Golden Blunders
Ringo Starr Lyrics
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What they know is what they've seen
Education wasn't fun, but now that school is done
Higher learning's just begun
[Chorus:]
You're gonna watch what you say for a long time
You're gonna suffer the guilt forever
You're gonna mess up things you thought you would never
Disappointment breeds contempt, it makes you feel inept
Never thought you'd feel alone (at home)
His and hers forever more, throw your freedom out the door
Before you find out what it's for
[Chorus]
Four weeks seemed like a long time then, but nine months is longer now
But ever if you never speak again, you've (you've already)
Made the wedding vow
[Chorus]
Honeymoons will never start, bonds will blow apart
Just as fast as they were made
Men and women please beware, don't pretend you care
Nothing last when nothing's there
[Chorus]
In "Golden Blunders," Ringo Starr warns about the consequences of making mistakes, particularly when they come in pairs. He suggests that people are often unaware of their own errors, and that what they know is limited by what they have seen. The education system hasn't always been fun, but now that it's over, there's a lot more to learn. The chorus seems to suggest that any mistake one makes will result in long-term consequences. One will endure guilt for an extended period and may even mess up things they thought they never would.
Disappointment is a recurrent theme in the verses, as well as feelings of ineptitude and loneliness. The singer warns that couples who rush into marriage may later regret it since it's not easy to sustain a bond that was hastily made. The bridge provides a more reflective insight into the passing of time, stating that four weeks seemed like a long time back then, but now that nine months had passed, the length of time seems relative. One is encouraged to be careful not to make promises one can't keep, especially in regards to relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
Golden blunders come in pairs, they're very unaware
Mistakes are often made in twos by individuals who lack the knowledge to avoid them.
What they know is what they've seen
Their understanding of the world is based solely on their limited experiences.
Education wasn't fun, but now that school is done
Learning in a traditional academic setting was not enjoyable; yet, there is still much to be learned outside of formal education.
Higher learning's just begun
There is much more knowledge and experience to be gained as one navigates through life.
You're gonna watch what you say for a long time
The effects of one's careless words will be long-lasting.
You're gonna suffer the guilt forever
One will never be able to fully escape the shame and remorse of their actions.
You're gonna get in the way at the wrong time
One's mistakes will happen at the worst possible moments.
You're gonna mess up things you thought you would never
Even the most confident individuals will make mistakes in areas where they believed they were infallible.
Disappointment breeds contempt, it makes you feel inept
Frequent letdowns can cause bitterness and self-doubt.
Never thought you'd feel alone (at home)
Unhappiness in one's personal life can lead to feelings of isolation even within the confines of their own home.
His and hers forever more, throw your freedom out the door
Committing to a relationship means sacrificing individual freedom and autonomy.
Before you find out what it's for
Making commitments without fully comprehending their implications can have unforeseen consequences.
Four weeks seemed like a long time then, but nine months is longer now
Perceptions of time can change as one navigates through different phases of life.
But even if you never speak again, you've (you've already) Made the wedding vow
Even if communication ceases, it does not eliminate the obligations that come with the commitment of marriage.
Honeymoons will never start, bonds will blow apart
If the foundation of a relationship is not strong, it will inevitably crumble.
Just as fast as they were made
Relationships can fall apart just as quickly as they were established.
Men and women please beware, don't pretend you care
Both men and women should be cautious of feigning interest or emotion in a relationship if they truly do not care.
Nothing last when nothing's there
Sustaining a relationship requires more than just superficial or empty gestures of affection.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JONATHAN PAUL AUER, KEN STRINGFELLOW
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind