Cosmo Sheldrake, a 28 year old composer, producer, and musician out of the UK was described as a “musical visionary” in an article written by the Telegraph. With long winded, story like epics that are often written in a ballad like fashion, Sheldrakes songs are interesting and unique to say the least.
The song “Come Along” is one of my favorites by Sheldrake. It was released in April of 2018 on his - “The Much Much How How and I” album. The song is full of nonsense and play and conveys a message to the listener that time is limited so we must cease the moment and make the most of your time here on earth.
In this article I present the song and lyrics for your enjoyment and add a few notes of my own interpretation along the way. I hope you enjoy!
Song and Lyrics
Come along catch a Heffalump Sit with me on a muddy clump We'll sing a song of days gone by
A Heffalump is a fictional creature in the story book series "Winnie the Pooh." It has the appearance of an elephant and is a creature that both Pooh and Piglet fear. In an attempt to overcome their fear of the creature, the dynamic duo try to catch a Heffalump in a trap. Unfortunately, the two never succeed in their task.
Run along now don't be glum Get you gone now have some fun Don't be long for the end is nigh
Don't let moments pass along And waste before your eyes March with me and the borogoves Come with me and the slithy toves And never ask us why
Slithy Troves and Borogrove are also fictional creatures, this time from the poem "Jabberwocky" by Lewis Carrol. Apparently a Borogrove is a fluffy feathered bird that resembles a living mop.
Chorus
Come, come, come, come, come along now Run away from the hum-drum We'll go to a place that is safe from Greed, anger and boredom
A Hum Drum by definition lacks excitement or variety. Here Sheldrake beckons the listener to run away from the dull and mundane and join him on a quest for excitement and adventure. For me this reminds me of work, which in some ways could be considered a place of "Greed, anger and boredom." I guess it really depends on how much you enjoy your job. Nonetheless, perhaps Sheldrake's song is about the the freedom, adventure and excitement of the weekend?
We'll dance and sing 'til sundown And feast with abandon We'll sleep when the morning comes And we'll rise by the sound of the bird songs
We'll be here when the world slows down And the sunbeams fade away Keeping time by a pendulum As the fabric starts to fray There's no such thing as time to kill Nor time to throw away So once for the bright sky Twice for the pig sty Thrice for another day
Sheldrake warns us that there is no time to kill and no time to waste. Life is short and each moment is precious. We must drop our inhibitions and cease every moment in a carpe diem like fashion. Lets all dance and sing and feast with abandon!
Chorus Repeated
Come with me catch a rare type specimen Cuddle up with a hesitant skeleton We'll break our fast with friends
Once we're fed we shall disappear rapidly Many moons to the west of here and happily Our journey never ends
Shut your ears when sirens sing Tie armbands to your feet Listen up and you won't go wrong again Float along on a verse-less song and then Get to where the two ends meet
Sirens are mythical creatures of the Greek mythology that would shipwreck weary sailors by luring them and their ships into rocks with their enchanted songs.
This last phrase is an interesting one: "Get to where the two ends meet." This could be condensed down to "get ends meet" or "make ends meet" which could be a play on the idea of working a job to make money (i.e. "ends meet").
Perhaps this verse represents the end of a weekend, a time of adventure and excitement. "Sirens" may represent the voice in ones head on a Sunday evening telling them that they have to work tomorrow. Sheldrake suggests that the listener shut their ears to that voice and enjoy the remainder of the moment until tomorrow actually comes.
Chorus Repeated
