The Venus Of The Soup Kitchen
Prefab Sprout Lyrics

The Venus of the soup kitchen is waiting there for me
The singer feels that he is in dire need of help that only the soup kitchen can provide, and nothing else.

And all us poor cripples who've been in the wars
The soup kitchen is a place where the less fortunate, those who have faced hardships and challenges in life, can find solace and comfort.

And up sleeping on her floor
The singer and others like him have no place to go and are forced to sleep on the floor of the soup kitchen, which is a place of refuge for them.

Whoa!
This is an exclamation of surprise or shock, indicating the artist's astonishment or disbelief.

When you're scared of down and out
When a person is struggling and has no one to turn to for help or support, they become overwhelmed with fear and anxiety.

You keep it to yourself and if anyone suspects
When people are struggling, they tend to hide it from others and try to keep their problems to themselves, fearing that they will be judged and rejected.

You say : Who me ? Hardly !
People who are struggling often pretend that everything is fine and deny that they need help, so as not to appear weak or vulnerable.

You tell him Thank your stars, this isn't Derby day
People who are struggling are grateful for small mercies and try to look for silver linings in their situations, being thankful that things are not worse than they are.

'Cause it's clear you've got the gift for backing the wrong horse, Charlie.
This is a sarcastic remark indicating that the artist feels that the person they are talking to is making bad choices and is likely to fail in life, indicating the harsh realities of the world.

You camouflage your fear with a fakin' D.J. smile
When people are struggling, they often try to hide their pain and anxiety by putting on a brave face and pretending that everything is fine, even if it's not.

And maybe some boogie dancin'
People who are struggling may go to great lengths to distract themselves from their problems, even if it's only temporary or superficial.

But there's no need to be proud
It's essential to be humble and accept help when it's needed, especially when one is struggling and in need of assistance.

Hey if something's hurtin' you
If something is causing you pain or distress, it's important to acknowledge it and seek help or support.

Could be it hurts your brothers too
The singer is suggesting that when one person is struggling, it can have a ripple effect and cause pain or distress to others around them, emphasizing the need for collective support and empathy.

From Langley Park to Memphis
This phrase refers to the singer's travels, emphasizing the universality of the struggles people face, no matter where they are located geographically.

Last night, last night I dreamed I dared to raise my head
The artist is suggesting that they are now finding the courage to face their problems head-on and seek help from the soup kitchen.

The Venus of the soup kitchen stood over me
The Venus of the soup kitchen is a metaphorical representation of the place of refuge that the artist has found in the soup kitchen, indicating the comfort and solace it provides.

Singin' sometimes the job gets you down
The singer is suggesting that life can be tough and challenging, particularly for those who are struggling, emphasizing the importance of the support that the soup kitchen provides.

You're ashamed that the word will get round
People who are struggling may feel embarrassed or ashamed of their situation and fear being judged or rejected by others, indicating the stigmatization of poverty.

Now some will spin you yarns to keep you quiet for a while
People may tell you stories or make false promises to placate you and make you feel better, even if they are not true or do not help you in any way.

But you know that's not my style, who needs fancy footwork?
The artist is suggesting that they are truthful and honest, emphasizing the importance of being genuine and authentic, regardless of one's circumstances.

'Cos none of it adds up, no it doesn't weigh a thing
Empty promises and false stories are of no use to people who are struggling and in need of help or support, emphasizing the need for genuine assistance and care to make a real difference.

And it doesn't buy you beer, from Langley Park to Memphis
This line is a metaphorical representation of the fact that superficial or temporary solutions to problems do not provide lasting relief or help those in need, emphasizing the need for real support and assistance.

Singin' here you are, and I won't tell you've no one else but me
The Venus of the soup kitchen is telling the artist that they are not alone and that they are there to help and support them, indicating the importance of the assistance provided at the soup kitchen.

Every night I know you'll be here staring hungrily
The soup kitchen is providing essential assistance to people who are struggling and in need of help, emphasizing the crucial role that such institutions play in society.