Slow New York, produced by Brad Jones and the partner-team of Lee Alexander and Norah Jones, proved a critical favorite. The Washington Post opined. ”…may be one of the year’s best albums…” and Julian has spent the last year traversing the globe in support of it, most notably on tours with Bonnie Raitt, Rosanne Cash, and Madelleine Peyroux. His “time off” has been spent touring with The Little Willies and as a sideman for Dobson. “It certainly has been a busy year for me,” says the unassuming Julian, “if not a bit musically schizophrenic.”
Currently, Julian is preparing to record for a 2007 release.
----------
"One of the best songwriters and record makers I've heard in a very long time."
- Randy Newman
"Richard just knocks me out. Some of the coolest, smartest and original music I've heard in years."
- Bonnie Raitt
"My favorite collection of songs by one of my favorite songwriters."
- Norah Jones
"...a voice as distinctive as a thumbprint...if only more songwriters - and
more people - had his balance of wit and fortitude."
- Jim Farber/New York Daily News
End Of The Line
Richard Julian Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
These people were here first.
As you can see, the line forms over there.
We're all in a hurry sir.
Your claim is no worse.
Line's over there,
Look at all these people you see here,
End of the line.
End of the line.
The sign was posted when you purchased your merchandise.
Sir, did you read the sign?
Sir, read the sign.
Store credit only,
And I see you bought this at the sale price.
Read the sign.
I don't make the policies, sir.
Please take my apologies, sir.
End of the line.
End of the line.
Miss Jones there's a man out here
Wants to speak to a manager.
He's using foul language,
And he's frightening the staff.
I already explained that.
Could you come to the register?
He's frightening the staff.
Sir, there's no need to raise your voice.
Sir, I'm afraid you leave me no choice.
End of the line.
End of the line.
End of the line.
Sir, please,
Sir, please,
Sir, put down the gun.
The lyrics of Richard Julian's song End Of The Line depict a situation where a man is unhappy with the policies of a store and is causing trouble. The first verse sees the man being told to step aside as there are other people in line before him. The chorus repeatedly states that it is the end of the line and people do not want to be there. The second verse sees the man being reminded of the sign that he would have seen when he purchased his item, which stated that there is only store credit available and that he bought the item at a sale price. The man is reminded that the employee doesn’t make the policies and apologises. The third verse sees another employee calling in the manager to deal with the man’s behaviour. The employee pleads with the man to put down his gun.
The song can be interpreted as a commentary on the commercialisation of society and thus people forced to participate in systems that they don’t always agree with. It highlights the tension and resentment that arises when those in power are confrontational and unwilling to see things from the perspective of those who are upset or feel mistreated. The phrase ‘end of the line’ is a metaphor for the conclusion of a relationship, friendship or any other situation. Similarly, in this song, the line refers to the store’s policies and the rules that the man would have had to follow.
Line by Line Meaning
Sir, step aside,
Please move out of the way.
These people were here first.
The people currently waiting were here before you arrived.
As you can see, the line forms over there.
Please go to the back of the line, which starts in that direction.
We're all in a hurry sir.
Everyone is in a rush, including you, so please wait in line patiently.
Your claim is no worse.
Your request or issue is not more important than those of the other customers already in line.
Line's over there,
The queue starts in the direction indicated.
Look at all these people you see here,
Observe how many customers are already waiting ahead of you.
Certain none of us want to be here.
No one enjoys waiting in line, but it's necessary to receive service.
End of the line.
You've reached the end of the queue and must wait your turn to be helped.
End of the line.
You've reached the end of the line and can't go any further until it's your turn.
The sign was posted when you purchased your merchandise.
The store's return policy was clearly displayed when you bought the item.
Sir, did you read the sign?
Did you see the sign indicating the store's policy?
Sir, read the sign.
Please take a moment to read the policy posted in the store.
Store credit only,
You will not receive a cash refund; only store credit can be issued.
And I see you bought this at the sale price.
The item you're trying to return was purchased at a discounted price.
Read the sign.
Please take a moment to read the policy posted in the store.
I don't make the policies, sir.
As an employee, I don't have the authority to change the store's return policy.
Please take my apologies, sir.
I'm sorry for any inconvenience, but the policy cannot be changed.
Miss Jones there's a man out here
An individual is causing a disturbance at the store.
Wants to speak to a manager.
The person demands to speak with a higher-ranking employee.
He's using foul language,
The person is swearing or being vulgar.
And he's frightening the staff.
The employee feels threatened or scared by the individual's behavior.
I already explained that.
I've already given the person an explanation or resolution, but they are still dissatisfied.
Could you come to the register?
Please come to the cash register to help resolve this issue.
Sir, there's no need to raise your voice.
Please remain calm and respectful while we try to help you.
Sir, I'm afraid you leave me no choice.
If you continue to behave inappropriately, we may need to ask you to leave the store.
End of the line.
This is as far as we'll tolerate your behavior before taking further action to deescalate the situation.
Sir, please,
Please listen to what I'm saying.
Sir, please,
I'm trying to deescalate the situation; please don't become more agitated.
Sir, put down the gun.
There's a weapon involved in the situation that must be removed before it results in harm.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JULIAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind