Swingin' On A Star
Tony Baker and his orchestra Lyrics
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Carry moonbeams home in a jar
cnd be better off than you are
Or would you rather be a mule
c mule is an animal with long funny ears
Kicks up at anything he hears
His back is brawny but his brain is weak
cnd by the way, if you hate to go to school
You may grow up to be a mule
Or would you like to swing on a star
Carry moonbeams home in a jar
cnd be better off than you are
Or would you rather be a fish
c fish won't do anything, but swim in a brook
He can't write his name or read a book
To fool the people is his only thought
cnd though he's slippery, he still gets caught
But then if that sort of life is what you wish
You may grow up to be a fish
cnd all the monkeys aren't in the zoo
Every day you meet quite a few
So you see it's all up to you
You can be better than you are
You could be swingin' on a star
The lyrics to Tony Baker and his orchestra's song "Swingin' On A Star" present a playful and imaginative exploration of different aspirations and choices in life. The song begins by posing a question to the listener: "Would you like to swing on a star?" This suggests the idea of reaching for something greater, something beyond the ordinary. The lyrics then introduce the idea of carrying moonbeams home in a jar, symbolizing the ability to capture and hold onto the magical and wondrous moments in life. The lyrics suggest that by choosing this path, one would be better off than they currently are.
However, the song also presents an alternative viewpoint. It asks, "Or would you rather be a mule?" Here, the mule is used as a metaphor for someone who may have physical strength but lacks intellectual prowess. The lyrics depict the mule as plain stupid and stubborn, suggesting that choosing this path may lead to a less fulfilling life. Additionally, the song suggests that if one hates going to school, they might end up growing up to be a mule, implying the importance of education and personal growth.
The second half of the song continues to offer contrasting choices. It asks, "Or would you like to swing on a star?" again, reinforcing the idea that reaching for something greater is an appealing choice. Then, it presents the alternative of being a fish, highlighting the limitations of such a simple existence. The lyrics point out that a fish can't perform complex tasks like reading or writing and that its primary concern is fooling others, though it eventually gets caught.
The lyrics conclude by suggesting that it is up to the individual to decide their path in life. They highlight the potential for personal growth and improvement, stating, "You can be better than you are. You could be swingin' on a star." Ultimately, the song presents the listener with a choice: to settle for a mundane existence or to aspire for something greater, symbolized by swinging on a star.
Line by Line Meaning
Would you like to swing on a star
Do you desire to achieve great success and happiness?
Carry moonbeams home in a jar
Capture moments of magic and beauty in your life
And be better off than you are
Improve your current circumstances and achieve greater fulfillment
Or would you rather be a mule
Or would you prefer to be ignorant and stubborn
A mule is an animal with long funny ears
A mule is a creature known for its unique physical attributes
Kicks up at anything he hears
Reacting impulsively to every piece of information
His back is brawny but his brain is weak
Physically strong but lacking intellectual capacity
He's just plain stupid with a stubborn streak
Demonstrating foolishness and a persistent refusal to change
And by the way, if you hate to go to school
Additionally, if education is something you despise
You may grow up to be a mule
You might end up embodying those undesirable qualities
Or would you like to swing on a star
Or would you prefer to aim for greatness
Carry moonbeams home in a jar
Capture the extraordinary and bring it into your life
And be better off than you are
And achieve a superior state of being
Or would you rather be a fish
Or would you prefer to have no aspirations or growth
A fish won't do anything, but swim in a brook
A fish simply exists and follows instinctual behavior
He can't write his name or read a book
Incapable of intellectual pursuits or learning
To fool the people is his only thought
Manipulating others is the fish's sole intention
And though he's slippery, he still gets caught
Even though he may be deceitful, consequences await
But then if that sort of life is what you wish
However, if a stagnant existence is your desire
You may grow up to be a fish
You may end up embodying a life devoid of progress
And all the monkeys aren't in the zoo
Not all the mischievous individuals can be contained
Every day you meet quite a few
Frequently encountering cunning and deceitful individuals
So you see it's all up to you
Therefore, the choice and responsibility lie with you
You can be better than you are
You have the potential to surpass your current self
You could be swingin' on a star
You could achieve great success and happiness
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