All Tomorrow's Parties
Rasputina Lyrics


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And What costume shall the poor girl wear
To all tomorrow's parties
A hand-me-down dress from who knows where
To all tomorrow's parties

And where will she go and what shall she be
When midnight comes around
She'll turn once more to Sunday's clown
And cry behind the door

And what costume shall the poor girl wear
To all tomorrow's parties
Why silks and linens of yesterday's gowns
To all tomorrow's parties

And what will she do with Thursday's rags
When Monday comes around
She'll turn once more to Sunday's clown
And cry behind the door

And what costume shall the poor girl wear
To all tomorrow's parties
For Thursday's child is Sunday's clown
For whom none will go mourning
A blackened shroud, a hand-me-down gown
Of rags and silks, a costume




It's fine for one who sits and cries
For all tomorrow's parties

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Rasputina's song "All Tomorrow's Parties" depict a girl who is struggling to find her place in the world. The repetition of the phrase "what costume shall the poor girl wear" emphasizes her sense of insecurity and her lack of agency in her own life. She is relegated to wearing hand-me-downs and cast-off garments, which speak to her social and economic status. The singer asks where she will go and what she will be, suggesting that she is lost and uncertain about her future. The line "she'll turn once more to Sunday's clown" is particularly poignant, as it suggests that she is putting on a facade of happiness and well-being to mask her inner turmoil. The final stanza, which describes the girl as a "Thursday's child" and a "blackened shroud," is a reference to a child born on Thursday in English folklore, who is said to be unlucky. The girl is resigned to her fate, and even if she does find some small comfort in the "fine" costume of rags and silks, she will still "sit and cries" for all tomorrow's parties.


Line by Line Meaning

And What costume shall the poor girl wear
The singer wonders what clothing the girl without means will wear


To all tomorrow's parties
To attend the events of the future


A hand-me-down dress from who knows where
An old dress passed down, origins unknown


To all tomorrow's parties
For the future events


And where will she go and what shall she be
The singer questions the girl's future plans and identity


When midnight comes around
At the stroke of midnight


She'll turn once more to Sunday's clown
She'll revert to her usual role, that of an entertainer or performer


And cry behind the door
She'll be saddened and alone, hidden from sight


And what costume shall the poor girl wear
The singer repeats her initial question


Why silks and linens of yesterday's gowns
She'll wear outdated fancy materials


To all tomorrow's parties
For future events


And what will she do with Thursday's rags
The singer asks what she'll do with her worn-out clothes


When Monday comes around
At the start of a new week


She'll turn once more to Sunday's clown
She'll resume her role as a performer


And cry behind the door
She'll remain alone and sad, hidden from view


And what costume shall the poor girl wear
The singer repeats the question, emphasizing the girl's lack of options


For Thursday's child is Sunday's clown
She will always be the entertainer, with no other options


For whom none will go mourning
No one will mourn her misfortune


A blackened shroud, a hand-me-down gown
Her clothes will be old and dark


Of rags and silks, a costume
Her clothing will be a mismatch of materials


It's fine for one who sits and cries
Her attire is suitable for someone who is miserable


For all tomorrow's parties
For all the upcoming events, she'll wear the same sad clothes




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Lou Reed

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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