Superstar Tradesman
The View Lyrics


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Superstar tradesman, stand at the bar
Get a trade son you will go far
You have a house in the ferry and a new guitar
That's never been played before and it never will
Never been played before and it never will

The weather is sunny, you're locked inside
The weather is sunny, oh yes I've tried and I've tried
To keep me sane, to keep me sane
To keep me sane, to keep me sane

I don't want money, I want a thing called happiness
I don't want cash, you know, I'd quite like memories
To keep us on track, let's never look back
To keep us on track, let's never look back

What would you do if I asked you
What would you do if I asked you
To sail away to see some sights?
Sail away with me to see some sights

Superstar tradesman, stand at the bar
Get a trade son you will go far
You have a house in the ferry and a new guitar

That's never been played before and it never will
Never been played before and it never will

Overall Meaning

The song “Superstar Tradesman” by The View is a reflection on the mundanity of daily life and an ode to the simple pleasures that money can’t buy. The lyrics implore the listener to pursue meaningful experiences instead of material wealth, underscoring the futility of chasing a capitalistic ideal. The titular “superstar tradesman” represents the everyday worker, who is encouraged to invest in a trade and gain a secure livelihood.


The song juxtaposes its message of avoiding materialism with descriptions of the singer’s possessions, such as the “new guitar” that has “never been played before and it never will.” This irony highlights the gap between people’s desire for more things and their actual enjoyment of those things.


The repeated refrain “To keep us on track, let’s never look back” serves as a reminder to not let the past hold us back and to always focus on the present and the future. The lyric “What would you do if I asked you to sail away to see some sights?” offers the idea of breaking free from the routine and experiencing new things, which can bring joy and fulfillment.


Line by Line Meaning

Superstar tradesman, stand at the bar
Addressing an individual who has acquired great success in a specialized field and is now seen as a top performer, standing at the bar.


Get a trade son you will go far
Encouragement to pursue a trade or a skill that will lead to long-term success.


You have a house in the ferry and a new guitar
Congratulations on your recent purchases, a home in a desirable location and a brand new and untouched musical instrument.


That's never been played before and it never will
Despite having a new guitar, it will remain unplayed due to lack of interest or motivation.


The weather is sunny, you're locked inside
Despite ideal weather for outdoor activities, you are confined indoors.


The weather is sunny, oh yes I've tried and I've tried
Attempts have been made to enjoy the perfect weather, but for some reason, it is not possible.


To keep me sane, to keep me sane
An internal monologue to maintain composure and stay grounded.


I don't want money, I want a thing called happiness
Money is not the key to happiness, rather it is a subjective feeling that can't be bought.


I don't want cash, you know, I'd quite like memories
Rather than accumulating wealth, collecting memories and experiences is important.


To keep us on track, let's never look back
To stay focused and directed towards the future, it is best to not dwell on the past.


What would you do if I asked you
A hypothetical question to provoke a thought or a response.


To sail away to see some sights?
An invitation to embark on a journey and experience new sights and places.


Sail away with me to see some sights
A specific request to join for a trip of exploration and wonder.


Superstar tradesman, stand at the bar
A repetition of the opening line emphasizing the individual's success in their chosen trade or skill.


Get a trade son you will go far
A final encouragement to pursue a trade or skill as a means of achieving long-term success and stability.


You have a house in the ferry and a new guitar
A repetition of congratulating the individual on their recent acquisitions.


That's never been played before and it never will
A reminder that despite having a new musical instrument, it will remain untouched and unplayed.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: KIEREN WEBSTER, KYLE FALCONER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@chrismorrison3696

I'm 58. That said, this delivers. Raised on the Jam and the Who, it's a beautiful racket these lads are raising.They mean it. That puts them in the club. Period.

@EvelynLogan-od7zc

Chris 😅

@RoboShowgirlsBatmanCop2-v4n

this was 15 years ago grandad

@chrismorrison3696

@@RoboShowgirlsBatmanCop2-v4n Lol! So true. Just turned 59 ffs. all the best, grandad.

@jasbk

seen them twice live, the only band i have ever seen where everyone watching smiles for the full 2 hours... huge fan.. The View, The View, The View are on fire!

@GaryMunnery

Heard this on the radio yesterday, had completely forgotten about it. Such a banger of a song and album

@sarah-jaynemcdonald2594

I was there for this video shoot. Brilliant day.

@Aldo187_

lucky you! what a band. Cant wait to see them again

@sarah-jaynemcdonald2594

@@Aldo187_ Aw. I just went for the banter. Didn't know it was going to end up a pure historical day in our area! Lol.

@kevied88

my uncle was there jumping about like a loon lol.

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