Think For A Minute
The Beautiful South & The Housemartins Lyrics


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Something's going on, a change is taking place
Children smiling in the street have gone without a trace
This street used to be full, it used to make me smile
And now it seems that everyone is walking single file

And many hand their heads in shame
That used to hold them high
And those that used to say hello
Simply pass you by

Think for a minute, stop for a minute
Think for a minute, stop for a minute

I always said it could, they never though it would
The people look so pitiful, I'm thinking that it should
And now it's almost here, now its on its way
I can't help saying told you so and have a nice final day

And nothing I could say
Could ever make them see the light
Now apathy is happy that
It won without a fight

Think for a minute, Stop for a minute
Think for a minute, Stop for a minute

And many hang their heads in shame that used to hold them high
{Think for a minute}
And those that used to say hello simply pass you by
{Stop for a minute}





Think for a minute, stop for a minute
Think for a minute, stop for a minute

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Beautiful South/The Housemartins's song "Think for a Minute" are a reflection of the changes that have taken place in society. The opening lines suggest that something is going on and that a change is taking place. The children who used to smile on the streets have now disappeared. The street used to be full and it used to make the singer smile, but now it seems that everyone is walking single file. The second stanza talks about the shame that some people feel. They used to hold their heads high, but now they are hanging them in shame. The people who used to say hello now simply pass by.


The chorus that is repeated several times throughout the song encourages people to stop and think for a minute. The singer is trying to get people to realize what is happening around them and to take notice of the changes that are taking place. The final stanza talks about the inevitability of change. The singer always knew it was coming, even if others didn't believe it. The people look pitiful, and the singer suggests that this is the way it should be. Apathy has taken over, and people have given up without a fight.


Line by Line Meaning

Something's going on, a change is taking place
There's a sense that things are different and changing.


Children smiling in the street have gone without a trace
The joy and innocence of childhood seems to be missing now.


This street used to be full, it used to make me smile
This street used to be lively and full of life, bringing happiness.


And now it seems that everyone is walking single file
But now, people are walking around like they're on a conveyor belt, lacking personality.


And many hang their heads in shame that used to hold them high
People who used to be proud now seem to be embarrassed about themselves.


And those that used to say hello simply pass you by
People who were once friendly are now distant and indifferent.


Think for a minute, stop for a minute
The singer urges the listener to take a moment to reflect on what's happening around them.


I always said it could, they never thought it would
The singer had predicted that things were going in a bad direction, but no one believed them.


The people look so pitiful, I'm thinking that it should
The singer thinks that people just look sad, and they deserve it for letting things get this way.


And now it's almost here, now it's on its way
The bad outcome that the singer warned about is coming to fruition, and it's too late to stop it.


I can't help saying told you so and have a nice final day
The singer feels a sense of vindication, but it's a hollow victory because things are ending badly.


And nothing I could say could ever make them see the light
The singer tried to warn people, but they just couldn't see what was happening.


Now apathy is happy that it won without a fight
People's indifference is now triumphant, because it was the easiest choice to make.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: IAN PETER CULLIMORE, PAUL HEATON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@dalanium98

Something's going on, a change is taking place
Children smiling in the street have gone without a trace
This street used to be full, it used to make me smile
And now it seems that everyone is walking single file

And many hand their heads in shame
That used to hold them high
And those that used to say hello
Simply pass you by

Think for a minute, stop for a minute
Think for a minute, stop for a minute

I always said it could, they never though it would
The people look so pitiful, I'm thinking that it should
And now it's almost here, now its on its way
I can't help saying told you so and have a nice final day

And nothing I could say
Could ever make them see the light
Now apathy is happy that
It won without a fight

Think for a minute, Stop for a minute
Think for a minute, Stop for a minute

And many hang their heads in shame that used to hold them high
{Think for a minute}
And those that used to say hello simply pass you by
{Stop for a minute}

Think for a minute, stop for a minute
Think for a minute, stop for a minute



@slendermouse6918

These song lyrics fir so well with this Covid shite,
"And nothing I could say
Could ever make them see the light
Now apathy is happy that
It won without a fight"

could not have put in any better or clearer.

Best of luck to us all Players :)
x



All comments from YouTube:

@mortensenegbert6619

Heart-stoppingly beautiful song. So sad and so beautiful.

@glynfaulding1136

what a voice

@worstalentscout

one of my most favourite bands

@angeloconversi1975

Wonderful Song!

@robmcnamara9266

Wow just Wow what a truley amazing beautiful song. Love Paul Heatons Vocal range on this song.
Great dancer too 😂🤣

@mrandrewgrant5424

In the thick of it....thank you for music

@pauljones1183

Beautiful.

@Eddluvsya

I like his dancing!!!!

@LaurelCanyon1969

He was quite the mover in his prime!

@coloneldecker

Always loved their image. Crew neck sweaters and Puma trainers. A whole world away from 80s glamour.

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