Street Life
Roxy Music/Bryan Ferry/Roxy Music Lyrics


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Wish everybody would leave me alone -yeah
They're always calling on my telephone
When I pick it up there's no one there
So I walk outside just to take the air
Come on with me cruising down the street
Who knows what you'll see, who you might meet
This brave new world's not like yesterday
It can take you higher than the milky way

Now I'm blinded I can't really see, yeah
No more bright lights confusing me, no
Don't ask me why I'm feeling blue
'Cause loving you is all I can do
Hey good-looking boys, gather around
The sidewalk papers gutter-press you down
All those lies can be so unkind,
They can make you feel like you're losing your mind

Street Life
Street Life
Street Life
What a Life

Back to nature boys, Vasser girls too
Watch what you say, or think, or do
Continental-style strasse girls might
But you know exactly if it's wrong or right
Education is an important key, yes
But the good life's never won by degrees, no

Pointless passing through Harvard or Yale
Only window shopping, it's strictly no sale
Week end starts Friday soon after eight
Your jet black magic helps you celebrate




You may be stranded if you stick around
And that's really something

Overall Meaning

The song "Street Life" by Roxy Music is an upbeat, groovy tune that speaks to the struggles of dealing with the unwanted attention and pressure that come with fame and success. The first verse expresses the desire for some space and solitude, as the singer wishes for everyone to leave them alone. However, despite their attempt to escape constant phone calls and paparazzi, they find themselves outside, cruising down the street, where anything is possible. The lyrics suggest that the streets are a place where anything can happen and you might encounter anyone, and this is a refreshing change from the pressures of life in the spotlight.


The second verse speaks to the superficiality and negativity that often come with fame. The singer references the "sidewalk papers" - tabloids and gossip columns - which can be unkind and make one feel like they're losing their mind. But despite this, they find comfort in the love of another, and declare that loving them is all they can do. The last part of the song emphasizes the importance of living in the moment and enjoying life, despite the pressures and temptations that come with it. The education that comes from going to prestigious schools like Harvard or Yale is important, but it isn't the key to a good life. Instead, the song emphasizes the value of living for today and enjoying the present moment, rather than being concerned with degrees or social status.


Line by Line Meaning

Wish everybody would leave me alone -yeah
I wish everyone would stop bothering me and let me be alone.


They're always calling on my telephone
People keep calling me on the phone and interrupting me.


When I pick it up there's no one there
Whenever I answer the phone, no one is on the other end of the line.


So I walk outside just to take the air
To get some fresh air, I go outside and walk around.


Come on with me cruising down the street
Come join me for a ride down the street.


Who knows what you'll see, who you might meet
We never know what or whom we might encounter while driving around town.


This brave new world's not like yesterday
The present world is different from the past, times have changed.


It can take you higher than the milky way
This world has many opportunities and can take you to great heights.


Now I'm blinded I can't really see, yeah
I'm so caught up, I'm unable to see things clearly.


No more bright lights confusing me, no
There are no more dazzling lights to distract me, making me feel confused.


Don't ask me why I'm feeling blue
I can't explain why I'm feeling sad/depressed.


'Cause loving you is all I can do
The only thing that makes me happy is my love for you.


Hey good-looking boys, gather around
Handsome guys, come over here and join us.


The sidewalk papers gutter-press you down
The newspapers on the street publish bad news which can make you feel down.


All those lies can be so unkind,
Lies can hurt people, making them feel unhappy.


They can make you feel like you're losing your mind
Lies can be so damaging that they negatively affect your sanity.


Street Life
This is the tune's chorus.


Street Life
This is the tune's chorus.


Street Life
This is the tune's chorus.


What a Life
This is the tune's chorus.


Back to nature boys, Vasser girls too
Everyone, regardless of their background or status, needs to get back to their roots.


Watch what you say, or think, or do
Be careful of what you say, think or do because there can be consequences.


Continental-style strasse girls might
Foreign girls seen on walking on the street may catch your attention.


But you know exactly if it's wrong or right
You should know what is right or wrong and act accordingly.


Education is an important key, yes
Education is essential.


But the good life's never won by degrees, no
A good life can't be achieved solely through academic degrees.


Pointless passing through Harvard or Yale
Going to the famous schools like Harvard or Yale only for the academic aspect may not be worth it.


Only window shopping, it's strictly no sale
Attending such schools without being able to afford it will get you nowhere.


Weekend starts Friday soon after eight
The weekend starts on Friday evening at 8 p.m.


Your jet black magic helps you celebrate
Your style makes it easy for you to enjoy yourself during the weekend.


You may be stranded if you stick around
If you remain in town, you may become bored and tired of the familiarity.


And that's really something
That's something to think about.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: BRYAN FERRY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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