European Blueboy
The Mamas & the Papas Lyrics


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Return your velvet suit to theatrical rent
The streets of Soho will never repent
And the tears that you cry rain on you
And the tears that you cry are for you
Weren't for Napoleon after Waterloo.

The madman came, he was hysterically spent
The price out outrage was carelesly bent
And the master of disguise, he has left
And the promises that he made are all kept
Except for the Golden Fleece
He thought he would have sent.

European Blueboy
European Blueboy
European Blueboy
European Blueboy

Return your velvet suit to theatrical rent
The streets of Soho will never repent
And the tears that you cry rain on you
And the tears that you cry are for you
Weren't for Napoleon after Waterloo.

European Blueboy
European Blueboy




European Blueboy
European Blueboy

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Mamas & The Papas' song "European Blueboy" seem to revolve around a central character, the "European Blueboy," whose fate is uncertain. The song opens with a call to return his velvet suit to theatrical rent, implying that the character has met an unfortunate end. However, the streets of Soho will never repent, suggesting that his actions may have been immoral or questionable. The tears that he cries are for himself, and the song implies that he is not mourned by others.


The lyrics then shift to a more surreal and metaphorical tone, describing the arrival of a "madman" who brings chaos and destruction. The cost of these actions is "carelessly bent," implying a disregard for consequences. The master of disguise has departed, and while he may have kept his promises, he failed to obtain the Golden Fleece.


Throughout the song, the refrain of "European Blueboy" is repeated, adding to the sense of mystery and intrigue surrounding this character. The title itself is open to interpretation, but it could suggest a young man trying to find his place in the world, perhaps struggling with his identity and seeking adventure.


Overall, the lyrics to "European Blueboy" paint a vague but evocative picture of a troubled character and the consequences of his actions. The song's dreamlike imagery and poetic language suggest a deeper meaning beyond the surface level narrative.


Line by Line Meaning

Return your velvet suit to theatrical rent
Take off your fancy clothing and return it to where you rented it for performances


The streets of Soho will never repent
The city of Soho will not apologize for its sins and faults


And the tears that you cry rain on you
Your own tears fall and wet your face


And the tears that you cry are for you
The sadness you feel is yours to bear


Weren't for Napoleon after Waterloo.
If Napoleon didn't exist after the Battle of Waterloo


The madman came, he was hysterically spent
A crazy man arrived, exhausted and emotional


The price out outrage was carelessly bent
The cost of being outraged was recklessly ignored


And the master of disguise, he has left
The person skilled at pretending has departed


And the promises that he made are all kept
All of his commitments were fulfilled


Except for the Golden Fleece
Except for obtaining something that is difficult to acquire


He thought he would have sent.
He believed he would have achieved his goal


European Blueboy
A young male in a blue outfit from Europe


European Blueboy
A young male in a blue outfit from Europe


European Blueboy
A young male in a blue outfit from Europe


European Blueboy
A young male in a blue outfit from Europe




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOHN EDMUND ANDREW PHILLIPS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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