All Tomorrow's Parties
The Velvet Underground feat. Nico Lyrics
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To all tomorrow's parties
A hand-me-down dress from who knows where
To all tomorrow's parties
And where will she go, and what shall she do
When midnight comes around
She'll turn once more to Sunday's clown and cry behind the door
To all tomorrow's parties
Why silks and linens of yesterday's gowns
To all tomorrow's parties
And what will she do with Thursday's rags
When Monday comes around
She'll turn once more to Sunday's clown and cry behind the door
And what costume shall the poor girl wear
To all tomorrow's parties
For Thursday's child is Sunday's clown
For whom none will go mourning
A blackened shroud
A hand-me-down gown
Of rags and silks, a costume
Fit for one who sits and cries
For all tomorrow's parties
"All Tomorrow's Parties" by The Velvet Underground and Nico is a melancholy song that paints a vivid picture of a young girl who is forced to attend endless parties. The opening line, "And what costume shall the poor girl wear," establishes the theme of this song - the poor girl who has to drag herself to all these parties. The use of the word "costume" reinforces the idea that she has to act a part that doesn't belong to her but rather plays into the expectations of the people around her. It's a universal idea - we've all been in a situation where we've had to put on a brave face and act happy to fit in with the crowd.
The line "A blackened shroud, a hand-me-down gown" adds to the overall gloomy atmosphere and paints a picture of a girl who is uncomfortable and out of place. The imagery of "rags and silks" implies that she's a mix of high and low - something she probably can't help but is still judged for by those around her. The use of the term "Sunday's clown" highlights the girl's need to perform and entertain at all costs, even when she's not in the mood, and how that's become a defining characteristic of her identity.
"All Tomorrow's Parties" explores themes of identity, expectations, and societal pressures. The song can be interpreted as a commentary on how people are often forced into roles that they don't necessarily feel comfortable with or want to play. By using the image of a young girl in a party setting, The Velvet Underground Criticizes the social hierarchy and the power dynamics at play, and how society often has little tolerance for individuals who don't fit its conventions.
Line by Line Meaning
And what costume shall the poor girl wear
In anticipation of upcoming gatherings, what clothing options are available to this less fortunate woman?
To all tomorrow's parties
For all of the celebrations and events that are coming up in the future.
A hand-me-down dress from who knows where
Perhaps the only option available to her is to wear a dress that was given to her as a hand-me-down by someone, without knowing where it originally came from.
To all tomorrow's parties
This line is repeated to reinforce the woman's obligation to attend multiple events in the coming days.
And where will she go and what shall she do
When the night of the event comes, where will she go and what activities will she engage in?
When midnight comes around
Later in the evening when the clock strikes twelve.
She'll turn once more to Sunday's clown
She'll return to her normal self, as if performing a role as Sunday's clown. This is someone who is always available, perhaps a symbol for being dependable and always supportive.
And cry behind the door
The woman will be overwhelmed with emotions and will retreat to a private place, crying behind a door.
For Thursday's child is Sunday's clown
The woman's circumstances are such that she has to be supportive, reliable, and fulfill her duties every day of the week, not just on Sundays, so she is essentially Thursday's child being Sunday's clown.
For whom none will go mourning
No one will mourn or feel sorry for her, as she must continue to uphold her responsibilities and stand strong.
A blackened shroud, a hand-me-down gown
A dark shroud or a black veil, along with a dress passed down to her. This may represent her sadness and mourning, as well as a lack of resources.
Of rags and silks, a costume
A mixture of materials, including worn out or old clothing, as well as some finer fabrics, to create an outfit.
Fit for one who sits and cries
The outfit is appropriate for someone who is not cheerful and spends a lot of time crying.
For all tomorrow's parties
This is repeated to emphasize the significance of the upcoming events and the woman's obligation to be present for all of them.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Lou Reed
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind