Not only the lyrics, but also the rhythm plays a significant role in this song. Although it's a story about the struggles of common people, there is a happy and fast melody during most of the song. You don't have much time to appreciate the little things because you're always in a hurry, you need to work to provide subsistence to your family. And then, suddenly, the beat goes down. The pace is much slower. Then you realize most of your life has passed in a blink of an eye and your companion is no longer there. It's shocky, it's tragic. You slow down and take a deep breath, you mourn a little. But than you look at the clock: it's still ticking. The pace becomes fast again. Life's still going by and the clock won't slow down for you.
Being a serious student of great songwriters..i.e. Guy Clark, Townes, Steve Earle, John Prine Billy Joe Shaver, Springsteen, etc., and trying my best as a 20 something in mid 1990s Nashville to make it happen in the alt-country underground, I must say, this is one of the most well crafted songs I've ever heard...consistent, thoughtful...every line is of interest....This is seriously in the top 10 best songs ever crafted....and that is not an opinion..that is a fact.
“There’s a baby in the bedroom, he’s starting to scream, she holds him though he probably won’t remember” That part always kills me. So mundane yet so sad.
I lost my Dad last month. My parents have an amazing love story. As I close up my fathers life I can see it all so clearly. Not just as their daughter but as their friend. I've loved this song for a long time but now it means so much more. Thank you.
This song is amazing,Everything Brandon throws out at us fan is just solid gold...His lyrics you just can't beat them when it comes to meaning of the heart...Feelings and emotions stir Everytime I hear his music...Thank you Brandon flowers for all the great work you have done,Can't wait to hear the next album,It's,goona,amazing I just know it...
Beautiful song by a true poet. More than anything it helps us to see our joys and struggles on this earth as fleeting, only a minuscule chapter in the passage of time. It's a joyful song because it reminds us that we have been given the opportunity to be a part of something much, much bigger than we will ever understand.
That is literally one of reasons why this song is so special. I completely forgot this magazine existed and then I heard this song, and immediately remember my mother reading these. They were all over the house, this song is SPECIAL
We all set goals and tend to wish our lives away, the moment we are in is the gift and prize. Brandon tells it so very well. whenever anyone I know cares to ask me to play them a song I play this to them.
brandon flowers - genial mi mas grande deseo es que regresen junto con la banda the killers a peru para volver a vivir la emocion que dio la primera vez eres un gran artista y todas tus canciones me llenan el corazon de alegria y me transmite mucha emocion lo maximo (Y) -- randy
The teacher had you write a letter, you were eight years old About the man that you'd become and the positions you'd hold But this was long before you and Jackie Geronimo Met in the Prelude Park at midnight Now when it came to bells and whistles, Jackie did not lack And when she kissed you on the kisser, boy, you kissed her back Now you tell her that you love her and she cuts you slack When you drink with your buddies on the weekend And the weeks fly by and the years roll on You spend your whole life droppin' Nickels in the bucket, wakin' up at dawn And while Jackie bestowed the joys of fingerlickin' The clock up on the wall was tickin' You got yourself a job cleanin' hospital floors But Jackie had a baby, then she had five more They'd pay you just enough to drag your ass to the store To buy bread, milk and Better Homes and Gardens Jackie flips the pages and she dreams little dreams A cottage in the country built with real wood beams There's a baby in the bedroom, he's startin' to scream She holds him though he probably won't remember it And the weeks fly by and the years roll on Sometimes dreams are all you got To keep you goin' when the day gets long And you gave up so many just to make a livin' That clock up on the wall was tickin' Now the kids are all grateful when they left the nest And Jackie wasn't perfect but she did her best You seize the opportunity to get you some rest But you can't sleep on account of screamin' grandkids The golden years are meant to leave a gleam in your eye You're startin' to discover it's a great big lie They'll work you like a dog 'til you quit or you die But you can't quit 'cause Jackie needs the benefits And the weeks fly by and the years roll on They say patience is a virtue But the doctor says she don't have long You stood up and tried your damnedest not to listen But that clock up on the wall was tickin' When they told you to clear the room, that's when it hit you You watched as the caravan took your sweetheart away The arguments and fights and money troubles seem so worthless As the kids throw yellow roses on her grave And the weeks fly by and the years roll on The house is quiet now and everythin' inside It seems to know she's gone There's a picture of you both sixteen years old just kissin' And that clock up on the wall was tickin' You always thought she had a chance And it was somewhere hidden Now you've come to the conclusion that she never did Not a chance, that is
@@iivan6496 Still a few billion short for mine. I'm a bitter, twisted and cynical 66 years old yet still cry every time I hear this song. It's one thing to emote as beautifully as he does (no doubt helped by it being a tribute to his mum) - and with the voice of a nightingale to boot - but from everything I've read, he's a down to earth, no airs and graces bloke who's widely liked and admired in the music industry. No f**##n' wonder.
It COULD represent his mom, Jean, who had 6 kids, reflected in the lyric "But Jackie had a baby, then she had five more." His mother was diagnosed with cancer.
One of Brandon’s best songs… makes me tear up every time 🥹
An absolutely beautiful masterpiece, written from the heart, about life, children, love, and loss. I want this played at my funeral.
This is more country then the actual nominations for best country at the music awards.
Absolutely.
Jackie is his mom, Jean Flowers who just passed away a year ago from brain cancer. This song is about his dad, mom and the 6 Flower kids.
Damn dude nice insight
But I think it was released for us all to interpret how we need to, like any art. I hate hearing the reason behind songs.
"They say patience is a virtue, but the doctors say you don't have long."
My favorite line in this song.
Not only the lyrics, but also the rhythm plays a significant role in this song. Although it's a story about the struggles of common people, there is a happy and fast melody during most of the song. You don't have much time to appreciate the little things because you're always in a hurry, you need to work to provide subsistence to your family.
And then, suddenly, the beat goes down. The pace is much slower. Then you realize most of your life has passed in a blink of an eye and your companion is no longer there. It's shocky, it's tragic. You slow down and take a deep breath, you mourn a little. But than you look at the clock: it's still ticking. The pace becomes fast again. Life's still going by and the clock won't slow down for you.
Being a serious student of great songwriters..i.e. Guy Clark, Townes, Steve Earle, John Prine Billy Joe Shaver, Springsteen, etc., and trying my best as a 20 something in mid 1990s Nashville to make it happen in the alt-country underground, I must say, this is one of the most well crafted songs I've ever heard...consistent, thoughtful...every line is of interest....This is seriously in the top 10 best songs ever crafted....and that is not an opinion..that is a fact.
A great listing of caucasian-centric lyrical cannon.
Bobby Maybe those names best represent virtue within the boundaries of music he listens to, race-baiter.
Absolutely love this song but no.. That's an opinion
“There’s a baby in the bedroom, he’s starting to scream, she holds him though he probably won’t remember”
That part always kills me. So mundane yet so sad.
Possibly one of the best songs ever
I have never listened to this song without crying... not one time.
Also...Playing whit fire
I lost my Dad last month. My parents have an amazing love story. As I close up my fathers life I can see it all so clearly. Not just as their daughter but as their friend. I've loved this song for a long time but now it means so much more. Thank you.
Listened to this about 15 times in a row. It had been about 5 years since the last listen. Such a beautiful tune.
Can't help but tear up before this song ends. Everytime.
you know he great when he practically sings like an angel out of the blue
cry - every - time, damn
Lmfao
Thought I was the only one.
i know everyone says nobody’s perfect but then you see this man xD 💖💖
I am not an emotional person, however I cried the very first time I heard this song...
This song is amazing,Everything Brandon throws out at us fan is just solid gold...His lyrics you just can't beat them when it comes to meaning of the heart...Feelings and emotions stir Everytime I hear his music...Thank you Brandon flowers for all the great work you have done,Can't wait to hear the next album,It's,goona,amazing I just know it...
Beautiful song by a true poet.
More than anything it helps us to see our joys and struggles on this earth as fleeting, only a minuscule chapter in the passage of time.
It's a joyful song because it reminds us that we have been given the opportunity to be a part of something much, much bigger than we will ever understand.
Ulises C you couldn't have it said better!!!
I would probably listen to country if he decided that's what the he wanted to do. That's how much I love Brandon
Brandon cannot put a foot wrong, love him and The Killers so much!
"the house is quiet now and everything inside seems to know shes gone"...this line brought me to tears
Master of songwriting
Probably my favourite on Flamingo. Such a emotive and fantastic song. Bring on Flamingo pt 2.
"You always thought you had a chance and it was somewhere hid, but then you come to the conclusion that you never did...had a chance that is."
I was crying, but I couldn't help but laugh during the last 45 seconds.
This may be the only song in the history of music to mention Better Homes & Gardens magazine. :)
That is literally one of reasons why this song is so special. I completely forgot this magazine existed and then I heard this song, and immediately remember my mother reading these. They were all over the house, this song is SPECIAL
"The House that Built Me" by Miranda Lambert does too! And in a similar nostalgic way.
Damn. How do I always seem to forget how good this fucking song is?
Brandon, come on to Brazil!
this lyrics are so great - I cried when I heard this song for the first time...
I need a friend like this, no disrespect to miss flowers. I hope they stay together forever.
this and "swallow it" were the only times i've ever shed tears during a song
Nothing less than beautiful. Proof of his amazing talent as a songwriter.
It's a marvelous song... Brandon's voice sounds great
Just WOW♥️
Such a beautiful song that tells a moving story. Whoever wrote this - thanks for making me tear up ha.
Brandon Flowers, the singer, wrote it. So you can thank him. :)
If perfection exists, this is it.
This is one of my favorites - although so bittersweet.
His voice is SO flawless it's unreal
If you imagine everything he sings you can feel the sadness in it all. Truly breathe taking
I'm just in love with his voice...
We all set goals and tend to wish our lives away, the moment we are in is the gift and prize. Brandon tells it so very well. whenever anyone I know cares to ask me to play them a song I play this to them.
Hell of of a song!
what a wonderful voice he has. and beautiful song. made me cry.
nom nom nom hes gorgous i love him he has the voice of an angel
you are killing...this makes me cry always and makes me smile always...eh?
Te amo, Brandon Flowers!
Wonderful song...he has such a great voice.
Damn you Brandon, you magnificent and highly talented songwriter. Been my favorite since I was barely a teen.
sometimes dreams are all u got when the days get long... love it!!
brandon flowers - genial mi mas grande deseo es que regresen junto con la banda the killers a peru para volver a vivir la emocion que dio la primera vez eres un gran artista y todas tus canciones me llenan el corazon de alegria y me transmite mucha emocion lo maximo (Y) -- randy
Grazie Brandon.
Brandon is an angel(:
Simply Pure Talent! It's Magnificent ... !
Best song ever :') I love this man so much
Brandon Is the man
wow his voice is so amazing
grande brandon flowers !! un saludaso de peru de parte de randyON
This song is too amazing!
He is just amazing!
Brandon Flowers I'm crazy 4 ur songs...
S2
Este cara tem o dom de traduzir tudo que sinto.
Me encanta, así de simple.
I love this song!
Love this song
I love this man
LOVE!
Best song ever
Beautiful
Theres a picture of you both 16 years old, just kissin'....that line still speaks to me :(
beautiful
Tears
this is just amazing i love it
love this
That walk at the end compliments every single lyric
this song got mee...ya got me partner!!
lol...made me tear up
@MultiOrange78 Brandon has mentioned the song is about his dad (several times in concert) - yes his voice is amazing :)
beautiful words .. :)
He is so fucking good! This is flawless.
The teacher had you write a letter, you were eight years old
About the man that you'd become and the positions you'd hold
But this was long before you and Jackie Geronimo
Met in the Prelude Park at midnight
Now when it came to bells and whistles, Jackie did not lack
And when she kissed you on the kisser, boy, you kissed her back
Now you tell her that you love her and she cuts you slack
When you drink with your buddies on the weekend
And the weeks fly by and the years roll on
You spend your whole life droppin'
Nickels in the bucket, wakin' up at dawn
And while Jackie bestowed the joys of fingerlickin'
The clock up on the wall was tickin'
You got yourself a job cleanin' hospital floors
But Jackie had a baby, then she had five more
They'd pay you just enough to drag your ass to the store
To buy bread, milk and Better Homes and Gardens
Jackie flips the pages and she dreams little dreams
A cottage in the country built with real wood beams
There's a baby in the bedroom, he's startin' to scream
She holds him though he probably won't remember it
And the weeks fly by and the years roll on
Sometimes dreams are all you got
To keep you goin' when the day gets long
And you gave up so many just to make a livin'
That clock up on the wall was tickin'
Now the kids are all grateful when they left the nest
And Jackie wasn't perfect but she did her best
You seize the opportunity to get you some rest
But you can't sleep on account of screamin' grandkids
The golden years are meant to leave a gleam in your eye
You're startin' to discover it's a great big lie
They'll work you like a dog 'til you quit or you die
But you can't quit 'cause Jackie needs the benefits
And the weeks fly by and the years roll on
They say patience is a virtue
But the doctor says she don't have long
You stood up and tried your damnedest not to listen
But that clock up on the wall was tickin'
When they told you to clear the room, that's when it hit you
You watched as the caravan took your sweetheart away
The arguments and fights and money troubles seem so worthless
As the kids throw yellow roses on her grave
And the weeks fly by and the years roll on
The house is quiet now and everythin' inside
It seems to know she's gone
There's a picture of you both sixteen years old just kissin'
And that clock up on the wall was tickin'
You always thought she had a chance
And it was somewhere hidden
Now you've come to the conclusion that she never did
Not a chance, that is
Que música maravilhosa!
my god is he beautiful
შეიცვალა ბრენდონი ბოლო დროს, რა ბიჭი იყო. ხმა უკეთესი აქვს ეხლა.
still holds up, idc
WOW!!
A real song about life...
I♥U
@martkac I thought I was the only one who shed a tear or two. It's built up wonderfully tragic.
THIS IS AN REAL ARTIST
@Singerstephy94 its on the deluxe edition on itunes.
Was wondering the same thing!
He was traveling from S.F. to Chicago by on his tour bus during the promo leg of the Flamingo tour
I don't think I've ever really listened, and I mean listened to the lyrics from he slow part at 2:19 onwards, really touching
I'm kinda sad that this is not on the cd ={ It's really awesome =}
It was on the deluxe editiom as I've got it
It's Benji Lysaght (he was the guitarist in Brandon's solo band)
Only 60k views. Something is wrong with the rest of the world.
Look again 😌
@@iivan6496 Still a few billion short for mine. I'm a bitter, twisted and cynical 66 years old yet still cry every time I hear this song. It's one thing to emote as beautifully as he does (no doubt helped by it being a tribute to his mum) - and with the voice of a nightingale to boot - but from everything I've read, he's a down to earth, no airs and graces bloke who's widely liked and admired in the music industry. No f**##n' wonder.
@MultiOrange78 Ya, it's about his dad and his mother died of brain cancer last year so that's what the ending is about!...very emotional song! :(
me too
no one told me I was gonna cry when I bought this album :(
I need to meet my Jackie Geronimo....
I wonder who Jackie is because this is the second song he mentions her in. He also uses that name in "This is Your Life" with the Killers.
squidy2343 and the whole song of "Jackie was a friend of mine "
Fernando Palomares it was jenny was a friend of mine, but close
It COULD represent his mom, Jean, who had 6 kids, reflected in the lyric "But Jackie had a baby, then she had five more." His mother was diagnosed with cancer.