Click 'show more' to see the words and chords of this song. Thanks for visiting my channel. All views, likes, comments, shares and subscriptions greatly appreciated.🙏
"Come and Gone" by Dave Robinson is a lyrically rich, poetic song that explores themes of impermanence, life’s struggles, and societal disillusionment. Through vivid imagery and metaphor, the song reflects on the passage of time, personal and collective challenges, and the inevitability of change. Here’s a breakdown of its core themes: 1. Transience and Relativity of Time The opening lines set a tone of questioning how people adapt to shifting realities ("relativity"). The recurring imagery-"nothing stays the same"-reminds listeners that life is fleeting and ever-changing. This idea is repeated in the refrains and closing lines ("now it’s come and gone"), suggesting the impermanence of moments, opportunities, and even existence. 2. Society and Moral Decay The song critiques societal and personal behavior in the face of hardship or complacency: Lines like "butter wouldn’t melt in your mouth" and "when your nerves are dead, your pain cannot be felt" allude to hypocrisy, numbness, or the avoidance of accountability. References to "dealers," "molehills growing to mounds," and "undercover of the darkness" point to hidden struggles-crime, corruption, or moral compromises-that go unchecked. 3. War, Memory, and Loss The Flanders Field reference in verse 4 connects to the historical trauma of war (specifically World War I, where poppies symbolize remembrance). The lines "where blood did flow" and "no drinks will spill" reflect a somber reverence for sacrifice and a lament for innocence lost through conflict. 4. Human Nature and Struggle Themes of ambition, survival, and failure emerge: Lines such as "the cock would crow," "did we fall from grace," and "all good things must pass" convey biblical and existential undertones about humanity’s tendency to rise, fall, and seek redemption. Imagery of climbing ("gypsy lookin’ for a patch of grass" and "monkeys aspiring to the apex") highlights the tension between ambition and inevitable limitations. 5. Loss of Values and Nostalgia In later verses, Robinson paints a nostalgic picture of "days long past," contrasting a time of unity and respect for duty ("do good for crown and country") with a world that now seems fragmented and disillusioned. 6. Mortality and Reflection The closing lines return to the song’s overarching message: life is brief and finite. The repeated phrases like: "there’s just one life, and now it’s come and gone" "survival is an instinct but it’s only one" These lines urge the listener to reflect on purpose and perspective, as time and opportunities will inevitably slip away. Style and Tone The song’s tone is melancholic, contemplative, and somewhat cautionary. Robinson weaves abstract yet evocative imagery-poppies, gypsies, ravens, and lanterns-creating a dreamlike, reflective narrative. The references to history, war, and nature enhance its timeless quality. Overall Meaning At its core, Come and Gone is about accepting life’s transience while grappling with personal and societal struggles. It challenges listeners to reflect on their place in a changing world, confront the inevitability of loss, and embrace the fleeting beauty of existence. The poetic structure, rich metaphors, and recurring motifs create a profound meditation on time, morality, and the human experience.
Very stoked to receive this comment from Shawn Phillips whose music has inspired me for almost 50 years: Thank you Dr. (Dave), for your songs. I listened to several and appreciate that you’ve understood my delight in using the English language to express one’s self and reality. My Father, (who was an author) once told me…”If you’re going to write in the English language, you must have a command of that language” it’s clear you follow that advice! H, L and C btw Shawn's albums are available to shop, see shawnphillips.com ua-cam.com/video/WgZkL3-zPFk/v-deo.html
Click 'show more' to see the words and chords of this song. Thanks for visiting my channel. All views, likes, comments, shares and subscriptions greatly appreciated.🙏
nice song, you are very good with the guitar.
Thank you, I appreciate the feedback
You are in the list of favorites
much appreciated
Hi😂
Like in the movies 📽
Hi
How are you
Cool page
Hi😅
"Come and Gone" by Dave Robinson is a lyrically rich, poetic song that explores themes of impermanence, life’s struggles, and societal disillusionment. Through vivid imagery and metaphor, the song reflects on the passage of time, personal and collective challenges, and the inevitability of change. Here’s a breakdown of its core themes:
1. Transience and Relativity of Time
The opening lines set a tone of questioning how people adapt to shifting realities ("relativity"). The recurring imagery-"nothing stays the same"-reminds listeners that life is fleeting and ever-changing. This idea is repeated in the refrains and closing lines ("now it’s come and gone"), suggesting the impermanence of moments, opportunities, and even existence.
2. Society and Moral Decay
The song critiques societal and personal behavior in the face of hardship or complacency:
Lines like "butter wouldn’t melt in your mouth" and "when your nerves are dead, your pain cannot be felt" allude to hypocrisy, numbness, or the avoidance of accountability.
References to "dealers," "molehills growing to mounds," and "undercover of the darkness" point to hidden struggles-crime, corruption, or moral compromises-that go unchecked.
3. War, Memory, and Loss
The Flanders Field reference in verse 4 connects to the historical trauma of war (specifically World War I, where poppies symbolize remembrance). The lines "where blood did flow" and "no drinks will spill" reflect a somber reverence for sacrifice and a lament for innocence lost through conflict.
4. Human Nature and Struggle
Themes of ambition, survival, and failure emerge:
Lines such as "the cock would crow," "did we fall from grace," and "all good things must pass" convey biblical and existential undertones about humanity’s tendency to rise, fall, and seek redemption.
Imagery of climbing ("gypsy lookin’ for a patch of grass" and "monkeys aspiring to the apex") highlights the tension between ambition and inevitable limitations.
5. Loss of Values and Nostalgia
In later verses, Robinson paints a nostalgic picture of "days long past," contrasting a time of unity and respect for duty ("do good for crown and country") with a world that now seems fragmented and disillusioned.
6. Mortality and Reflection
The closing lines return to the song’s overarching message: life is brief and finite. The repeated phrases like:
"there’s just one life, and now it’s come and gone"
"survival is an instinct but it’s only one"
These lines urge the listener to reflect on purpose and perspective, as time and opportunities will inevitably slip away.
Style and Tone
The song’s tone is melancholic, contemplative, and somewhat cautionary. Robinson weaves abstract yet evocative imagery-poppies, gypsies, ravens, and lanterns-creating a dreamlike, reflective narrative. The references to history, war, and nature enhance its timeless quality.
Overall Meaning
At its core, Come and Gone is about accepting life’s transience while grappling with personal and societal struggles. It challenges listeners to reflect on their place in a changing world, confront the inevitability of loss, and embrace the fleeting beauty of existence. The poetic structure, rich metaphors, and recurring motifs create a profound meditation on time, morality, and the human experience.
Very cool photo 🌈☀️
Thank you Harry
Hi
No words, only emotions
I appreciate your comment. Thanks.
sounds amazing
thankyou kxi
In love 🌺
Great picture🤩
Thanks 😆
I am delighted
Wow you😁
Everything is ok🐻
Very stoked to receive this comment from Shawn Phillips whose music has inspired me for almost 50 years: Thank you Dr. (Dave), for your songs. I listened to several and appreciate that you’ve understood my delight in using the English language to express one’s self and reality. My Father, (who was an author) once told me…”If you’re going to write in the English language, you must have a command of that language” it’s clear you follow that advice! H, L and C
btw Shawn's albums are available to shop, see shawnphillips.com
ua-cam.com/video/WgZkL3-zPFk/v-deo.html
Thanks so much Shawn 😊