Have A Good Time
Simon & Garfunkel Lyrics


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Yesterday it was my birthday
I hung one more year on the line
I should be depressed
My life's a mess
But I'm having a good time

I've been loving and loving
And loving
I'm exhausted from loving so well
I should go to bed
But a voice in my head
Says â??Ah, What the hellâ??

Have a good time

Paranoia strikes deep in the heartland
But I think it's all overdone
Exaggerating this exaggerating that
They don't have no fun

I don't believe what I read in the papers
They're just out to capture my dime
I ain't worrying
And I ain't scurrying
I'm having a good time

Have a good time

Maybe I'm laughing my way to disaster
Maybe my race has been run
Maybe I'm blind
To the fate of mankind
But what can be done?

So God bless the goods we was given
And God bless the U. S. of A.
And God bless the standard of livin'
Let's keep it that way
And we'll all have a good time





Have a good time

Overall Meaning

In the song "Have A Good Time" by Simon & Garfunkel, the lyrics delve into the singer's perspective on life and how he chooses to find joy in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. The song begins with the singer reflecting on their birthday, acknowledging that they should be feeling down and overwhelmed by the messiness of their life. However, the singer refuses to let these negative emotions consume them and instead decides to have a good time. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, as the singer embraces an attitude of resilience and defiance against the challenges of life.


The chorus of the song reinforces this mindset, with the singer repeating the phrase "Have a good time" as a mantra. It is a reminder to himself and perhaps to the listener that despite the paranoia and exaggeration that exists in the world, it is important to prioritize finding joy and enjoying life. The second verse offers a critique of the media, expressing disbelief in the information presented in newspapers and dismissing the notion that one should worry and panic about the state of the world. The singer chooses instead to focus on their own happiness and having a good time.


Line by Line Meaning

Yesterday it was my birthday
Another year has passed since my birth


I hung one more year on the line
I've added another year to my age


I should be depressed
It would be expected for me to feel down


My life's a mess
My life is chaotic and disorganized


But I'm having a good time
Despite the circumstances, I am enjoying myself


I've been loving and loving
I have been deeply engaged in giving love


And loving
Continuously expressing affection towards others


I'm exhausted from loving so well
I am fatigued from wholeheartedly loving others


I should go to bed
It would be wise for me to rest


But a voice in my head
However, a thought inside my mind


Says 'Ah, What the hell'
Encourages me to embrace spontaneity and disregard caution


Paranoia strikes deep in the heartland
Feelings of extreme suspicion and fear arise in this region


But I think it's all overdone
I believe it is exaggerated and excessive


Exaggerating this exaggerating that
Emphasizing and magnifying various things


They don't have no fun
They are not able to enjoy themselves


I don't believe what I read in the papers
I have skepticism towards the information presented in the newspapers


They're just out to capture my dime
Their intention is to deceive and take my money


I ain't worrying
I am not concerned or anxious


And I ain't scurrying
I am not rushing or hurrying


I'm having a good time
I am enjoying myself


Maybe I'm laughing my way to disaster
Perhaps I am oblivious to impending doom, finding humor in it


Maybe my race has been run
Possibly, I have reached the end of my journey


Maybe I'm blind
Perhaps I am ignorant or unable to see


To the fate of mankind
Unaware of the destiny of humanity


But what can be done?
However, there seems to be no solution


So God bless the goods we was given
Let us express gratitude for the blessings we have received


And God bless the U. S. of A.
Also, may we ask for divine blessings upon the United States


And God bless the standard of livin'
May the quality of life be blessed as well


Let's keep it that way
Let's maintain this favorable condition


And we'll all have a good time
As a result, everyone will enjoy themselves




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: PAUL SIMON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Beth Bailey


on The Sounds Of Silence

Aragon Courts 1967

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