I’ve been a huge Bruce Hornsby fan since I was an aspiring piano player as a young child. His songs always have so much to say. This particular song has multiple meanings to different people, but Bruce Hornsby has explained that it’s about a girl who uses bad judgement. She makes bad decisions and falls for guys who are no good and just use her.
This song makes me think about my dad. Years ago, when Nascar driver Dale Earnhardt passed away, I put together a slideshow movie for my dad with all sorts of pictures and video of Dale. I used “The Show Goes On” because it just fit and the lyrics made sense. When my dad watched it, he just cried and cried. I had no idea it would affect him that greatly.
This song was also included in the original soundtrack for one of my favorite movies, Backdraft, 1991.
Lyrics:
What’s the long face, whats all the crying for
Didn’t you expect it when you opened your door
To the man with the long coat and the long list of victims
Everybody watching knows he’s the one keeping score
From where she sits, everyone stands in judgement
People watching as the curtain falls down
See the lights do a long slow fade…
The show goes on, and the sad-eyed sisters go walking on
Everyone watching all along
The show goes on, as the autumn’s coming
And the summer’s all gone
Still without you, the show goes on
Some say she’s alright, some say she’ll never learn
Some rush into things, some stand and wait their turn
I’ve been here all along standing here all this time
But you never noticed, just let the same tired flames burn
From where she sits, everyone stands in judgment
People watching as the curtain falls down
See the lights do a long slow fade
The show goes on, and the sad-eyed sisters go walking on
Everyone watching all along
The show goes on, as the autumn’s coming
And the summer’s all gone
Still without you, the show goes on
Time is passing, slowly passing you by
You better try to find it before it passes you by
As I watch you walking to another cold dawn
And you keep on walking
And they keep on talking
Talking all along
From where she sits, everyone stands in judgment
Everybody watching as the curtain falls down
See the lights do a long slow fade
The show goes on, and the sad-eyed sisters go walking on
Everyone watching all along
The show goes on, as the autumn’s coming
And the summer’s all gone
Still without you, the show goes on
And the summer’s all gone
Still without you, the show goes on
And the summer’s all gone
Still without you, the show goes on
Album: Scenes from the Southside & The soundtrack for Backdraft by Hans Zimmer
Thanks for checking out Music Monday. What are you listening to lately? Have a wonderful week.
❤️ Mischenko
Love this ❤ Thanks for sharing
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Thanks, Cathy. 🤍
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I was always a big Bruce Hornsby fan too. His music always said so much. Love this song.
I remember watching that NASCAR race when Dale Earnhardt died. It didn’t seem possible that he was gone. What a beautiful thing you did for dad. ❤️
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I’m glad you like him too, Mae. That race was horrible. It was shocking to the world, and I’ll never forget it either. Thank you. 🙏 ❤️
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I love your personal story💜 Thanks for reminding me of Bruce Hornsby and his incredible talent!
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Thank you, Jo ❤️❤️❤️
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I don’t remember this song from Backdraft but it’s beautiful and I love the story about how much it moved your dad. 🤗. Excellent share!
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Yes, it’s actually my favorite part in the whole movie. It’s runs up to where Kurt Russell pushes his brother to run faster up the stairs with hose. Here’s a link…
❤️
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Oh wow, I haven’t thought about Bruce Hornsby in a long time – I had one of his albums and loved it. I’m going to look back and see what it was (it was a cassette tape – eek!).
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Cassettes! Loved those, Barbara. ❤️
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Until they get stuck in the car player!! 😉
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😆
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I remember a couple of songs by Bruce Hornsby, but I will admit I haven’t heard much. Thanks for sharing, how lovely that you were able to affect your father so deeply. 💜
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❤️❤️❤️ Thank you!
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