Reckless
Paul Kelly Lyrics


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James Reyne (Warner Chappell)
Meet me down by the jetty landing
Where the pontoons bump and sway
All the others reading, standing
As the Manly ferry cuts its way to Circular Quay
Hear the captain blow his whistle
So long you've been away
I miss our early morning wrestle
Not a very happy way to start the day
She don't like that kind of behaviour
She don't like that kind of behaviour
Throw down your guns
Don't be so reckless
Throw down your guns
Like Scott in the Antarctic
Base camp so far away
Russian subs beneath the Arctic
Burke and Wills and camels
Initials on the tree
She don't like that kind of behaviour
She don't like that kind of behaviour
Throw down your guns




Don't you be so reckless
Throw down your guns

Overall Meaning

Paul Kelly's song "Reckless" is a nostalgic tale of lost love, regret, and the recklessness of youth. The song starts with an invitation to meet for a nostalgic rendezvous at the jetty landing where the pontoons bump and sway. The singer reminisces about the good old days of wrestling with his lover, however, the reunion is anything but happy. The singer is still in love with his ex-girlfriend, but she doesn't approve of his reckless behavior, which includes carrying guns.


The mention of "Scott in the Antarctic" and "Burke and Wills and camels," references iconic moments of exploration, but also tragic losses. The lines "Initials on the tree" suggest a romantic gesture between the couple that has now been forgotten. The melancholic tone of the song is emphasized in the chorus, with the plea "Throw down your guns, don't be so reckless," urging the singer to change his ways and win back his love.


In summary, "Reckless" is an emotional and complex song that delves deep into themes of loss, regret, and recklessness. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a protagonist whose lovers' departure has left him lost and regretful, but the song also serves as a warning about the dangers of living a reckless life.


Line by Line Meaning

Meet me down by the jetty landing
Let's meet at the dock where the boats are and where we used to hang out


Where the pontoons bump and sway
Where the floating platforms move up and down with the waves


All the others reading, standing
Everyone else is busy reading or standing around


As the Manly ferry cuts its way to Circular Quay
We can watch the Manly ferry making its way to Circular Quay from here


Hear the captain blow his whistle
The captain of the ferry is blowing his whistle to signal departure


So long you've been away
It's been a while since we saw each other


I miss our early morning wrestle
I miss our playful physical interactions in the morning


Not a very happy way to start the day
But it's not a happy situation to start the day with


She don't like that kind of behaviour
The woman in question doesn't appreciate that kind of behavior


Throw down your guns
Stop being aggressive or confrontational


Don't be so reckless
Don't act without thinking about the consequences


Like Scott in the Antarctic
Like the famous explorer Scott in his ill-fated journey to the South Pole


Base camp so far away
The starting point is so far away from the destination


Russian subs beneath the Arctic
There are Russian submarines lurking under the Arctic Ocean


Burke and Wills and camels
An allusion to the famous Australian explorers who perished in their bid to cross the continent with camels


Initials on the tree
Our initials are still there on that tree we carved them on


She don't like that kind of behaviour
Once again, the woman does not approve of our behavior


Don't you be so reckless
Let's not be impetuous or heedless


Throw down your guns
Let's drop the hostility and come to a peaceful resolution




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: James Michael Reyne

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@rdcochrane1746

Outrageous talent … thanks for sharing

@DarrylHuntley

Hey Darren. This is absolute GOLD my friend. Thank you SOOOO much for taking your time and converting and then uploading this rarity. I've owned the album version for years and always enjoyed it but now this is in the mix and as you say, this is raw and straight off the cuff. AMAZING!!!!! Thanks again for sharing.

@DarrenGlen

thanks man...appreciate the kind words indeed it is special eh. This was my first time hearing this....as far as im concerned the studio ones after this are inferior

@glennsullivan5678

A brilliant version of an Australian classic - Paul Kelly is a genius :)

@justinekinley2629

I never tire of hearing this … love Paul Kelly

@bradferrari382

Absolute 💯 an Australian ledged Paul Kelly

@waynespencer2066

Have fast become a PK fan after he shared with me and picked me up during a recent downtime.I know it hasn't always been an easy time for him but I think he is a wonderful human being and he needs to tell himself that every day. 😊

@stuarthickson6103

awesome! thanks for sharing. And to Australian Crawl for writing the song.

@GCamCrucial

What a rare gem. Thank you for sharing.

@robbruggink8937

Such a True Artist Player two Instrument at Once to set a Real Atmosphere...

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