Fantasy
The Levellers Lyrics
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New white skinny rebel was he
Because he knew what mattered
It's all in a clatter of the bands he's seen
His words of wisdom would shock
Whether he meant them or not
He'd save the world
All the boys and the girls
That's sad
That's right
Another night
Of someone else's fantasy
He thought he was cool with his tunes
He practised the knack in his room
And in the evening he'd DJ
With the slider at eight plus
Believing that at his feet we swoom
Now he's always there in the queue
While down on the dance floor it's you
And when he starts playing
He's up there playing
You don't notice that they're not his tunes
He thought he could measure the world
Because he loved the flag when unfurled
First he's a lawyer, excellent debator
You should have heard the mud he hurled
Now you've seen his face on TV
Leading parliamentary
When he makes decisions
That meet your derision
He reminds us all that we're free
The Levellers' song "Fantasy" is a portrayal of a young man who is attempting to live out his wildest dreams, but can never seem to escape the reality that he is simply living in someone else's fantasy. The opening lyrics depict the man, who is clearly intoxicated, as a "new white skinny rebel" who believes he knows what matters because of the bands he has seen. Despite the words of wisdom he shares, he is still simply "another single."
The second verse of the song goes on to describe the man's obsession with music, as he believes he is "cool with his tunes" and "practised the knack in his room." However, despite his attempts at becoming a DJ and playing his favorite music, he is only ever a part of someone else's fantasy, with the true artist often going unnoticed. Finally, the song highlights the man's belief that he could measure the world because of his love for flags when unfurled. He is portrayed as someone who can never truly find success or happiness, despite his many attempts at achieving it.
Line by Line Meaning
He thought he was as drunk as can be
He believed he was highly intoxicated
New white skinny rebel was he
He was a young, slim rebel with a sense of style
Because he knew what mattered
He had a strong sense of what was important
It's all in a clatter of the bands he's seen
His beliefs were shaped by the music he listened to
His words of wisdom would shock
His advice was often surprising and unexpected
Whether he meant them or not
It was unclear if his words were sincere
He'd save the world
He believed he could change the world
All the boys and the girls
He wanted to help everyone
But another single's all he'd be
Despite his aspirations, he was still just one person
That's sad
His situation is unfortunate
That's right
This is an accurate assessment
Another night
Another evening
Of someone else's fantasy
Living out someone else's dream
He thought he was cool with his tunes
He believed he was trendy because of his music taste
He practised the knack in his room
He spent time practicing his DJ skills in his bedroom
And in the evening he'd DJ
He would entertain as a DJ in the evenings
With the slider at eight plus
He would turn up the volume to create a louder sound
Believing that at his feet we swoom
He believed he could have a large influence on people
Now he's always there in the queue
He is always waiting in line
While down on the dance floor it's you
Other people are enjoying themselves on the dance floor
And when he starts playing
He begins to DJ
He's up there playing
He is performing as a DJ
You don't notice that they're not his tunes
People aren't aware that he is playing other DJ's music
He thought he could measure the world
He believed he could understand and control the world
Because he loved the flag when unfurled
His sense of patriotism reinforced his worldview
First he's a lawyer, excellent debator
At one point, he considered becoming a lawyer and/or excelled at debating
You should have heard the mud he hurled
He was known for his insults and verbal attacks
Now you've seen his face on TV
He has achieved some measure of fame and exposure
Leading parliamentary
He is a member of parliament or has some political influence
When he makes decisions
He is responsible for making important choices
That meet your derision
His decisions are often met with criticism
He reminds us all that we're free
He believes in individual freedom and reminds others of this value
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CHARLES KENTON HEATHER, JEREMY CUNNINGHAM, JONATHAN SEVINK, MARK CHADWICK, SIMON FRIEND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind