Congratulations
The Traveling Wilburys (George Harrison Bob Dylan Tom Petty Roy Orbison Jeff Lynne) Lyrics


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Congratulations for breaking my heart
Congratulations for tearing it all apart
Congratulations, you finally did succeed
Congratulations for leaving me in need

This morning I looked out my window and found
A bluebird singing, but there was no one around
At night, I lay alone in my bed
With an image of you goin' around in my head

Congratulations for bringing me down
Congratulations, now I'm sorrow bound
Congratulations, you got a good deal
Congratulations, how good you must feel

I guess that I must have loved you more than I ever knew
My world is empty now 'cause it don't have you
And if I had just one more chance to win your heart again
I would do things differently, but what's the use to pretend?

Congratulations for making me wait
Congratulations, now it's too late
Congratulations, you came out on top
Congratulations, you never did know when to stop

Congratulations
Congratulations




Congratulations
Congratulations

Overall Meaning

In "Congratulations," The Traveling Wilburys reflect on a past relationship with bitterness and resentment towards their ex-partner. The opening lines, "Congratulations for breaking my heart, congratulations for tearing it all apart," reveal the twisted attitude of the singer, who seems to take a certain pleasure in giving their ex-partner recognition for the pain they have caused. This is further highlighted in the chorus, where the singer sarcastically congratulates their ex for succeeding in causing them pain, resulting in them being left in need.


As the song progresses, the singer's painful longing for their ex is revealed through their vivid descriptions of seeing a bluebird singing, but with no one around and of lying alone in bed with images of their ex swirling in their head. The lyrics express the deep pain and hurt the singer feels due to their ex's actions, and the bitterness they feel towards them for moving on and having a good deal without them.


Towards the end of the song, the singer seems to come to a realization that they may have loved their ex more than they realized, saying, "I guess that I must have loved you more than I ever knew." However, it is too late now, and the singer regrets not having a chance to win their heart back again. The song ends with the repetition of the word "congratulations," this time sounding more defeated and sorrowful.


Overall, "Congratulations" is a song that encapsulates the various emotions that come with heartbreak and regret, as well as the complex emotions that can arise towards an ex-partner.


Line by Line Meaning

Congratulations for breaking my heart
You succeeded in hurting me deeply.


Congratulations for tearing it all apart
You broke our relationship completely apart.


Congratulations, you finally did succeed
You have won, and I have lost.


Congratulations for leaving me in need
You left me in a state of need or desperation.


This morning I looked out my window and found
I observed something outside, namely a bluebird.


A bluebird singing, but there was no one around
The bluebird was singing to no one in particular.


At night, I lay alone in my bed
I spent the nighttime by myself in my bed.


With an image of you goin' around in my head
I couldn't stop thinking about you.


Congratulations for bringing me down
You succeeded in making me feel low.


Congratulations, now I'm sorrow bound
I am now stuck in sadness.


Congratulations, you got a good deal
You benefited from the situation.


Congratulations, how good you must feel
You must feel good about your success.


I guess that I must have loved you more than I ever knew
I realized that I loved you more than I had thought.


My world is empty now 'cause it don't have you
Without you, my world feels hollow and meaningless.


And if I had just one more chance to win your heart again
If given another opportunity, I would try to earn your love once more.


I would do things differently, but what's the use to pretend?
I would try to change my ways, but it's unlikely to matter at this point.


Congratulations for making me wait
You succeeded in making me wait for you.


Congratulations, now it's too late
It's too late now, and you missed your chance.


Congratulations, you came out on top
You emerged as the winner in this situation.


Congratulations, you never did know when to stop
You never knew where the line was, and you crossed it.


Congratulations
Congratulations


Congratulations
Congratulations


Congratulations
Congratulations


Congratulations
Congratulations




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JEFF LYNNE, GEORGE HARRISON, BOB DYLAN, ROY ORBISON, TOM PETTY

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

@mozzer1980

Congratulations for breaking my heart
Congratulations for tearing it all apart
Congratulations, you finally did succeed
Congratulations for leaving me in need
This morning I looked out my window and found
A bluebird singing, but there was no one around
At night, I lay alone in my bed
With an image of you goin' around in my head
Congratulations for bringing me down
Congratulations, now I'm sorrow bound
Congratulations, you got a good deal
Congratulations, how good you must feel
I guess that I must have loved you more than I ever knew
My world is empty now 'cause it don't have you
And if I had just one more chance to win your heart again
I would do things differently, but what's the use to pretend?
Congratulations for making me wait
Congratulations, now it's too late
Congratulations, you came out on top
Congratulations, you never did know when to stop
Congratulations
Congratulations
Congratulations
Congratulations...



All comments from YouTube:

@lukegraham5105

The first music that ever entered my ears at 2 years old! My dad had it on repeat! Rest in Peace Dad.......when this song plays I almost feel like you are right beside me! ❤

@susanbanks3800

That’s so awesome

@bohomaturebabe

I wish I had met your Dad x

@dustinelledge1846

The best feelings.

@twistedtshirt

Same with my Dad, i always think of him with Wilburys

@Dischordalchorous

Same here. First things I ever listened to in life were this, Bowie's greatest hits, and Donovan at about 4 or 5, used to play em incessantly. Kinda weird combo but I loved it.

@MattAttack54

This is one of the greatest albums of all time

@ninaholicova3984

This track was in player my father' s car when he had heart attack and died😢.

@stefangegenfurtner1319

@Nina Holičová iam so sorry

@jonathanodell8854

@Nina Holičová glad u have the connection of knowing his heart and favorite tunes is a bond in everytime u hear it he lives thru ur memory is all we really have in the end is family and then memories

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