The Twelve Tones
Stephen Duffy & The Lilac Time Lyrics
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Get out on the street and in the breeze
Summer’s over, night must fall
Cover me in twelve tones
I was just a lad still in my teens
I saved up all I had for leather jeans
They’re bagged and broken at the seams
To fall in love’s as simple as a song
That you hear but once and sing along
Marriage is a symphony
You’ve got to know your 12 tones
You’ve got to know your 12 tones
You’ve got to know your 12 tones
These lyrics to Stephen Duffy & The Lilac Time's song The Twelve Tones depict a sense of urgency and the need to move on quickly. The singer is instructing someone named "Little" to put on their coat so that they can leave. Summer is over and now the night is falling. The repetition of the phrase "cover me in twelve tones" almost acts as a mantra, perhaps representing the singer's need for some sort of protection or guidance in the upcoming darkness.
The next verse speaks of the singer's youthful past and the importance of music in their life. They saved up all their money to buy leather jeans, only to have them already damaged. The singer then talks about falling in love, stating that it's as simple as hearing a song and singing along. However, marriage is compared to a symphony and the importance of understanding the twelve tones is emphasized. The twelve tones could represent the notes of music and the importance of having a strong foundation in something in order to build upon it, such as a foundation in music for a successful marriage.
Line by Line Meaning
Little, get your coat, we must leave
We need to leave, so please prepare yourself.
Get out on the street and in the breeze
Let's go out and feel the fresh air of the outdoors.
Summer’s over, night must fall
As the summer ends, we must prepare for the coming of the night.
Cover me in twelve tones
Surround me in the musical notes of the twelve tone system.
I was just a lad still in my teens
During my younger years, I was still a novice.
I saved up all I had for leather jeans
I worked hard just to have leather pants.
They’re bagged and broken at the seams
Unfortunately, my pants have become worn out and tattered.
I had to hear the twelve tones
I had to listen to the twelve tone system of music.
To fall in love’s as simple as a song
Falling in love is as easy as listening to a song.
That you hear but once and sing along
After hearing a song once, it's easy to sing along to it.
Marriage is a symphony
The union of two people in marriage is like an orchestrated musical piece.
You’ve got to know your 12 tones
To have a successful marriage, learn and understand the twelve tone system of music.
You’ve got to know your 12 tones
Knowing the twelve tone system is important for a harmonious marriage.
You’ve got to know your 12 tones
Learn the twelve tone system well to have a successful relationship.
Contributed by Declan W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@glimmer3511
This is such a gem!
@simonbailey2040
Been a fan since the 80s, truly gifted singer songwriter...
@petertaylorson5783
So many beautiful songs....great songwriter. Lovely visuals too.
@jaykaptin4069
I... just love it.
@drstevie
Brilliant..Stephen Duffy / Lilac Time have made loads of beautiful songs.
@mikeydread62
Still do
@tlcrf80mins73
Jesus - this is such a great song. Kills me to hear it after all these years. Another place. Another time. Another me...
@takahiroyoshida5819
As I get older...brilliant......
@peter_aka_hamamass
Gorgeous 💓
@drstevie
My life..! what a song ! Checks E , Tim Hardin !! Glorious !