The folk/beat roots of the psychedelic music scene are often overlooked today,but were a driving force in it's development. Beats were a main gateway of the spread and knowledge of psychedelic drugs to the mainstream culture circa '61/'62.
Baby Blue
The 13th Floor Elevators Lyrics
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You think will last
But whatever you wish to keep
You better grab it fast
Yonder stands your orphan with his gun
Crying like a fire in the sun
Strike another match, go start anew
All your seasick sailors
They are rowing home
And all your empty handed armies
They are going home
Your lover who just walked out the door
Is standing in the clothes that you once wore
The carpet, too, is moving under you
It's all over now, Baby Blue
Leave your stepping stones behind
There's something that calls for you
Forget the dead you've left
They will not follow you
Your vagabond who's rapping at your door
Is standing in the clothes that you once wore
The sky, too, is falling over you
It's all over now, Baby Blue
In the song Baby Blue by The 13th Floor Elevators, the lyrics are inviting someone to leave and take what they need with them, but to do it quickly. The urgency in the lyrics indicates that the person must hurry because something is coming to an end, and they need to move on fast. Yonder stands your orphan with his gun is metaphorical and could mean that this person is standing alone with no one to protect them. The crying-like-a-fire-in-the-sun part could represent the orphan's vulnerability, not just because he is an orphan, but also because he has a gun. It's all over now, Baby Blue can indicate that this person's chapter in their life has ended, and they have to move on from it.
The song speaks about leaving behind the past and the dead that won't follow you; it speaks about the second chance, a new beginning that awaits. All your seasick sailors, they are rowing home, and empty-handed armies are going home could mean that everyone who was struggling or fighting is now going back to their lives, and so should the singer. The lover who just walked out the door and is wearing your clothes suggests that everything that was your past still lingers around you, and it's time to let it go. The sky falling over you represents the weight of the singer's life coming down and crushing them.
Line by Line Meaning
You must leave now, take what you need
You think will last
It's time to move on from your current situation and take what you believe will endure.
But whatever you wish to keep
You better grab it fast
Whatever you value, make sure to hold onto it quickly.
Yonder stands your orphan with his gun
Crying like a fire in the sun
Strike another match, go start anew
It's all over now, Baby Blue
The past is gone and it's time to start again, even though it may feel overwhelming and emotional.
All your seasick sailors
They are rowing home
And all your empty handed armies
They are going home
Everyone is retreating and returning home, including those who are weak and defeated.
Your lover who just walked out the door
Is standing in the clothes that you once wore
The carpet, too, is moving under you
It's all over now, Baby Blue
Your former significant other is now leading the life that you once had; you're in a state of flux and change.
Leave your stepping stones behind
There's something that calls for you
Forget the dead you've left
They will not follow you
You should leave your past milestones behind and move forward; don't look back and don't worry about those who have passed.
Your vagabond who's rapping at your door
Is standing in the clothes that you once wore
The sky, too, is falling over you
It's all over now, Baby Blue
You're confronting your past self in the guise of someone else; it feels like the world is caving in, but it's all finally over.
Contributed by Nicholas I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Aaron Abarca
You must leave now take what you need you think will last
But whatever you wish to keep you better grab it fast
Yonder stands your orphan with his gun
Crying like a fire in the sun
Strike another match, go start anew
It's all over now, Baby Blue
All your seasick sailors they are rowing home
And all your empty handed armies they are going home
Your love who just walked out the door
Is standing in the clothes that you once wore
The carpet too is moving under you
It's all over now, Baby Blue
Leave your stepping stones behind there's something that calls for you
Forget the dead you've left, they will not follow you
Your vagabond who's rapping at your door
Is standing in the clothes that you once wore
The sky too is falling over you
It's all over now, Baby Blue
Uncommon Media
There are many great versions of this song but this is just on another level. It sounds beautiful and bittersweet…like a current of sadness runs through it that aren’t in other versions
tezzasmif
I think Van's version conveys a fair bit of sadness too but yes Elevators even more
samovargas
RIP Roky Erickson, who defined early psychedelia and briefly found infinity though the raw power of distortion and enough LSD to melt 100 minds. Who turned reverb into a wall of walloping gnarled beauty and sang with a lost wail that will keep echoing -- to remain forever missed. - otto bon Biz Markie
kimberly owen
Propper.... 🙌💞💞
Douglas Taylor
I pray his soul found peace!
kollo duke
Imagine the band now upstairs with rocky , janis , moon, lemmy , jeff buckley .etc ...lol
HamSandwich09
It's amazing how Dylan wrote a song that would sound good no matter who played it. But this is just ridiculously amazing.
Daffy Duck
…as long as it wasn’t him
Priscilla Craft
I love this version. It’s beautiful and sad. ❤️
Marcus B. Goode
Bob Dylan has been quoted saying that this is his favorite version of this song ever recorded. Pretty big praise coming from the man who wrote the song. R.I.P. Roky, your music means more to us than words could ever express...