Bishop's song "Separate Lives," from the movie White Nights, was nominated for an Academy Award in 1985, losing out to "Say You, Say Me" from the same film. Bishop wrote it about his breakup with actress Karen Allen, who also appeared in Animal House.
Patrick Bateman, the fictional anti-hero from Bret Easton Ellis' American Psycho, is an avowed fan of Stephen Bishop.
On And On
Stephen Bishop Lyrics
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Stephen Bishop
Down in Jamaica
They go lots of pretty women
Steal your money
Then they break your heart
Lonesome sue, she's in love with ol'Sam
On and on
She just keeps on trying
And she smiles when she feels like crying
On and on, On and on, On and on
Poor ol'Jimmy
Sits alone in the moonlight
Saw his woman kiss another man
So he takes a ladder
Steals the stars from the sky
Puts on sinatra and starts to cry
On and on
He just keeps on trying
And he smiles when he feels like crying
On and on, On and on, On and on
when the first time is the last time
It can make you feel so bad
But if you know it, show it
Hold on tight
Don't let her say: Goodnight
Got the sun on my shoulders
And my toes in the sand
My woman's left me for the some other man
Aw, but I don't care
I'll just dream and stay tan
Toos up my heart to see where it lands
On and on
I just keep on trying
And I smile when I feel like dying
On and on
On and on
On and on
On and on
On and on
On and on
On and on
On and on
On and on
The song "On and On" by Stephen Bishop is a poignant tale of heartbreak and resilience. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of characters who have been dealt a tough hand in life and are struggling to cope. The first verse describes the plight of Lonesome Sue, who falls in love with a man named Ol' Sam. Unfortunately, Sam turns out to be a scammer who steals her money and breaks her heart. Despite her misfortunes, Sue keeps trying and even manages to put on a brave face despite her tears. The second verse tells the story of Poor Ol' Jimmy, who witnesses his woman kissing another man. Devastated, he takes a ladder and steals the stars from the sky while listening to Sinatra and weeping. Once again, the lyrics emphasize the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "On and on" several times, driving home the message of the song: that life can be tough, but we must persist and keep moving forward. The final verse tells the story of the singer himself, who has been abandoned by his woman for another man. Despite this heartache, he remains resilient and looks toward the bright sun and sandy shores as he dreams of a better future for himself.
Overall, "On and On" is a beautiful song that encapsulates the human experience of heartbreak and resilience. The message of the song is clear: no matter how hard life gets, we must keep pushing forward and never give up on our dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
Down in Jamaica
The story begins in Jamaica.
They go lots of pretty women
There are many beautiful women in Jamaica.
Steal your money
These beautiful women may take advantage of men financially.
Then they break your heart
After getting money from men, they may also hurt them emotionally.
Lonesome sue, she's in love with ol'Sam
Lonesome Sue loves Ol' Sam.
Take him from the fire into the frying pan
Lonesome Sue may be taking Ol' Sam from one difficult situation to another.
On and on
The story continues.
She just keeps on trying
Lonesome Sue persists through difficulties.
And she smiles when she feels like crying
Despite the hard times, Lonesome Sue maintains a positive attitude through smiling.
Poor ol'Jimmy
There is another character, Poor Ol' Jimmy.
Sits alone in the moonlight
Poor Ol' Jimmy is alone and sad.
Saw his woman kiss another man
Jimmy saw his woman cheat on him.
So he takes a ladder
Jimmy decides to take action.
Steals the stars from the sky
Jimmy performs an impossible feat, perhaps as a metaphor for trying to win his woman back.
Puts on sinatra and starts to cry
Jimmy listens to Sinatra and cries.
On and on
The story continues.
He just keeps on trying
Jimmy persists through difficulties.
And he smiles when he feels like crying
Like Lonesome Sue, Jimmy also maintains a positive attitude through smiling.
when the first time is the last time
An observation about how events can seem incredibly significant in retrospect.
It can make you feel so bad
This type of realization can hurt.
But if you know it, show it
However, it's better to express one's feelings honestly and openly.
Hold on tight
Trust and continue to work through the situation.
Don't let her say: Goodnight
Don't give up on a relationship without a fight.
Got the sun on my shoulders
Back to another character, the artist is in sunny surroundings.
And my toes in the sand
The singer is at the beach.
My woman's left me for the some other man
Despite his relaxing surroundings, the singer is upset about his ex-girlfriend leaving him.
Aw, but I don't care
Despite being upset, the singer tries to deal with it.
I'll just dream and stay tan
The artist will continue to try to be happy even while dreaming.
Toos up my heart to see where it lands
The artist is unsure about his future, but he will take risks and see how things work out.
On and on
The story continues.
I just keep on trying
Like the other characters, the singer persists through difficulties.
And I smile when I feel like dying
Like Lonesome Sue and Jimmy, the artist also tries to stay positive through difficult times.
On and on
The story continues.
On and on
The story continues some more.
On and on
The story never ends.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, BMG Rights Management
Written by: ERIC JEROME KIRKLAND, III WASHINGTON, IRVING EUGENE, MICHAEL ANGELO SAULSBERRY, PHILLIP JOHNSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@tommyharmon214
Songs of the 70s were feel good songs that made you feel sweet.
“When the first time is the last time
Can make you feel so bad
But if you know it, show it
Hold on tight
Don't let her say goodnight
Got the sun on my shoulders
And my toes in the sand
Woman's left me for the some other man
Aw, but I don't care
I'll just dream and stay tan
Toss up my heart and see where it lands“
@darrylbailey3279
I am a black man from the hood. This song and tracks like this from the 70s are priceless. Music is not the same. D. Antonio Bailey
@mikeg3439
So much from the 70's. Some of the best rock, funk, motown, everything. I miss it.
@MrMykeStrong
Facts!
@finkelsteinshitkid1299
Great music, and art is always being made, but it’s definitely not as easy to find in today’s world.
@catsmeow6848
I grew up on his music.....REAL MUSIC back then....
@nanjacks913
Fact!
@_Tone
I’m 18 and it’s hard to find people that have the same music taste I do. I often listen to this song bc it reminds me of my mom
@deantunkara1567
You and your mom shared the same great taste. As did mine. Bless.
@gmamah9559
This makes me so happy, Antonio! I sang this to my own baby who is now 30. I love to think he remembers forever. Thanks for that. <3
@michaelbracken1714
❤