Humpty Dumpty
St. Vincent Lyrics


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Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall
All the king's horses and all the King's men
Couldn't put Humpty together again




Overall Meaning

In St. Vincent's song Humpty Dumpty, the lyrics refer to the well-known nursery rhyme about a character named Humpty Dumpty. However, in this song, Vincent is using Humpty as a metaphor to describe a person who has experienced a great and irreversible downfall. The opening line, “Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall,” describes someone who might have been in a position of power or success, but has now lost everything. The next line, “Humpty Dumpty had a great fall,” indicates that this person has had a devastating and dramatic fall from grace.


The following line, “All the king's horses and all the King's men,” references the well-known phrase from the nursery rhyme. Vincent uses this line to suggest that even those who were once in positions of power or authority are unable to help someone who has experienced such a great downfall. The final line, “Couldn't put Humpty together again,” emphasizes that the damage is irreversible and that once a person experiences such a great loss, they may never fully recover.


This song can be interpreted in many ways, but one clear message that comes through is the idea that even those who might seem to have everything can experience significant loss and trauma. The metaphorical use of Humpty Dumpty to represent a person who has fallen from grace makes the message even more poignant.


Line by Line Meaning

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall
Humpty Dumpty was in a position of stability and safety


Humpty Dumpty had a great fall
Humpty Dumpty experienced a significant setback or failure


All the king's horses and all the King's men
Despite having all possible resources and support available


Couldn't put Humpty together again
It was impossible to restore Humpty Dumpty to his former state of stability and safety, indicating irreparable damage or loss




Lyrics © CALDERWOOD, INC.
Written by: OLIVER DREW, N TRADITIONAL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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