“Darling Lorraine” is a story-song by Paul Simon that tells
of the emotional journey of Lorraine and Frank. By saying “emotional journey,”
I mean that Simon is relating the ups and downs, the ecstasies and the miseries
in the emotions of their relationship. He could have tracked the logic of the
marriage or the history as seen from outside of the relationship; but instead,
he follows the ebb and flow of their feelings for each other. It is a captivating
window into one couple’s turbulent relationship. Interspersed throughout are
insights into how feelings often overrule common sense. It is a cautionary tale
of the power of emotions. Dallas Willard said, “Feelings are, with a few exceptions, good
servants. But they are disastrous masters.”[1]
"Darling Lorraine"The first time I saw herI couldn't be sureBut the sin of impatienceSaid "She's just what you're looking for"So I walked right up to herAnd with the part of me that talksI introduced myself as FrankFrom New York,New YorkShe's so hotShe's so coolI'm notI'm just a fool in love with Darling LorraineAll my life I've been a wandererNot really, I mostly lived near my parent’s homeAnyway Lorraine and I got marriedAnd the usual marriage stuffThen one day she says to meFrom out of the blueShe says, "Frank, I've had enoughRomance is a heart-breakerI'm not meant to be a homemakerAnd I'm tired of being Darling Lorraine"What!? you don't love me anymore?What!? you're walking out the door?What!? you don't like the way I chew?Hey, let me tell youYou're not the woman that I wedYou say you're depressed but you're notYou just like to stay in bedI don't need you darling LorraineDarling LorraineLorraineI long for your loveFinancially speakingI guess I'm a washoutEverybody's buy and sellAnd sell and buyThat's what the whole thing's all aboutIf it had not been LorraineI'd have left here long agoI should have been a musicianI love the pianoShe's so lightShe's so freeI'm tight, well, that's meBut I feel so goodWith Darling LorraineOn Christmas morning Frank awakesTo find Lorraine has made a stack of pancakesThey watch the television, husband and wifeAll afternoon "It's a wonderful life"What!? you don't love me anymore?What!? you're walking out the door?What!? you don't like the way I chew?Hey let me tell youYou're not the woman that I wedGimme my robe I'm going back to bedI'm sick to death of you LorraineDarling LorraineLorraineHer hands like woodThe doctor was smilingBut the news wasn't goodDarling LorrainePlease don't leave me yetI know you're in painPain you can't forgetYour breathing is like an echo of our loveMaybe I'll go down to the corner storeAnd buy us something sweetHere's an extra blanket honeyTo wrap around your feetAll the trees were washed with April rainAnd the moon in the meadowTook Darling LorraineWords and music by Paul SimonCopyright held by Universal Music Publishing Group
Works Cited:
Willard, Dallas. Renovation of
the Heart. Carol Stream: NavPress, 2002.
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