Desperado
Phil Coulter Lyrics


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Desperado, why don't you come to your senses?
You been out ridin' fences for so long now
Oh, you're a hard one but I know that you got your reasons
These things that are pleasin' you can hurt you somehow

Don't you draw the queen of diamonds boy
She'll beat you if she's able
You know the queen of hearts is always your best bet

Now it seems to me, some fine things
Have been laid upon your table
But you only want the ones that you can't get

Desperado, oh you ain't gettin' no younger
Your pain and your hunger, they're drivin' you home
And freedom, oh freedom, well that's just some people talkin'
Your prison is walkin' through this world all alone

Don't your feet get cold in the winter time?
The sky won't snow and the sun won't shine
It's hard to tell the night time from the day
You're losin' all your highs and lows
Ain't it funny how the feelin' goes away?

Desperado, why don't you come to your senses?
Come down from your fences, open the gate
It may be rainin' but there's a rainbow above you
You better let somebody love you




(Let somebody love you)
You better let somebody love you before it's too late

Overall Meaning

The song 'Desperado' by Phil Coulter is an emotional ballad that is about a person who has been riding fences for a long time, trying to escape from their own demons. The song highlights the fact that the person is not getting any younger, and that their pain and hunger are driving them home. It suggests that the person is stuck in a prison of their own making, a state of mind that is causing them to walk through this world all alone. The chorus message is a plea for the person to come to their senses, to stop putting up fences, and to let love enter their life before it's too late.


The song also suggests that the person is chasing after things that they cannot have, and this is causing them more pain. The lyrics are cautionary in nature, warning the person not to draw the queen of diamonds because she will beat them, but to choose the queen of hearts, who is always a safe bet. The song acknowledges that the person is a hard one, but there must be some reasons behind their behavior.


Overall, 'Desperado' is a deeply emotional song that speaks to the challenges of the human condition. It urges the listener to pay attention to their lives, to come to their senses, and to let go of their fears and insecurities so they can finally experience the freedom to love and be loved.


Line by Line Meaning

Desperado, why don't you come to your senses?
Why are you living a reckless life? Try to be rational and realistic.


You been out ridin' fences for so long now
You have been wandering aimlessly for quite some time now.


Oh, you're a hard one but I know that you got your reasons
You give off a tough exterior but I believe you have valid reasons for your actions.


These things that are pleasin' you can hurt you somehow
The things that bring you temporary pleasure can cause permanent pain.


Don't you draw the queen of diamonds boy, She'll beat you if she's able
Beware of getting involved with a person who has power and control over you.


You know the queen of hearts is always your best bet
Choose to be with someone who cares for you and has your best interest at heart.


Now it seems to me, some fine things Have been laid upon your table
It appears that you have had some wonderful experiences in your life.


But you only want the ones that you can't get
You only desire the things that are beyond your reach.


Desperado, oh you ain't gettin' no younger
You are getting older and time is running out.


Your pain and your hunger, they're drivin' you home
Your suffering and longing are leading you back to where you truly belong.


And freedom, oh freedom, well that's just some people talkin'
The concept of being free is just an idea for some, in reality, it's hard to attain.


Your prison is walkin' through this world all alone
You are trapped in loneliness and struggling to connect with people.


Don't your feet get cold in the winter time?
A metaphorical question to ask if the coldness of life doesn't affect you.


The sky won't snow and the sun won't shine
Life is not always favorable, sometimes you experience hardships.


It's hard to tell the night time from the day
You have been caught up in a situation that has made you lose track of time and direction.


You're losin' all your highs and lows
You no longer experience the highs and lows of life, everything seems mundane.


Ain't it funny how the feelin' goes away?
Isn't it strange how the good feelings disappear so quickly?


Desperado, why don't you come to your senses?
There's a need to be realistic and rational in your choices and way of life.


Come down from your fences, open the gate
Let go of your emotional walls, and allow people in.


It may be rainin' but there's a rainbow above you
Although things might seem tough at the moment, there's always hope for a better future.


You better let somebody love you
You deserve to be loved and should allow yourself to experience it.


(Let somebody love you)
Re-emphasizing the need for you to allow love into your life.


You better let somebody love you before it's too late
Don't wait until it's too late, allow someone to love you before the chance passes you by.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Glenn Lewis Frey, Don Hugh Henley

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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