The Party's Over
The Ellis Marsalis Trio Lyrics

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The party's over, it's time to call it a day
They've burst your pretty balloon
And taken the moon away
It's time to wind up the masquerade
Just make your mind up
The piper must be paid

The party's over, the candles flicker and dim

You danced and dreamed through the night
It seemed to be right just being with him
Now you must wake up, all dreams must end
Take off your makeup, the party's over
It's all over, my friend

The party's over, it's time to call it a day
They've burst your pretty balloon
And taken the moon away
Now you must wake up, all dreams must end
Take off your makeup, the party's over
It's all over, my friend

It's all over, my friend

Overall Meaning

"The Party's Over" is a classic song about the end of a party and the realization that it's time to face reality. The singer is addressing someone who has been living in a dreamlike state, enjoying the party and the company of another person. However, that dream is over, and it's time to leave it behind. The balloons have burst, and the moon - a symbol of magic, wonder, and romance - has been taken away. The party has ended, and it's time to face the piper and pay the price for the revelry.

The lyrics evoke a sense of sadness and nostalgia, as the singer urges the listener to take off their makeup and confront the truth. The flickering candles and the imagery of dancing and dreaming through the night suggests the fleeting nature of pleasure and the transience of happiness. The song is a reminder that everything comes to an end, and one must be ready to face the consequences of their actions.

Overall, "The Party's Over" is a poignant and bittersweet song about the end of an affair, the passing of time, and the inevitability of change. It's a song about growing up, letting go of illusions, and facing reality with grace and dignity.

Line by Line Meaning

The party's over, it's time to call it a day
The event is finished, it's time to end it

They've burst your pretty balloon
Your hopes and expectations were shattered

And taken the moon away
The joy and happiness you experienced is gone

It's time to wind up the masquerade
It's time to stop pretending and be real

Just make your mind up
Decide what you want to do next

The piper must be paid
You have to pay the price for the experience

The candles flicker and dim
The celebration is coming to an end

You danced and dreamed through the night
You had a fun and imaginative time

It seemed to be right just being with him
It appeared to be perfect just being with that person

Now you must wake up, all dreams must end
It's time to face reality and leave the fantasy behind

Take off your makeup, the party's over
Stop pretending, the event is done