Normally, when James asks me what a song is about, I tell him I don’t really know. But in this case it is clear- this is a song about a giant named Big Stuff who dreamed of having a parade thrown in his honor. He saved up all his money and gave it to a man who was supposed to make the parade happen. But instead, the man disappeared with the money and left Big Stuff feeling so dejected and humiliated that he sat in a near catatonic state, barely rocking back and forth in a rocking chair, until the next phase of his life began.
I know that gay and straight pride parades have been in the news recently, but this song has nothing to do with them, at least as far as I am concerned. Big Stuff’s story actually took place around 10 years ago, but it is only now that I am getting around to telling it.
Purple lace, paint your face
Wait for the cold rain to go away
Today is your big day.
Candy sticks, pink balloons
All of their eyes will be stuck to you
Stuck with the sweetest glue.
Velvet boots, comb your hair
Part down the middle then gloss it with gel
Put some gel in your mustache as well.
In the mirror–look! What do you see?
Could it be you? Could this day truly be
Big Stuff’s Parade, Big Stuff’s Parade
Every gold coin that you saved, you saved for
Your special day, proud and gay
Shining the way that you knew you could
This day is going to feel good.
Purple stripes on a pole
The one that you’ll hold when they lift you up
Onto your satin throne.
Caviar in your pants for you to taste
When your dream comes true
When every eye falls on you.
Look in the mirror and what do you see?
Could it be you? Could today truly be
Big Stuff’s Parade, Big Stuff’s Parade
Every gold coin that you saved, you saved for
Your special day, proud and gay
Shining the way that you knew you could
This day is going to feel good.
But look around, Big Stuff, where is the man
Who took your gold coins in the palm of his hand?
The streets are still empty, no crowds have arrived
No floats to be seen, no flags in the sky…
You were tricked! He took your coins, but the flags never flew
The sun never came out, the crowds never gazed on you
Now you’re rocking and rocking back and forth in your chair
Rubbing the glossy gel out of your hair.
I was tricked! I was tricked! you mumble to yourself
and for the next seven months you will say nothing else.
Big Stuff’s Parade, Big Stuff’s Parade
He needs to learn that the world doesn’t turn
Just for satin lace on his face
Now that he’s bungled his one chance to shine
Will Big Stuff find peace of mind?
Download MP3: Big Stuff’s Parade