I have two adult sons I’d like to see more often than I do, and this song hits pretty hard. Newman is my favorite songwriter and an under-appreciated genius.
I struggle to get to the end of this song without crying. It relates to so many heartbroken parents in the world. Absolute heartfelt honesty in the singing and song. Also reading some of the comments that have been left by people, my heart goes out to you all. It makes me very thankful as a father to what I have! ♥️🙏
This is Randy explaining the meaning behind the song: "I listened to this pianist give a talk about Charles Ives’ “Concord” Sonata, and he said it’s based on a tune from the early 1900s, “Where Is My Wandering Boy Tonight?” He played it, and it’s fantastic-I liked it better than the “Concord” Sonata. So I just took the title and wrote this song. As a family, we went to this Labor Day party in the neighborhood for years. I was there when I was 10 years old and when I was 50 years old. You would see a little kid at 5, and then you’d see him again 20 years later, for one day. There was one bright-eyed 11-year-old kid there, and my dad said, “He’s gonna be president some day.” But he had a tough time with heroin and a lot of other things; he was not president. It was about having that kind of promise-jumping off the high board, yelling, and being real happy-and then falling off the grid for some reason, into the big hole. There’s no net in this country. In Sweden, you can’t get down there to the gutter. But you can here. So I tried to imagine what it would be like if one of those homeless guys that I see on the street a little ways away from here were one of my sons. And then I wrote the song. And it came hard. I was choking up when I was writing the thing. I would play it for someone, and I’d get to, “Where’s my wandering boy…”-anything that makes you cry must be something to do with yourself." Credit: pitchfork.com/features/song-by-song/randy-newman-explains-every-song-on-his-new-album-dark-matter/
I also find this line particularly beautiful. All the terrible things we do to each other with language... and then along come 5 words put together just so: what a gift we all have.
@@miabellajenny Thanks for asking! It's still hard but there is a way to get on the road to happiness again. I now have another daughter in the house, only 2 months old. She is doing very fine it's not a remedy to the pain but it definitely helps to find joy in life.
@@Robdorange Congratulations! Bittersweet! Yet you have a little girl now! I cannot comprehend how you must feel. You will always love your son. Nor will he ever stop loving you!! Have a wonderful life with your sweet daughter!
Where are you Mr Randy Newman? Are you feeling ok? I hope you are . Your song is so great and the way you play and sing it. I have send it to my sister, as she will always remember her little baby girl that she lost. Little Daniëlle... your song reminded 😢me of her, though it happened a life time ago.
Was listening to this album on a bike ride today and this song hit me out of nowhere. I had to pull over because I was sobbing by the end thinking about my own son growing up. What powerfully sad lyrics.
When did you not know that Randy has that streak of melancholy in his lyrics and harmony? I've listened for years - he is very biting at times - his right - but he is very sad at times as well - To cheer you up - I played on the road for years - one of my two favorites is 'Rider in the rain' - the other is 'Big Hat' - Big Hat always reminded of as an address to GW Bush - almost appropriate now ... Since Randy has written a tune about Tumps small penis - I for one would like to hear that tune !
i'm estranged from my father. i haven't spoke to him for years. he wasn't a kind man, or a likeable man, or a good father, but neither was his father. i find myself pitying him sometimes and i suppose, in this context, i am the wandering boy. this song cuts deep.
If you had to explain compassion to someone, you wouldn't go to a dictionary definition. You would play this song. It shows compassion for the father who shows compassion for the son.
My youngest son died in 2015, 21 years old. He died on SUDEP (Sudden Death Epilepsy), out of the bllue, like in a car crash . Bright talented guy.... He was on medication with heavy side effects - depression. During his last few years, he was spiritually on and off this world, just like a Wandering Boy. I never got over it. There is another song by Randy Newman "Loosing You" - where he is explaining that once one reaches a certain age, one on is too told to forget. Anyways, every time I hear this ballad "Wandering Boy" - I m breaking down / I m loosing it. Gues I should not listen to it. Thank you Randy Newman - I have so much respect for you,. I m working on plaything this and other songs of yours on my Piano. Take care!
This is too a friend that I haven't seen in years. I haven't seen you in a while. But my friend I hope that you are doing well. Never let your light go out. I can't wait to see you again one day. Much love from an old friend.
Merci Mr. Newman. Cette chanson est un crève-coeur. Même la tristesse quand elle est écrite si bien, chantée si bien, jouée si bien, peut être belle. Fier d'être humain sur une planète où je coexiste avec des gens comme vous.
My son is severely Autistic and now 17 years old. His life has been so difficult. I’ll never leave his side. This song brings a tear to my eyes. So many nights, when he is having a really hard time, I wonder where his mind is... I wonder, where is my beautiful Wondering Boy...
There's another song on the album, "Lost Without You," that's also very touching; it's about two people who have made a life together and now have to part after decades, because one of them is near death. But "Wandering Boy" is the sadder song -- and the greater one, in my opinion -- because it describes something that isn't the way it's supposed to be. Parents aren't supposed to lose children, and they're not supposed to wonder where they are. It's a violation of the natural order, but one that actually happens. Newman at his most poignant. I'm sorry so many people only know him as the Disney-song guy.
Hello. I have been a big fan of yours since 1980. Your music has been such a big part of my life. You are a great artist, and your music has been such a constant in my life. Keep it up.
Thank you for the party I was glad we came I'm the only from the family to make it But I know they'd say the same I came here with my father And I brought my wife Three sons, a daughter And a last baby boy A little caboose we call the light of our life And that's who I'm waiting for Where is my wandering boy tonight? Where is my wandering boy? If you see him, push him towards the light Where is my wandering boy? He went over that high board there When he was five years old Laughing like a maniac Shining in the sun like gold He was afraid of nothing then He was loved by everyone I see it clear as I see you That day there in the sun I hope he's warm and I hope he's dry And that a stranger's eye is a friendly eye And I hope he has someone close by his side And I hope that he'll come home Where is my wandering boy tonight? Where is my wandering boy? If you see him, tell him everything is alright Push him towards the light Where is my wandering boy?
been a fan since 60s thought wed lost him to cartoon soundtrack land but hes found the magic again the music as a boy loved and grew up with as mr cohen and mr cash proved its never to late to be great again
Like everybody else I cried the first time I heard this, without knowing what it was all about. When I found out what it was all about it made me cry even more. It's the saddest song I've ever heard.
"Whatever I do I try to do well. Whatever I try to do well... I do but there is some fickle sentiment out there that fills a canyon up with tears and time isn't of the essence because air hasn't a trace of smell or taste unless it's unpure and I am unpure. I should know it when I see it.'' ,dan'
"May any child without the promise of being an old woman or man be a promise that society couldn't keep to itself. Getting old isn't easy I hear but God, just make me strong if I get there, while I'm getting there, may death never ring my doorbell and life always knock first." ,dan'
"I have just forgiven the Devil himself because symmetry brought us math and dude was a reflection all along and I for one will not undelight in the spring nor thank Autumn." ,dan'
"Grant me the dumbness to be stupider than I was yesterday please God I beg of you with hands held like they were praying but just don't know how." ,dan'
"Try going to the supermarket without any money, no car, no gas and tell me how much you love your country and ask how high on the way down to low as you shrink." ,dan'
'Wandering Boy' is a powerful depiction of the agony and ecstasy of being a parent. Here's a quote from the artist himself Randy Newman, about the song's origins: "As a family, we went to this Labor Day party in the neighbourhood for years. I was there when I was 10 years old, and when I was 50 years old. You would see a little kid at 5, and then you'd see him again 20 years later, for one day. There was one bright-eyed, 11-year-old kid there, and my dad said: "He's gonna be President some day". But he had a tough time with heroin and a lot of other things; he was not President. It was about having that kind of promise - jumping off the high board, yelling, and being real happy - and then falling off the grid for some reason, into the big hole.There's no net in this country. In Sweden you can't get down there to the gutter. But you can here. So I tried to imagine what it would be like if one of those homeless guys that I see on the street a little ways away from here, were one of my sons. And then I wrote the song. And it came hard. I was choking up when I was writing the thing. I would play it for someone, and I'd get to "Where's my wandering boy..." Anything that makes you cry must be something to do with yourself".
The song goes way back before there were cell phones may be before there were phones Parents would lose touch with their children, for whatever reason, and this would be very emotional It's not difficult to understand
"My name is Daniel and the only thing I like more than coining things is minting them. It takes care so much it doesn't worry at all. He knows he is priceless and he sold his soul to Jesus and Satan all in the same contract." ,dan' (the finest print)
I think it's about how every lost soul was beautiful and bright with potential at one time. It reminds me a little of Tom Waits's song "On the Nickel," another tearjerker.
Randy Newman said the song is about the wonderful potential in people, and how sadly they can lose their way in life and don't realise that potential. He tried to imagine if one of his sons was homeless, and the song came to him. He finds 'Wandering Boy' very emotional to sing, and often gets choked up when he performs it. I think it perfectly captures the agony and the ecstasy of being a parent.
That is just his natural voice. He has been singing like this his entire career. The thing is he is older now. Expressions of vocal phrases in the lyrics are important when working on a project. Try to understand the importance of sounding different from the rest of the world.
That's unfair, the guy is from New Orleans and sings with that accent. Doesn't make him 'black face'. Jeeze political correctness and woke society is sucking all the joy, spontaneity, fun and fairness out of life!
Thank you for the party I was glad we came I'm the only from the family to make it But I know they'd say the same I came here with my father And I brought my wife Three sons, a daughter And a last baby boy A little caboose we call the light of our life And that's who I'm waiting for Where is my wandering boy tonight? Where is my wandering boy? If you see him, push him towards the light Where is my wandering boy? He went over that harbor there When he was five years old Laughing like a maniac Shining in the sun like gold He was afraid of nothing then He was loved by everyone I see it clear as I see you That day there in the sun I hope he's warm and I hope he's dry And that a strangers eye is a friendly eye And I hope he has someone close by his side And I hope that he'll come home Where is my wandering boy tonight? Where is my wandering boy? If you see him, tell him everything is alright Push him towards the light Where is my wandering boy?
@@philipmayer4042 Thank you, it's an important correction. 'He went over that harbour there'' makes no sense - it's 'high board' because the verse is a father's treasured memory of his fearless, five-year-old boy jumping into a swimming pool. So many lines of this song make me emotional, but that final 'If you see him, tell him everything's alright' breaks my heart. It powerfully captures the agony and ecstasy of being a parent.
I have two adult sons I’d like to see more often than I do, and this song hits pretty hard. Newman is my favorite songwriter and an under-appreciated genius.
I am a wandering boy. I wandered further than I had to.
I struggle to get to the end of this song without crying. It relates to so many heartbroken parents in the world. Absolute heartfelt honesty in the singing and song. Also reading some of the comments that have been left by people, my heart goes out to you all. It makes me very thankful as a father to what I have! ♥️🙏
Same. I was just learning it on guitar right now and its wrecking me.
I don't remember the last time I've cried this hard.
This is Randy explaining the meaning behind the song:
"I listened to this pianist give a talk about Charles Ives’ “Concord” Sonata, and he said it’s based on a tune from the early 1900s, “Where Is My Wandering Boy Tonight?” He played it, and it’s fantastic-I liked it better than the “Concord” Sonata. So I just took the title and wrote this song.
As a family, we went to this Labor Day party in the neighborhood for years. I was there when I was 10 years old and when I was 50 years old. You would see a little kid at 5, and then you’d see him again 20 years later, for one day. There was one bright-eyed 11-year-old kid there, and my dad said, “He’s gonna be president some day.” But he had a tough time with heroin and a lot of other things; he was not president. It was about having that kind of promise-jumping off the high board, yelling, and being real happy-and then falling off the grid for some reason, into the big hole. There’s no net in this country. In Sweden, you can’t get down there to the gutter. But you can here.
So I tried to imagine what it would be like if one of those homeless guys that I see on the street a little ways away from here were one of my sons. And then I wrote the song. And it came hard. I was choking up when I was writing the thing. I would play it for someone, and I’d get to, “Where’s my wandering boy…”-anything that makes you cry must be something to do with yourself."
Credit: pitchfork.com/features/song-by-song/randy-newman-explains-every-song-on-his-new-album-dark-matter/
Wow! Awesome stuff!
"Push him toward the light." Thank you, Randy Newman, for so much beautiful music.
I also find this line particularly beautiful. All the terrible things we do to each other with language... and then along come 5 words put together just so: what a gift we all have.
This whole album is superb .
Masterpiece. 😢 ...this song has no happy end.
According to Randy, the song's even made him cry, while he was writing it and when he's played it before
Glad I'm not the only one crying
I had a feeling! I was thinking "how could someone write this without crying at the same time? impossible!" I love this song and Randy 😍
Ok. Tearstearstears. Incredible.
Lost my 3 month old son this year. The pain that's not always present was there in an instant when i listened to this song for the first time. Hard...
How are you holding up?
@@miabellajenny Thanks for asking! It's still hard but there is a way to get on the road to happiness again. I now have another daughter in the house, only 2 months old. She is doing very fine it's not a remedy to the pain but it definitely helps to find joy in life.
@@Robdorange Congratulations! Bittersweet! Yet you have a little girl now! I cannot comprehend how you must feel. You will always love your son. Nor will he ever stop loving you!! Have a wonderful life with your sweet daughter!
I am so sorry to hear it. I am glad your daughter is bringing some light back. I know you love them both.
I’m so sorry bro
Where are you Mr Randy Newman? Are you feeling ok?
I hope you are . Your song is so great and the way you play and sing it.
I have send it to my sister, as she will always remember her little baby girl that she lost. Little Daniëlle... your song reminded 😢me of her, though it happened a life time ago.
"Push him towards the light"
Was listening to this album on a bike ride today and this song hit me out of nowhere. I had to pull over because I was sobbing by the end thinking about my own son growing up. What powerfully sad lyrics.
Exactly the same thing happened to me today (but I was on foot). How great that people as good as Randy Newman are still writing songs this great.
When did you not know that Randy has that streak of melancholy in his lyrics and harmony? I've listened for years - he is very biting at times - his right - but he is very sad at times as well -
To cheer you up - I played on the road for years - one of my two favorites is 'Rider in the rain' - the other is 'Big Hat' - Big Hat always reminded of as an address to GW Bush - almost appropriate now ...
Since Randy has written a tune about Tumps small penis - I for one would like to hear that tune !
BTW My son is growing up across the country - he'll learn like us all - it is sad so you cant teach any longer :(
Guaranteed tears every time.
That song ended just in time. One more verse and I would have gotten pulled over on a DWWO-driving while weeping openly. God bless Randy Newman.
A great song from a songwriters songwriter. It kills me dead every time I hear it.
Lovely
I first heard this last night at Randy's show in New Orleans. My girlfriend collapsed in tears and I barely held it together. Gorgeous.
I thought I’d just mention that I’m a dad of 2 little boys, and this song makes be bawl my eyes out. That is all.
Heard this for the first time today. I cried. Thanks for all the great music, Randy.
Oh man. this song. We ought to be thanking the Lord for his mercy.
I thought it was just me, but I guess we’re all crying.
This song made me break down crying, I genuinely couldn't help myself for a straight 20 minutes. It's why I love it.
i'm estranged from my father. i haven't spoke to him for years. he wasn't a kind man, or a likeable man, or a good father, but neither was his father. i find myself pitying him sometimes and i suppose, in this context, i am the wandering boy. this song cuts deep.
Reach out before it’s too late. Even if it doesn’t go as you wanted, at least you did your part.
Forgiveness is a strength.
Sending blessings for you to find deep love and understanding. If you will be a father may you be the best one ever!!
If you had to explain compassion to someone, you wouldn't go to a dictionary definition. You would play this song. It shows compassion for the father who shows compassion for the son.
Tears every time.
Sitting here crying my eyes out. The beauty, pain, and tragedy of this song strikes me to the core. Thank you Randy - for this gift...
My youngest son died in 2015, 21 years old. He died on SUDEP (Sudden Death Epilepsy), out of the bllue, like in a car crash . Bright talented guy.... He was on medication with heavy side effects - depression. During his last few years, he was spiritually on and off this world, just like a Wandering Boy. I never got over it. There is another song by Randy Newman "Loosing You" - where he is explaining that once one reaches a certain age, one on is too told to forget. Anyways, every time I hear this ballad "Wandering Boy" - I m breaking down / I m loosing it. Gues I should not listen to it. Thank you Randy Newman - I have so much respect for you,. I m working on plaything this and other songs of yours on my Piano. Take care!
❤
This is too a friend that I haven't seen in years. I haven't seen you in a while. But my friend I hope that you are doing well. Never let your light go out. I can't wait to see you again one day. Much love from an old friend.
This blew my mind when you played it on tour last night, so beautiful.
Merci Mr. Newman. Cette chanson est un crève-coeur. Même la tristesse quand elle est écrite si bien, chantée si bien, jouée si bien, peut être belle. Fier d'être humain sur une planète où je coexiste avec des gens comme vous.
I am the father of an only son who lives states away. This song touches me in the deepest spot I got.
My son is severely Autistic and now 17 years old. His life has been so difficult. I’ll never leave his side. This song brings a tear to my eyes. So many nights, when he is having a really hard time, I wonder where his mind is... I wonder, where is my beautiful Wondering Boy...
Want to send you my love. Just because
God bless you and your dear son. May you see him progress and find peace in this life. We also have a son on the autism spectrum. I understand.
@@michellekatz1023 Thank you, my boy is turning 20 tomorrow! Where does the time go?
I wanna thank the producer for not auto tune-ing this vocal. The emotion is within the quarter-steps.. Beautiful.
Also, the squishing of the sustain pedal is really pronounced in this recording. It's like you are sitting next to him at the piano.
I'd like to thank all the black people he's trying to imitate.the man has a brit accent..
exactly!
@@kerrymei6822 Yes, everybody knows Randy Newman is from the UK! hE's An EnGlIsH iCoN aFtEr AlL
@@kerrymei6822 Do your research before commenting. His accent is New Orleans influenced. He was born in LA and spent his youth in New Orleans.
NPR brought me here
Ben Averill it did me too.
There's another song on the album, "Lost Without You," that's also very touching; it's about two people who have made a life together and now have to part after decades, because one of them is near death. But "Wandering Boy" is the sadder song -- and the greater one, in my opinion -- because it describes something that isn't the way it's supposed to be. Parents aren't supposed to lose children, and they're not supposed to wonder where they are. It's a violation of the natural order, but one that actually happens. Newman at his most poignant. I'm sorry so many people only know him as the Disney-song guy.
You try but one day, they will fly away from you
My lovely daughter. Even when she is living in my house. O the grief!
Hello. I have been a big fan of yours since 1980. Your music has been
such a big part of my life. You are a great artist, and your music has
been such a constant in my life. Keep it up.
It penetrated slowly and so profoundly It touched the essence of Life... I gave myself a hug.
First listen: 🥺
Second:😢
Third:😭😭😭😭
This is beautiful sir.
"May I sit down?"
,dan'
Thank you for the party
I was glad we came
I'm the only from the family to make it
But I know they'd say the same
I came here with my father
And I brought my wife
Three sons, a daughter
And a last baby boy
A little caboose we call the light of our life
And that's who I'm waiting for
Where is my wandering boy tonight?
Where is my wandering boy?
If you see him, push him towards the light
Where is my wandering boy?
He went over that high board there
When he was five years old
Laughing like a maniac
Shining in the sun like gold
He was afraid of nothing then
He was loved by everyone
I see it clear as I see you
That day there in the sun
I hope he's warm and I hope he's dry
And that a stranger's eye is a friendly eye
And I hope he has someone close by his side
And I hope that he'll come home
Where is my wandering boy tonight?
Where is my wandering boy?
If you see him, tell him everything is alright
Push him towards the light
Where is my wandering boy?
This is what i wait... 😍😍👍
been a fan since 60s thought wed lost him to cartoon soundtrack land but hes found the magic again the music as a boy loved and grew up with as mr cohen and mr cash proved its never to late to be great again
en el corazón... gracias por haber existido en mi vida, Randy!
Thank you for that beautiful "vinyl" return:-).
Stupid water coming out of my eyes.
This is the best comment I've ever seen
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I want that album
Like everybody else I cried the first time I heard this, without knowing what it was all about.
When I found out what it was all about it made me cry even more.
It's the saddest song I've ever heard.
What it was all aboutt?
@@rayhanazhari8034 It's about an estranged son that he's lost contact with, and suspects that he might be homeless.
Powerful gorgeous song and performance. Thought they could’ve used it on soundtrack to the recent and wonderful film ‘Beautiful Boy’.
"Some things cannot be explained but can you show me please Lord?"
,dan'
Zo snel mogelijk naar de winkel😃😃😃
CD winkels zijn er bijna niet meer. Maar ik begrijp wat u bedoeld. Ik heb hetzelfde idee....kopen die CD en dat rijmt.
zo snel mogelijk naar de vredenburg :)
"Whatever I do I try to do well. Whatever I try to do well... I do but there is some fickle sentiment out there that fills a canyon up with tears and time isn't of the essence because air hasn't a trace of smell or taste unless it's unpure and I am unpure. I should know it when I see it.''
,dan'
deep
At first I thought this was original but it goes way back
Randy Newman wrote this song.
@@argybarg he wrote his own lyrics to music in the public domain
@@michaelfebbert737 The name is borrowed from an old tune, but Newman wrote this melody.
"I'm not indisposed I'm in the trash and I ain't even garbage."
,dan'
"The dark taught me not to be scared while the light showed me how to be afraid." ,dan'
"I love you both just the same I told my eyes and my ears got so jealous my nostrils flared."
,dan'
"May any child without the promise of being an old woman or man be a promise that society couldn't keep to itself. Getting old isn't easy I hear but God, just make me strong if I get there, while I'm getting there, may death never ring my doorbell and life always knock first."
,dan'
"I've got two aliases.
The dastardly duo."
,dan'
"If you knock on the door long enough eventually you'll see the doorbell."
,dan'
Dan. Please stop
"I have just forgiven the Devil himself because symmetry brought us math and dude was a reflection all along and I for one will not undelight in the spring nor thank Autumn."
,dan'
From this poignant song segue into Mark's younger brother David Knophler's "Gone Fishing" and continue to cry.
"The smaller they're the softer they fall."
,dan' (the snow preserved my corpse)
"It is an honor to listen to this."
,dan' (please sit down)
"In the days before the piano bench, pianos used to be taller."
i was a wandering boy from THE FATHER. though i submitted to my earthly father.
Very wise of you to make this analogy
"If it weren't for water, not having a spine would otherwise leave me crawling around instead of swimming there."
,dan' (bigger than a t-rex)
"Leavenworth will only be known as a crusty turd in a glass of cold milk and a straw that I forgot the color of that didn't bend."
,dan'
"Grant me the dumbness to be stupider than I was yesterday please God I beg of you with hands held like they were praying but just don't know how." ,dan'
I think wandering boy was going to Land of Dreams. I hope he’s alright
"Try going to the supermarket without any money, no car, no gas and tell me how much you love your country and ask how high on the way down to low as you shrink."
,dan'
"Once I hit bottom I got on my knees and asked God for one more shovel."
,dan'
He revised the lyrics
Don't get me wrong
I think the song is timeless
I cry every time I hear it
And I've never had children
"Hope isn't a four letter word, it's speechless."
,dan'
😢
Can someone explain it to me? This songs hits me but i don't know what's about
'Wandering Boy' is a powerful depiction of the agony and ecstasy of being a parent. Here's a quote from the artist himself Randy Newman, about the song's origins:
"As a family, we went to this Labor Day party in the neighbourhood for years. I was there when I was 10 years old, and when I was 50 years old. You would see a little kid at 5, and then you'd see him again 20 years later, for one day.
There was one bright-eyed, 11-year-old kid there, and my dad said: "He's gonna be President some day". But he had a tough time with heroin and a lot of other things; he was not President. It was about having that kind of promise - jumping off the high board, yelling, and being real happy - and then falling off the grid for some reason, into the big hole.There's no net in this country. In Sweden you can't get down there to the gutter. But you can here.
So I tried to imagine what it would be like if one of those homeless guys that I see on the street a little ways away from here, were one of my sons. And then I wrote the song. And it came hard. I was choking up when I was writing the thing. I would play it for someone, and I'd get to "Where's my wandering boy..." Anything that makes you cry must be something to do with yourself".
The song goes way back before there were cell phones may be before there were phones
Parents would lose touch with their children, for whatever reason,
and this would be very emotional
It's not difficult to understand
"I jumped through the window like a bowel movement." ,dan'
"Crinkling to a shrivel."
,dan' (say the word soul and you'll get yours back, with Love, Satan)
"Sharpened to a dull."
,dan'
"I had ramen for brunch and ramen for supper."
,dan'
"My name is Daniel and the only thing I like more than coining things is minting them. It takes care so much it doesn't worry at all. He knows he is priceless and he sold his soul to Jesus and Satan all in the same contract."
,dan'
(the finest print)
"If I could murder one word it would be... murder."
,dan'
(i got your back)
"Newdy Ranman."
,dan'
(Insposure)
"Ignorance is like happiness for stupidity."
,dan'
Jesus, Dan, just find the bottle of fucking pills and swallow them all, would you?
@@johnlittle7473 I think he sees this RUclips comments page as a free advertising opportunity for his poetry/pearls of wisdom, lol!
"If I have nothing to gain then I have nothing to lose and with nothing to lose I had nothing to gain." ,dan'
(distracting an ouroboros)
"What am I going to do with you?"
,dan' (on me)
Did the kid in the song run away from home? :/
Yes, and is probably homeless on the streets.
I think it's about how every lost soul was beautiful and bright with potential at one time. It reminds me a little of Tom Waits's song "On the Nickel," another tearjerker.
@@philipmayer4042 or returned to starlight -
Randy Newman said the song is about the wonderful potential in people, and how sadly they can lose their way in life and don't realise that potential. He tried to imagine if one of his sons was homeless, and the song came to him. He finds 'Wandering Boy' very emotional to sing, and often gets choked up when he performs it. I think it perfectly captures the agony and the ecstasy of being a parent.
"Jesus and his tagteam partner Satan vs. Zeus and his cronies."
,dan'
One day he will look in the mirror and realize he's been blackfacing black vocals his whole career
What's that mean
That is just his natural voice. He has been singing like this his entire career. The thing is he is older now. Expressions of vocal phrases in the lyrics are important when working on a project. Try to understand the importance of sounding different from the rest of the world.
You must be a fucking blast at parties.
That's unfair, the guy is from New Orleans and sings with that accent. Doesn't make him 'black face'. Jeeze political correctness and woke society is sucking all the joy, spontaneity, fun and fairness out of life!
Thank you for the party
I was glad we came
I'm the only from the family to make it
But I know they'd say the same
I came here with my father
And I brought my wife
Three sons, a daughter
And a last baby boy
A little caboose we call the light of our life
And that's who I'm waiting for
Where is my wandering boy tonight?
Where is my wandering boy?
If you see him, push him towards the light
Where is my wandering boy?
He went over that harbor there
When he was five years old
Laughing like a maniac
Shining in the sun like gold
He was afraid of nothing then
He was loved by everyone
I see it clear as I see you
That day there in the sun
I hope he's warm and I hope he's dry
And that a strangers eye is a friendly eye
And I hope he has someone close by his side
And I hope that he'll come home
Where is my wandering boy tonight?
Where is my wandering boy?
If you see him, tell him everything is alright
Push him towards the light
Where is my wandering boy?
He went over that high board there
(as in swimming pool).
Fistie thanks for the lyrics
@@philipmayer4042 Thank you, it's an important correction. 'He went over that harbour there'' makes no sense - it's 'high board' because the verse is a father's treasured memory of his fearless, five-year-old boy jumping into a swimming pool.
So many lines of this song make me emotional, but that final 'If you see him, tell him everything's alright' breaks my heart. It powerfully captures the agony and ecstasy of being a parent.