Junk
Paul McCartney Lyrics


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Motorcars, handle bars
Bicycles for two
Broken-hearted jubilee

Parachutes, army boots
Sleeping bags for two
Sentimental jamboree
"Buy, buy," says the sign in the shop window
"Why? Why?" Says the in junk the yard

Da-da-ya, da-da-da-da-da-da
Da-da-ya-da, da
Da-da-da-da-da
Da-da

Candlesticks, building bricks
Something old and new
Memories for you and me

"Buy, buy," says the sign in the shop window
"Why? Why?" Says the in junk the yard





Da-ahh, ohh-whoa

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Junk" by Paul McCartney are steeped in nostalgia and possess a bittersweet quality. The opening stanza of the song features a couple riding bicycles for two, with one of them being heartbroken. The image of the broken-hearted person riding a bicycle together with another signifies a sense of unity and companionship in the midst of heartbreak. The image encapsulates how people tend to seek the company of others when they are going through a tough time, and how in such moments, we find comfort in shared experiences.


The second stanza depicts parachutes, army boots, sleeping bags, and other outdoor gear that are intended for use by two people. McCartney paints a picture of a "sentimental jamboree," where the couple shares an emotional bond and experiences a sense of adventure and excitement together. The use of army boots and sleeping bags, which are often associated with war and danger, suggests that the couple is not only united in joy but also through challenges and difficult times.


The final stanza features "something old and new," which references memories that can be passed down through generations. McCartney points out that memories are not just things of the past, but something that creates a shared heritage between present and future. The repeated phrase "buy buy" and "why why" is a poignant commentary on society's fleeting obsession with material possessions and how they can quickly turn into useless junk.


Line by Line Meaning

Handle bars
Reminiscing about riding bicycles together, holding the handle bars tight


Bicycles for two
Thinking about riding a bicycle built for two, a classic symbol of togetherness


Broken hearted jubilee
Feeling happy and celebratory despite being heartbroken, perhaps due to cherished memories


Parachutes, army boots
Referencing military gear, representing the past and possibly a past relationship


Sleeping bags for two
Recalling times spent camping and sharing a cozy sleeping bag for two


Sentimental jamboree
An emotional gathering or celebration centered around memories and nostalgia


Buy buy says the sign in the shop window
Advertisements urging consumerism and constant purchasing


Why why says the in junk the yard
Questioning the reasons behind collecting and holding onto junk and old possessions


Candlesticks, building bricks
Listing household items that hold sentimental value representing the past


Something old and new
Embracing new experiences and objects while still valuing the traditions of the past


Memories for you and me
Highlighting the shared experiences and memories that are cherished between two people




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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