Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters

Producer

This 1972 song makes direct references to the 1960 track by Ben E. King and later popularized in 1971 by Aretha Franklin titled “Spanish Harlem”. Bernie Taupin decided to… Read More

May. 19, 19721 viewer80.2K views

Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters Lyrics

[Verse 1]
And now I know
"Spanish Harlem" are not just pretty words to say
I thought I knew
But now I know that rose trees never grow
In New York City

[Pre-Chorus]
Until you've seen this trash can dream come true
You stand at the edge while people run you through
And I thank the Lord there's people out there like you
I thank the Lord there's people out there like you

[Chorus]
While Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters
Sons of bankers, sons of lawyers
Turn around and say, "Good morning" to the night
For unless they see the sky
But they can't, and that is why
They know not if it's dark outside or light

[Verse 2]
This Broadway's got
It's got a lot of songs to sing
If I knew the tunes, I might join in
I'd go my way alone
I'd grow my own, my own seeds shall be sown in New York City

[Pre-Chorus]
Subway's no way for a good man to go down
Rich man can ride, and the hobo, he can drown
And I thank the Lord for the people I have found
I thank the Lord for the people I have found

[Chorus]
While Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters
Sons of bankers, sons of lawyers
Turn around and say, "Good morning" to the night
For unless they see the sky
But they can't, and that is why
They know not if it's dark outside or light

[Verse 1]
And now I know
"Spanish Harlem" are not just pretty words to say
I thought I knew
But now I know that rose trees never grow
In New York City

[Pre-Chorus]
Subway's no way for a good man to go down
Rich man can ride, and the hobo, he can drown
And I thank the Lord for the people I have found
I thank the Lord for the people I have found

[Chorus]
While Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters
Sons of bankers, sons of lawyers
Turn around and say, "Good morning" to the night
For unless they see the sky
But they can't, and that is why
They know not if it's dark outside or light

[Outro]
They know not if it's dark outside or light

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About

This 1972 song makes direct references to the 1960 track by Ben E. King and later popularized in 1971 by Aretha Franklin titled “Spanish Harlem”.

Bernie Taupin decided to write this track based on how he had grown to see the city of New York. The first half was written based on some particularly poor experiences he had during a visit, but continuing into the second half it tells of how the city can simultaneously be a place of great pride and progress for an enterprising individual.