Smalltown Poets achieved recognition with their eponymous first album, released on Ardent Records in 1997. This release earned the band the first of its two Grammy nominations (Best Gospel Rock Album) and numerous Dove Award nominations. Despite line-up changes, the band stayed active for more than ten years, releasing three albums on Ardent Records and one on BEC Recordings.
Smalltown Poets went on hiatus several months after their fourth studio album called It's Later Than It's Ever Been," but regrouped in the fall of 2010 to begin production on a Christmas album due out in 2011 (co-produced and mixed by former Smalltown Poets drummer Matt Goldman). In anticipation of that full-length release, the band released a Christmas single in December 2010 titled "In the Bleak Midwinter."
The full-length project, Smalltown Poets Christmas, was released on Nov. 1st, 2011, on the band's own Friendly City Records label and is available on iTunes, Amazon.com, CDBaby.com, and other online media outlets.
Monkey's Paw
Smalltown Poets Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To know the will of God, to show a motive for delay
I'm holding on to find myself just one more wish
I found a pot of gold or something shining anyway
And caught in my reflection a conviction held at bay
I crafted a cross to adorn my neck and finally earned my due respect
And then a jewel encrusted crown to complement my priestly gown
Just big enough to weigh me down
And bring this temple to the ground
From inside out without a sound
I found a pot of gold today
I held the monkey's paw
I held the monkey's paw
I held the monkey's paw
I held the monkey's paw today and put my wishes into play
Thanked heaven for the trophies but I still had hell to pay
So I brought my spoils to the altar's edge heard you say obey instead
For all of my labors and best laid plans I'd only earned a reprimand
Forevermore to understand
That dreams come true can kill a man
If never graced by sovereign hands
I held the monkey's paw
Smalltown Poets's song Monkey's Paw is a cautionary tale about the dangers of wishing for worldly possessions and power, seeking them without first considering the consequences or questioning their worth. The singer of the song holds the monkey's paw, a mystical object that grants wishes, and puts their desires into play. They first wish to know the will of God and to find a motive for delaying their wishes. However, they cannot resist the lure of the paw's power and continue to make more wishes. They find a pot of gold and a jewel-encrusted crown, which they use to craft a cross to adorn their neck, thinking this would finally earn them the respect they crave. But the weight of the crown brings the temple down, with no sound.
The second verse shows the remorse and consequences of the singer's actions. They still had to pay for their spoils and bring them to the altar. But they only earned a reprimand, realizing that dreams come true can kill a man. The song concludes with the singer forevermore understanding that they must be careful what they wish for and recognize the sovereignty of a higher power.
Overall, the song is a warning against the pursuit of empty symbols of success and status, which can lead to a downfall and a loss of identity. It also hints at the need to submit to something beyond oneself and the human desire for control and certainty.
Line by Line Meaning
I held the monkey's paw and put my wishes into play
I made a wish using the monkey's paw, hoping to learn God's will and find a reason to delay.
To know the will of God, to show a motive for delay
I wished to know God's will and to find a reason to delay.
I'm holding on to find myself just one more wish
I still have one more wish left and I am holding on to it.
I found a pot of gold or something shining anyway
I found treasure or something valuable that caught my attention.
And caught in my reflection a conviction held at bay
Looking at my reflection, I saw a feeling that I had suppressed.
I crafted a cross to adorn my neck and finally earned my due respect
I made a cross necklace for myself and felt like I had finally earned the respect I deserved.
And then a jewel encrusted crown to complement my priestly gown
I then made a crown with jewels on it to match my priestly gown.
Just big enough to weigh me down
The crown and necklace were heavy and started to weigh me down.
And bring this temple to the ground
My actions and desires started to crumble my spiritual foundation.
From inside out without a sound
My downfall was not visible on the outside, but I was silently falling apart inside.
I found a pot of gold today
I found treasure or something valuable.
I held the monkey's paw
I had the monkey's paw in my possession.
I held the monkey's paw today and put my wishes into play
I used the monkey's paw to make a wish.
Thanked heaven for the trophies but I still had hell to pay
Even though I was grateful for my gifts, they came at a price.
So I brought my spoils to the altar's edge heard you say obey instead
I brought my treasures to God's altar and heard a message to obey instead of focusing on material possessions.
For all of my labors and best laid plans I'd only earned a reprimand
Despite my efforts and plans, I was only receiving a scolding.
Forevermore to understand that dreams come true can kill a man
I learned that dreams coming true can lead to one's downfall.
If never graced by sovereign hands
If the dreams do not come from God, they can be harmful.
I held the monkey's paw
I had the monkey's paw in my possession.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@nathanialpearson2681
LOVED this album and every song on it!
@realm270
great job guys! Your music hits me!
@tailsthefoxfan9732
#praying to god he is
@tailsthefoxfan9732
#classic
@MrJcenter7
Meaning?
@brandonneiss5608
The detriment of being pious for piousness's sake. Being full of yourself, because you feel self righteous.