Porpoise Song
The Monkees Lyrics


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My, my, the clock in the sky
Is pounding away
And there's so much to say

A face, a voice
An overdub has no choice
An image cannot rejoice
Wanting to be
To hear and to see
Crying to the sky

But the porpoise is laughing
Goodbye, goodbye
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye

Clicks, clacks, riding the backs of giraffes for laughs
S'alright for a while

(The ego) sings of castles
And kings and things that go
With a life of style

Wanting to feel
To know what is real
Living is a, is a lie

The porpoise is waiting
Goodbye, goodbye
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye




Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye

Overall Meaning

The Monkees' "Porpoise Song" is a psychedelic and dreamy track that explores the idea of life and death, the importance of living in the present moment, and the futility of seeking meaning and purpose in life. The clock in the sky, which is pounding away, serves as a reminder that time is constantly fleeting, and there is so much to say and so much to do before it runs out. The lyrics suggest that we are constantly yearning and searching for something, wanting to hear and see, wanting to feel and know what is real. However, the reality we face in life is often disappointing, and living seems like a lie.


The chorus of the song, "But the porpoise is laughing, goodbye, goodbye," implies that the porpoise, which is often associated with intelligence and playfulness, has found the meaning and purpose of life that we are all searching for but cannot seem to find. The porpoise is a symbol of freedom, wisdom, and joy, and the laughter suggests that it has escaped the cycle of life and death that we are all bound to. The clicks, clacks, and giraffes symbolize the transient and playful nature of life, while the ego singing about castles and kings and things that go with a life of style represents the vanity and superficiality of our pursuits.


Overall, "Porpoise Song" is a thought-provoking and philosophical song that questions the nature of existence and the pursuit of happiness. It suggests that perhaps the key to finding meaning and purpose in life lies in embracing the present moment, letting go of our desires and expectations, and enjoying the ride.


Line by Line Meaning

My, my, the clock in the sky Is pounding away And there's so much to say
Time flies by quickly and there is so much to experience.


A face, a voice An overdub has no choice An image cannot rejoice
A person's true identity and voice can be lost in the pursuit of fame and success.


Wanting to be To hear and to see Crying to the sky
Yearning for a deeper understanding of oneself and the world around them.


But the porpoise is laughing Goodbye, goodbye Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye
The universe seems to be mocking the individual's struggles and goodbye signifies letting go of the past.


Clicks, clacks, riding the backs of giraffes for laughs S'alright for a while
Superficial fun may only last for a short period of time.


(The ego) sings of castles And kings and things that go With a life of style
The ego desires material success and material possessions to define one's worth and status.


Wanting to feel To know what is real Living is a, is a lie
Striving for authenticity in life as one realizes the superficiality and falseness of material success.


The porpoise is waiting Goodbye, goodbye Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye
Letting go of the past to embrace a more authentic and meaningful life, even if it means saying goodbye to superficial and materialistic desires.




Lyrics ยฉ Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CAROLE KING, GERRY GOFFIN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@PhysicalMediaPreventsWea-bx1zm

I heard Micky sing this at a solo concert after Mike died. He used only a piano and it was very emotional. I think he was saying goodbye to his brothers.๐Ÿ˜ข

@SteveMikre44

Micky Dolenz is simply one of the great rock vocalist of our time...

@christyb7455

I agree!

@davidking3532

Wonderful song. I love Micky on 'As We Go Along'. Incredible singing.

@rman52

I'm not sure he is up there with Freddie, but he is one of my favorites. And great in this song. I think Davey had a terrific singing voice too. For a bunch of guys who they said weren't really musicians, they sure were awesome musicans.

@brianking1887

Absolutely!

@kd6836

THIS should be the song everyone remembers from the Monkees.

@TheMonkeesArchives

Agreed! This is my favorite of thme all! But due to a box office flop and no psh on radio play, sadly it only peaked at #62 on Billboard's Hot 100. A shame, I agree!

@jondavis2790

And 'Goin' Down'.

@pauldavies5611

It is for me.

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