Poor Little Rich Girl
Tony Bennett and The Count Basie Orchestra Lyrics

Poor little rich girl,
Addressing the subject, acknowledging the wealth but also highlighting how their life may not be as perfect as it seems.

You're a bewitched girl,
Implying that the subject is under a spell or otherwise caught up in something beyond their control.

Better take care.
Warning the subject of the dangers that lay ahead.

Laughing at danger,
The subject may be carefree and not taking the potential consequences of their actions seriously.

Virtue a stranger,
The subject may be indulging in activities that are not considered morally upright.

Better beware!
Reiterating the danger ahead and the need for caution.

The life you lead sets all your nerves a-jangle,
The lifestyle of the subject is frenzied and may not be sustainable in the long term.

You love affairs are in a hopeless tangle,
The subject's romantic relationships are not going well and may be causing them distress.

Though you're a child, dear,
Acknowledging that the subject may be young and inexperienced.

Your life's a wild typhoon!
Describing the subject's life as chaotic and turbulent.

In lives of leisure,
The subject may have little responsibility and a lot of free time.

The craze for pleasure
They are indulging in fun activities, but perhaps doing so excessively.

Steadily grows;
The subject's lifestyle is getting more and more extravagant.

Cocktails and laughter,
The subject is enjoying drinks and socializing.

But what comes after?
Asking the rhetorical question of what will happen when the current fun time ends.

Nobody knows!
Emphasizing that the subject's future is uncertain.

You're weaving love into a mad jazz pattern,
The subject's romantic relationships are complicated and potentially chaotic.

Ruled by Pantaloon,
Their love life may be influenced by a character named Pantaloon, who symbolizes someone who is foolish and easy to deceive.

Don't drop a stitch too soon!
Urging the subject to be patient and not make rash decisions that could cause harm in the future.

You're only a baby,
Reiterating that the subject may be young and inexperienced in the ways of life.

You're lonely, and maybe,
Implying that despite their wealth and social life, the subject may still feel isolated and unhappy.

Someday soon you'll know
Suggesting that the subject will eventually gain wisdom and understanding through experience.

The tears you are tasting
The subject is experiencing painful emotions and hardships.

Are years you are wasting,
Implying that the subject is not making the most of their life and should be more careful and thoughtful with their choices.

Life's a bitter foe!
Describing life as a difficult, unforgiving opponent that the subject must be prepared to face.

With fate it's no use competing,
Accepting that there are certain things in life that are beyond the subject's control and they should not waste their energy trying to change them.

Youth is so terribly fleeting;
The subject's youth will not last forever and they should be mindful to make the most of it while they can.

By dancing much faster
The subject may be trying to escape their problems by living a fast-paced, reckless life.

You're chancing disaster,
Their behavior could lead to dangerous consequences.

Time alone will show.
Only time can reveal the true outcome of the subject's lifestyle and choices.