Arnold Layne
Pink Floyd (mélQdramâ) Lyrics
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Had a strange hobby
Collecting clothes
Moonshine washing line
They suit him fine
On the wall
Hung a tall mirror
See through baby blue
He done it, oh, Arnold Layne
It's not the same,
It takes two to know
Two to know
Two to know
Two to know
Why can't you see?
Arnold Layne
Arnold Layne
Arnold Layne, Arnold Layne
Now he's caught
A nasty sort of person
They gave him time
Doors bang, chain gang
He hates it
Oh, Arnold Layne
It's not the same
It takes two to know
Two to know
Two to know
Two to know
Why can't you see?
Arnold Layne
Arnold Layne
Arnold Layne
Arnold Layne, don't do it again
The song "Arnold Layne" by Pink Floyd is about a man with a strange hobby - he likes to steal women's clothing from washing lines. The lyrics talk about how he collects clothes and enjoys wearing them. His behaviour is seen as peculiar and odd by those around him, as represented in the line "distorted view see through baby blue." The song reflects on how society often judges those who are different and how this can lead to isolation and rejection. The repeated refrain of "It takes two to know, two to know" suggests that understanding and empathy are required to break down barriers between people.
The character of Arnold Layne is eventually caught and punished for his actions. The final line "Arnold Layne, don't do it again" is a warning to others who may indulge in similar behaviour. The song was a hit when it was released in the UK in 1967 but was banned from the airwaves in some areas due to its controversial subject matter. However, it was later released in the US and became a cult classic.
Line by Line Meaning
Arnold Layne
The titular character of the song
Had a strange hobby
Arnold Layne had an unusual pastime
Collecting clothes
His hobby was to gather garments
Moonshine washing line
He dried his clothes outside on a makeshift clothesline
They suit him fine
Arnold was content with his choice of apparel
On the wall
Referring to something hanging on the wall
Hung a tall mirror
He had a full-length mirror affixed to the wall
Distorted view
The reflection was warped, not a true representation
See through baby blue
The color of the mirror was a pale, translucent blue
He done it, oh, Arnold Layne
Arnold Layne had done something questionable or wrong
It's not the same,
Things have changed since the event referenced in the previous line
It takes two to know
To understand the full story, one needs more than one perspective
Two to know
Reinforcing the idea that multiple points of view are needed
Why can't you see?
The singer is frustrated that others cannot see things from multiple angles
Now he's caught
Arnold Layne has been captured or arrested
A nasty sort of person
Layne is now perceived as a bad or unsavory individual
They gave him time
He was given a prison sentence
Doors bang, chain gang
Describing the bleak conditions of the prison
He hates it
Arnold Layne is unhappy with his current situation
Arnold Layne, don't do it again
A plea to the character to learn from his mistakes and not repeat them
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: SYD BARRETT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jer Smith
Lyrics
Arnold Layne had a strange hobby
Collecting clothes moonshine washing line
They suit him fine
On the wall hung a tall mirror
Distorted view, see through baby blue
He dug it
Oh, Arnold Layne
It's not the same, takes two to know
Two to know, two to know, two to know
Why can't you see?
Arnold Layne, Arnold Layne
Arnold Layne, Arnold Layne
Now he's caught
A nasty sort of person
They gave him time
Doors bang, chain gang he hates it
Oh, Arnold Layne
It's not the same, takes two to know
Two to know, two to know, two to know
Why can't you see?
Arnold Layne, Arnold Layne
Arnold Layne, Arnold Layne
Don't do it again
Perebynis
While other bands wrote about girls, girls & more girls, Syd Barrett wrote songs about scarecrows, the solar system and crossdressers. That alone makes early Pink Floyd special.
Sean Logan
Lol, yeah.RIP Syd.
Alistair Ewen
The kinks did do LOLA.
Sean Logan
@Alistair Ewen great song 🎵 by an even greater band.
StarFru1tEnterpr1se 1nc
pretty much every f'ing Beetles song was some "Girl' song. lmao thats so true
until sgt pepper. they started expanding
Angel Torres
Burley Pelletier listen to Gloria and Tobacco Road by The Blues Magoos, Syd Barret loved them.
Daz Auto
Amazing to think the Syd Barrett era was basically just one year 1967 and we are still obsessed with it over 50 years later.
John Kudyba
Excellent comment! Absolutely spot on.
Yanik Em
It’s like Elvis in a jumpsuit or Freddie Mercury with his moustache - they were only small eras of their careers but we still think of them like that.
cool username
*1965-1967, but it's still remarkable to hear the stuff Syd came up with!!