

Incredible 😍

Rhyme & Reason

Love it...

Kairos1955

Great song ! I liked the video too. Thanks !!

Ronald Martens

I first heard this song played on the radio and immediately liked it. Paul Kelly just comes out with really good material and lyrics or ballads. He would be my favourite number 1 Australian artist. I may try to do a recorder version of this song probably on my alto recorder although my descant soprano recorder is my favourite. I will buy the cd rather than buying from itunes to import full size file. Maybe I will suggest to iTunes for option to download full size files.

Claire Hipwood

Ah pk, the older you get the more endearing you become.

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