Cradle Rock
Rory Gallagher Lyrics


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If I was a cradle then you'd let me rock
If I was a pony then you'd let me trot
If I was the atom then you'd split me into three
But when I want to see you, baby
How come you lock your door on me?

If I was a baby you wouldn't let me fall
If I was an outlaw you wouldn't have me caught
If I was a tiger you wouldn't have me caged
If I was somebody else you would act your age

You'll miss out if you leave me out of your day and night
I will try to make you see and hear what I got to say
It's all about me and you, alright

If I was a blind man then you'd make me see
If I was a deaf man you'd give me hears to hear
If I was a lame man you'd give me legs to walk
But if you were true to me, baby
You would listen when I talk

If I was a cradle then you'd let me rock
If I was a pony then you'd let me trot
If I was the atom then you'd split me into three




But when I want to see you, baby
How come you lock your door on me?

Overall Meaning

Rory Gallagher's "Cradle Rock" is a blues rock song that touches upon the theme of a lover’s plea. The lyrics of the song portray the frustration of a lover who is confused about the treatment he receives from his beloved. In the lyrics, the lover explains that he would receive attention and care if he were to be anything but himself. If he were a cradle or a pony, he would be allowed to rock and trot, respectively. If he were the atom, he would be split into three. However, when he wants to see the person he loves, the door is locked.


The lyrics of the song give meaning to the idea that love should not be conditional. Love should not be based on what we want someone to be, rather, it should be based on accepting them as they are. This song puts forward the truth that one can only express their feelings, but cannot control someone else's response. One may prefer a particular treatment or attention, but that preference does not always translate into reality.


In conclusion, the lyrics to "Cradle Rock" are a straightforward portrayal of a lover's plea, expressing frustration over the lack of responsiveness by their beloved. It puts forth a message that love should not be based on controls or limitations, and should instead be based on understanding and acceptance.


Line by Line Meaning

If I was a cradle then you'd let me rock
If I were something that brought you comfort and peace, you would allow me to fulfill that role.


If I was a pony then you'd let me trot
If I were to bring you pleasure and happiness, you would allow me to do so.


If I was the atom then you'd split me into three
If I were capable of great power or potential, you would exploit me to your advantage.


But when I want to see you, baby How come you lock your door on me?
Yet, when I desire to be with you, you reject me and refuse me entry.


If I was a baby you wouldn't let me fall
If I were vulnerable or in need, you would protect me from harm.


If I was an outlaw you wouldn't have me caught
If I were to break the law, you would forgive or overlook my indiscretions.


If I was a tiger you wouldn't have me caged
If I were to showcase my strength or wildness, you would not try to confine or tame me.


If I was somebody else you would act your age
If I were not me, you would behave more maturely or responsibly.


You'll miss out if you leave me out of your day and night
You will regret it if you do not include me in your life both day and night.


I will try to make you see and hear what I got to say
I will attempt to help you understand and comprehend my thoughts and feelings.


It's all about me and you, alright
Our relationship is what matters and should be a priority.


If I was a blind man then you'd make me see
If I lacked understanding or clarity, you would help me gain insight or knowledge.


If I was a deaf man you'd give me hears to hear
If I was unable to listen or comprehend, you would aid me in doing so.


If I was a lame man you'd give me legs to walk
If I was incapable of movement or progression, you would assist me in achieving my goals.


But if you were true to me, baby You would listen when I talk
However, if you were genuinely invested in our relationship, you would pay attention and value my words.




Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: RORY GALLAGHER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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