Paul Westerberg (born December 31, 1959) is an American musician from Minne… Read Full Bio ↴Paul Westerberg (born December 31, 1959) is an American musician from Minneapolis, best known as the former lead singer and songwriter of The Replacements, one of the seminal alternative rock bands of the 1980s. Since The Replacements broke up in 1991, Westerberg has recorded several solo albums under his own name as well as the moniker Grandpaboy, and written songs for movies including Singles and Open Season. Westerberg has one son.

Black Eyed Susan
Paul Westerberg Lyrics

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Two.
Beads of sweat glimmer to the ground
Golden tears shimmer soft and round

Throwing small shadows
I catch those that fall at my feet
Black-Eyed Susan dancing in the breeze

See your slight body relax
Soon your young veins will collapse
Still throwing small shadows
Catch those that fall at my feet
Black-Eyed Susan dancing in the breeze
Black-Eyed Susan dancing in the breeze

Painted your curb, they know where to park
Painted your face, can't find you in the dark
Goodnight girl come on dance with me
See the bright pearls sink in the sky of ebony

Throwing small shadows
I catch those that fall at my feet
Black-Eyed Susan dancing in the breeze
Black-Eyed Susan dancing in the breeze

Throwing small shadows
God knows you move with ease
Throwing small shadows
Catch those that fall at my feet
Black-Eyed Susan dancing in the breeze
Black-Eyed Susan dancing just for me
Black-Eyed Susan dancing in the breeze

Mmm just for me
Mmm just for me

Overall Meaning

The song "Black Eyed Susan" by Paul Westerberg is a haunting and melancholic ballad that explores the themes of death, loss, and the fleeting nature of life. The song opens with the image of beads of sweat and golden tears falling to the ground, creating small shadows that the singer catches at his feet. The Black-Eyed Susan, a type of wildflower, dances in the breeze, a symbol of life and vitality that starkly contrasts with the somber tone of the lyrics.

As the song progresses, the imagery becomes more abstract and surreal. The singer addresses an unnamed person, whose "young veins will collapse" and whose body will eventually give in to the inevitable march of time. The chorus repeats the image of the Black-Eyed Susan dancing in the breeze, but there is a sense of sadness and longing in the singer's voice.

The final verse introduces a new element: the image of painted curbs and faces, suggesting a world that is both familiar and strange. The singer invites the "goodnight girl" to dance with him, and as the bright pearls sink in the "sky of ebony," the Black-Eyed Susan continues to dance just for him.

Line by Line Meaning

Two.
Starting the song with the number two, implying a second person, creating a sense of intimacy between the singer and the subject.

Beads of sweat glimmer to the ground
Sweat dripping from the subject's body, emphasizing the physical exertion and movement.

Golden tears shimmer soft and round
Tears representing sadness or emotional pain, juxtaposed with 'golden' to depict beauty and value in this pain.

Throwing small shadows
Shadows created by the subject's movement, indicating change and instability.

I catch those that fall at my feet
Singer metaphorically catching and holding onto remnants of the subject's past or impact on others.

Black-Eyed Susan dancing in the breeze
The subject portrayed as a flower swaying under the influence of external forces, highlighting their vulnerability.

See your slight body relax
The subject's physical state as one of distress or tense energy, slowly releasing.

Soon your young veins will collapse
The subject's youth and vigor is temporary, and they will eventually succumb to the harsh realities of life.

Painted your curb, they know where to park
The subject's mark on the world, represented by a painted curb that directs others.

Painted your face, can't find you in the dark
The subject's outward presentation hiding their true nature or making them difficult to find or understand.

Goodnight girl come on dance with me
The singer inviting the subject to dance, possibly as a way to connect with them or offer comfort.

See the bright pearls sink in the sky of ebony
The stars disappearing into the darkness of night, the end of something bright and beautiful.

God knows you move with ease
The subject's graceful or effortless movement, despite their struggles or obstacles.

Black-Eyed Susan dancing just for me
The singer feeling a personal connection or ownership over the subject, possibly romantic or possessive.

Mmm just for me
The singer repeating their possessiveness over the subject, with a sense of satisfaction or pleasure.

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: PAUL WESTERBERG

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Carys Raymond

5y↑1

Two.
Beads of sweat glimmer to the ground
Golden tears shimmer soft and round
Throwing small shadows
I catch those that fall at my feet
Black-Eyed Susan dancing in the breeze
See your slight body relax
Soon your young veins will collapse
Still throwing small shadows
Catch those that fall at my feet
Black-Eyed Susan dancing in the breeze
Black-Eyed Susan dancing in the breeze
Painted your curb, they know where to park
Painted your face, can't find you in the dark
Goodnight girl come on dance with me
See the bright pearls sink in the sky of ebony
Throwing small shadows
I catch those that fall at my feet
Black-Eyed Susan dancing in the breeze
Black-Eyed Susan dancing in the breeze
Throwing small shadows
God knows you move with ease
Throwing small shadows
Catch those that fall at my feet
Black-Eyed Susan dancing in the breeze
Black-Eyed Susan dancing just for me
Black-Eyed Susan dancing in the breeze
Mmm just for me
Mmm just for me