Ron Sexsmith is a Canadian from St. Catharines, Ontario, currently based in… Read Full Bio ↴Ron Sexsmith is a Canadian from St. Catharines, Ontario, currently based in Toronto. He is known as a songwriter's songwriter, with a gift for melody, insightful and understated lyrics, and an expressive, affecting voice.

Sexsmith started his first band at 14. After moving to Toronto he formed the Uncool and released his cassette Out of the Duff, and a year later, There's a Way. Meanwhile, he worked as a courier, and released Grand Opera Lane in 1991. On the strength of this album he earned a contract which led to the self-titled album Ron Sexsmith of 1995. Between 1997 and 2001, Sexsmith released three more albums before the acclaimed Cobblestone Runway in 2002.

Good Old Desk
Ron Sexsmith Lyrics

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Ohwah, ohwah, ah ah ah ah
Ohwah, ohwah, ah

My old desk doesn't arabesque
In the morning when I first arrive
It's a pleasure to see
It's waiting there for me
To keep my hopes alive

Such a comfort to know
It's got no place to go
It's always there
It's the one thing I've got
A huge success
My good old desk

My old desk never needs a rest
And I've never once heard it cry
I've never seen it tease
It's always there to please me
From nine to five

Such a comfort to know
It's dependable and slow
But it's always there
It's the one friend
I've got a giant of all times
My good old desk

Ohwah, ohwah, ah ah ah ah
Ohwah, ohwah, ah

My old desk isn't picturesque
But it's happy as a desk can be
We never say a word
But it's perfectly alright with me

For when my heart's on the floor
I just open the drawer
Of my favorite guest
And what do I see?
But a picture of me
Working at my good old desk

Ohwah, ohwah, ah ah ah ah
Ohwah, ohwah, ah

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Ron Sexsmith's song "Good Old Desk" speak to the comfort and reliability that the titular object brings to the singer's life. The desk serves as a constant presence in the ups and downs of the singer's day-to-day routine, a steadfast friend that offers support and awaits the singer's return each morning. The desk might seem unremarkable or plain, but it's special to the singer because of the connection they share - the desk is where the singer works, thinks, and dreams, and it never leaves or complains. The desk is a symbol of stability and familiarity, offering a respite from the unpredictability of the world outside.

One way to interpret these lyrics is as a tribute to the simple things in life that bring us joy and comfort. The desk is not glamorous or exciting, but it's a reliable presence in the singer's life that helps them get through the day. This sentiment might resonate with listeners who have their own version of a "good old desk" - a familiar object or routine that helps them feel grounded and safe. The song might also be interpreted as a reminder to appreciate the things we take for granted in our lives, and to find joy and comfort in the familiar.

Line by Line Meaning

My old desk doesn't arabesque
My desk is simple and not decorative

In the morning when I first arrive
When I come in the morning, it's there waiting for me

It's a pleasure to see
Seeing my desk brings me happiness

It's waiting there for me
My desk is always ready for me

To keep my hopes alive
My desk gives me hope for my workday

Such a comfort to know
Knowing my desk is always there is comforting

It's got no place to go
My desk is stationary and won't move

It's always there
My desk is reliable and constant

It's the one thing I've got
My desk is the one consistent thing in my life

A huge success
My desk is a symbol of my success

My good old desk
My desk is old, but still good