What A Shame
Tom Williams Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

What a shame
That I can't sleep at night
What a shame
That only whiskey has me sleeping right
What a shame
The blues are at my window again
What a shame
I closed the curtains but they're rattling at my window pane

'Cause early morning i get out of my bed with these old blue thoughts running through my head
What a shame
If I was grown then I would stand up straight

What a shame
That I can't sleep at night
What a shame
That only whiskey has me sleeping right
What a shame
The blues are at my window again
What a shame
I closed the curtains but they're rattling at my window pane

'Cause early morning i get out of my bed with these old blue thoughts running through my head
What a shame
If I was grown then I would stand up straight

What a shame
But my momma says it's never too late
What a shame
When's my luck gonna change?
What a shame

What a shame
The big worlds spinning blue
What a shame
That I never get to see you
What a shame
I've got no money in my bank account
What a shame
Cause if I did then I would take you out

'Cause early morning I get out of my head with these old blue thoughts running through my head
What a shame
If I was grown then I would stand up straight

What a shame
Thought my momma says it's never too late
What a shame
When's my luck gonna change?
What a shame

What a shame
That this song never ends
What a shame
Oh my fair weather friends
What a shame
That this big bag world wants you dead
What a shame
All this worrying in my head

'Cause early morning I get out of my bed with these old blue thoughts running through my head
What a shame
If I was grown then I would stand up straight
What a shame
But my momma says it's never too late
What a shame




When's my luck gonna change?
What a shame

Overall Meaning

The song "What a Shame" by Tom Williams is a melancholic and introspective piece that captures the emotions of someone struggling through a tough phase in their life. The opening lines, "What a shame that I can't sleep at night, What a shame that only whiskey has me sleeping right" immediately captures the feeling of despair and helplessness. The singer then goes on to describe how the blues are constantly at their doorstep, rattling the curtains and disturbing their sleep. The reference to "old blue thoughts" running through their head also signals that this might be a recurring problem and that the singer is not able to shake off their worries.


The phrase "If I was grown then I would stand up straight" suggests that the singer is aware of their shortcomings and desires to overcome them. However, they feel stuck and unable to move forward. The song's title is repeated throughout the song and serves as a refrain that highlights the feeling of resignation and frustration.


The later part of the song introduces a sense of longing for better things. The singer regrets not being able to see the world and enjoy it with someone they love. The line "All this worrying in my head" suggests that the singer is aware of the negative impact their anxiety is having on their life. But they are still unsure of how to break free from it.


Overall, "What a Shame" is a poignant and evocative song that effectively captures the feeling of being trapped in a cycle of negativity and hopelessness.


Line by Line Meaning

What a shame
Expresses disappointment over a situation


That I can't sleep at night
Unable to fall asleep easily


That only whiskey has me sleeping right
Resorting to alcohol to fall asleep


The blues are at my window again
Feeling down and depressed


I closed the curtains but they're rattling at my window pane
Unable to escape from negative thoughts and emotions


'Cause early morning I get out of my bed with these old blue thoughts running through my head
Continuously thinking about negative things in the morning


If I was grown then I would stand up straight
Wishing to mature and handle problems like an adult


But my momma says it's never too late
Encouragement to make positive changes


When's my luck gonna change?
Questioning when things will improve


The big worlds spinning blue
Feeling small and insignificant in the world


That I never get to see you
Missing someone special


I've got no money in my bank account
Financial difficulties


Cause if I did then I would take you out
Wishing to be able to share experiences with someone special


That this song never ends
Longing for the comfort of the song


Oh my fair weather friends
Lack of trust in unreliable friends


That this big bag world wants you dead
Feeling overwhelmed and unsupported by the world


All this worrying in my head
Feeling anxious and stressed




Writer(s): sam gill, tom williams

Contributed by Adrian T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions