Settle Down
Peter Paul And Mary Lyrics
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Baby when i find what i'm looking for, well then maybe I'll settle down
Why don't you help me brother, I'm a stranger in your town
Why don't you help me sister, and then maybe I'll settle down
Why don't you help me brother, I'm a stranger in your town
Why don't you help me sister, and then maybe I'll settle down
Baby what I was looking for, I couldn't find along the way
Why don't you help me brother, I'm a stranger in your town
Why don't you help me sister, and then maybe I'll settle down
Never been contented no matter where I roam
It ain't no fun to see a settin' sun when you're far away from home
Why don't you help me brother, I'm a stranger in your town
Why don't you help me sister, and then maybe I'll settle down
I've worked in the mills of Pittsburgh, in the hills of Tennessee
Baby all I want is to find a job that will set my mind at ease
Why don't you help me brother, I'm a stranger in your town
Why don't you help me sister, and then maybe I'll settle down
Why don't you help me brother, I'm a stranger in your town
Why don't you help me sister, and then maybe I'll settle down
In "Settle Down", Peter, Paul and Mary sing about a restless wanderer who is chasing a dream and searching for a place to call home. The song follows the singer as they travel from town to town and state to state, looking for work and a sense of belonging. They seem to have a clear idea of what they're after, but they just can't seem to find it. The repetition of the chorus, "Why don't you help me brother, I'm a stranger in your town, Why don't you help me sister, and then maybe I'll settle down" underscores the singer's longing to connect with others and find a community that will welcome them and provide the stability they crave.
The song captures a sense of dislocation and yearning that many people can relate to. The singer is an outsider in every town they visit, and they seem to be looking for more than just work or a place to sleep. They want to belong somewhere, to find a sense of purpose and meaning in their life. The lyrics express a deep human desire to find our place in the world and connect with others.
"Settle Down" was written by the legendary folk singer and songwriter Tom Paxton, who has penned many classic songs over the course of his long career. The song was originally released on Peter, Paul and Mary's album "Album 1700" in 1967. Since then, the song has been covered by many other artists, including Joan Baez and Arlo Guthrie.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm goin' down that highway, goin' to another town
I am leaving where I currently am to pursue something else
Baby when i find what i'm looking for, well then maybe I'll settle down
Once I find what I am searching for, my life will become more stable and I will consider staying put in one place
Why don't you help me brother, I'm a stranger in your town
As an outsider in your town, I could use the support and assistance of someone familiar with the area
Why don't you help me sister, and then maybe I'll settle down
If someone were to offer aid, I would become more content and consider finding a permanent residence in this place
I worked my way from Boston to that San Francisco bay
I have traversed a considerable distance in my search
Baby what I was looking for, I couldn't find along the way
My efforts have yet to yield what I have been seeking
Never been contented no matter where I roam
I have yet to find a place where I feel truly fulfilled
It ain't no fun to see a settin' sun when you're far away from home
Being far from one's home can lead to a feeling of melancholy and loneliness
I've worked in the mills of Pittsburgh, in the hills of Tennessee
I have taken on a variety of jobs in various locations
Baby all I want is to find a job that will set my mind at ease
My greatest desire is to obtain employment that provides a sense of peace and contentment
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