Little Girl
Paul Williams Lyrics


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Little girl they said you′d end up lost
But little girls don't listen very well
And so you set out on your own
And wound up all alone
In San Francisco
San Francisco felt like home
Just like home
It′s not the same with everybody gone
And now your mind is filled with doubt
The in crowds all moved out

But you loved those laughing days
And summer sun
When day old strangers you called friend
And swore those summer days would never end

But little girl your eyes are looking old
And nothing seems to matter any more
As if the world has passed you by
You're just too tired to cry
Little girl you always meant so well
But never found the best that you deserved
When you were always first to share
It isn't really fair

But how you loved the laughing days
And summer sun
When day old strangers you called friend
And swore those summer days would never end
But little girl your eyes are looking old
And nothing seems to matter any more




No one cares about the cost
Another little girl has wound up lost

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Paul Williams's song "Little Girl" convey a sense of loss and disappointment. The song tells the story of a young girl who was told she would be lost, yet she didn't pay heed to these warnings. She ventured out on her own, but ended up feeling alone in San Francisco. Despite the initial excitement of the city feeling like home to her, she soon realizes that it's not the same without the people she once knew. Doubt starts to fill her mind and she feels left behind as the "in crowds" have moved on.


The song reflects on the girl's fond memories of laughing days and summer sun, where she found joy in the company of strangers who became friends. At that time, she believed those carefree summer days would never end. However, as time passes and the girl grows older, her eyes reflect weariness and a lack of interest in the world around her. Nothing seems to matter anymore, and she has become too tired to cry. Despite her good intentions, she has never found the happiness and fulfillment she deserves. The unfairness of always being the one who shares and gives without receiving the same in return is highlighted.


Overall, "Little Girl" is a poignant exploration of the disillusionment and weariness that can accompany the passage of time. It serves as a reminder of the importance of finding genuine connections and support in a world that can sometimes feel indifferent.


Line by Line Meaning

Little girl they said you'd end up lost
They told you that you would lose your way, little girl


But little girls don't listen very well
However, little girls often do not pay close attention


And so you set out on your own
Therefore, you ventured on your own


And wound up all alone
And ultimately found yourself without companionship


In San Francisco
Specifically, in the city of San Francisco


San Francisco felt like home
San Francisco gave you a sense of belonging


Just like home
Just like your true home


It's not the same with everybody gone
The absence of everyone has made it different


And now your mind is filled with doubt
Presently, you harbor uncertainty in your thoughts


The in crowds all moved out
The popular groups have all departed


But you loved those laughing days
Nevertheless, you adored those joyful times


And summer sun
As well as the warm sun of summer


When day old strangers you called friend
During those days, even strangers you barely knew became your friends


And swore those summer days would never end
And you made a solemn vow that those summer days would continue endlessly


But little girl your eyes are looking old
However, your eyes, little girl, appear aged and weary


And nothing seems to matter any more
Furthermore, nothing holds significance anymore


As if the world has passed you by
It seems as though the world has moved on without you


You're just too tired to cry
You are simply too exhausted to shed tears


Little girl you always meant so well
Little girl, you always had good intentions


But never found the best that you deserved
However, you never encountered the finest things you deserved


When you were always first to share
Despite that, you were always the first one to offer and give


It isn't really fair
It is truly unjust


But how you loved the laughing days
Nevertheless, you cherished those days filled with laughter


And summer sun
As well as the warm sun of summer


When day old strangers you called friend
During those days, even strangers you barely knew became your friends


And swore those summer days would never end
And you made a solemn vow that those summer days would continue endlessly


But little girl your eyes are looking old
However, your eyes, little girl, appear aged and weary


And nothing seems to matter any more
Furthermore, nothing holds significance anymore


No one cares about the cost
No one is concerned about the price or consequences


Another little girl has wound up lost
Another young girl has also found herself misplaced and bewildered




Writer(s): Paul H. Williams

Contributed by Max T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Freda Deloci

I love paul williams
His musc saved me. I meet him onve at the Fairmont hotel in sf I was 22 years old and i went the the show took red roses to give to him on stage and he called me up to him i got to kiss him I am a pretty black woman who always loved him so keep on playing his songs.

Scott Gould

@Terri
Much by

Terri

He saved my life, now we're friend's.

Lutz11

Beautiful Song From A Great Artist. Totally Underrated

Heather Lynn Partridge

I told PW about my love for this song and he said it was one of his favourites as well.  He was surprised it never went anywhere.

Carmen Ontong

I wish I could tell him what his music means to me.

Servenet

Nice...very nice. Love everything Paul has written...and sung.

Jane Stewart

just beautiful.....one of my all time favourites...thanks for this.

Captain Nice

This great song would be perfect for a movie soundtrack

R C

A great song this is .. and a great musical mind

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