08 Picasso's Last Words
Wings Lyrics


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The grand old painter died last night
His paintings on the wall
Before he went he bade us well
And said goodnight to us all.

Drink to me, drink to my health
You know I can't drink any more
Drink to me, drink to my health
You know I can't drink any more

Three o'clock in the morning
I'm getting ready for bed
It came without a warning
But I'll be waiting for you baby
I'll be waiting for you there
So drink to me drink to my health
You know I can't drink any more
Drink to me drink to my health
You know I can't drink any more

French interlude
Temp change
Jet...drink to me
Drunken chorus




French (tempo)
Drink to me...ho hey ho

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Wings's song "Picasso's Last Words" are a tribute to the great Spanish painter, who is said to have died in his studio in France in 1973, surrounded by some of his latest works. The song starts with the news of his passing and the sense of loss it produces. The lyric "His paintings on the wall" suggests that the artist left behind a rich legacy of visual art that will continue to be admired and appreciated long after his death.


After bidding his farewell to those around him, the artist's spirit seems to linger on in the second part of the song, where a lover's voice speaks in his name. The words "Drink to me, drink to my health" evoke the ritual of toasting, which is often associated with sharing a drink in a social context. However, the lines "You know I can't drink anymore" suggest a feeling of physical and emotional exhaustion that can come from a lifetime of creative commitment and artistic pursuit.


The song ends with a series of repetitive refrains that create a sense of hypnotic trance, as if the listener were being invited to join in a drunken chorus of celebration and mourning. The French interlude and tempo change provide a nod to Picasso's roots and artistic influences, while the ho hey ho finale has been interpreted as a reference to English folk tradition.


Line by Line Meaning

The grand old painter died last night
The greatly respected artist passed away recently


His paintings on the wall
His works of art still remain for us to appreciate


Before he went he bade us well
He bid farewell to us before he passed


And said goodnight to us all.
He left with a final greeting to all of us


Drink to me, drink to my health
Raise a toast to me and wish me well


You know I can't drink any more
I cannot indulge in drinks like I used to


Three o'clock in the morning
It's the early hours of the day


I'm getting ready for bed
I'm preparing for sleep


It came without a warning
Something unexpected happened suddenly


But I'll be waiting for you baby
I'll be there for you


I'll be waiting for you there
I'll be present and available for you in that place


French interlude
Intermission with a French music piece


Temp change
Change in tempo


Jet...drink to me
Drinking cheers to the singer


Drunken chorus
Singing in an inebriated state


French (tempo)
French music with a different tempo


Drink to me...ho hey ho
Cheers and good wishes to the artist




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: LINDA MCCARTNEY, PAUL MCCARTNEY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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