It's from their album Wings At The Speed Of Sound (1976).
San Ferry Anne
Wings Lyrics
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And from what you've got I'd say you're doing well, dear
Dressed like a dream
And if things are what they seem, you're looking swell, dear
Your little man (your little man)
Brings you trinkets when he can but he can't stay, dear
That's very well (that's very well)
But inside your shiny shell you dance all day, dear
So go be gay (so go be gay)
Let your feelings leap away into the laughter
San Ferry Anne (San Ferry Anne)
And the world keeps turning happy ever after
The opening verse of Wings' song San Ferry Anne depicts the glamorous life of a woman who is said to be doing well for herself. She carries herself with a sense of style and sophistication that is described as "dressed like a dream." The line "if things are what they seem, you're looking swell, dear" suggests that although her external appearance exudes confidence, it is not entirely indicative of her inner state. The woman's little man brings her trinkets, which alludes to her having a partner or lover, but he cannot stay for long periods. The verse ends with "But inside your shiny shell, you dance all day, dear," implying that she keeps up a façade, either for external validation or personal reasons.
The chorus of the song encourages the woman to be happy, carefree, and let her feelings free. The line "Let your feelings leap away into the laughter" suggests that laughter is a pathway to emotional liberation. The phrase "San Ferry Anne," repeated twice, is intriguing, considering it does not appear in the opening verse. San Ferry Anne is not a person but is, in fact, a ferry service that travels from Sheerness to Southend in England. The phrase is significant as it evokes images of escape and relaxation, which aligns with the song's overall message of letting go and having fun. The line "And the world keeps turning happy ever after" suggests that life goes on regardless of what happens, and it's better to live it joyfully.
Line by Line Meaning
You've got a lot
It seems that you have acquired a lot of possessions, dear
And from what you've got I'd say you're doing well, dear
Based on the things you have, it appears that you are successful, dear
Dressed like a dream
Your attire is quite stunning and impressive
And if things are what they seem, you're looking swell, dear
If your overall appearance is any indication, you seem to be doing quite well, dear
Your little man (your little man)
Referring to your significant other, dear
Brings you trinkets when he can but he can't stay, dear
Your significant other brings you small gifts, but unfortunately, cannot be with you for an extended period of time, dear
That's very well (that's very well)
Although that is nice (although that is nice)
But inside your shiny shell you dance all day, dear
However, underneath your exterior façade, you continue to enjoy yourself and dance throughout the day, dear
So go be gay (so go be gay)
Therefore, you should continue to be joyful and carefree, dear
Let your feelings leap away into the laughter
Allow your emotions to be expressed through laughter and happiness
San Ferry Anne (San Ferry Anne)
A reference to the ferry boat that goes to the island of Jersey
And the world keeps turning happy ever after
Despite whatever may be happening around you, continue to remain happy and content, and the world will follow suit
Contributed by Layla R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.