Meaning and Lyrics of All Tomorrow’s Parties by The Velvet Underground

The song “All Tomorrow’s Parties” by The Velvet Underground delves into deeper themes of social class, identity, and the sense of artificiality in society. The repeating verses highlight the struggles of a poor girl who must decide what costume to wear to the extravagant parties, emphasizing the pressure to fit in and conform to societal expectations.

In the first verse, the imagery of a “hand-me-down dress” and the question of where she will go and what she will do when faced with the glamour of the party scene sets the tone for the song. The mention of “Sunday’s clown” suggests a facade or mask that the girl puts on to conceal her true feelings, implying a sense of sadness or loneliness behind closed doors.

The guitar solos interspersed throughout the song create a somber and contemplative mood, allowing the listener to absorb the melancholy atmosphere of the lyrics. The repetition of the question about the poor girl’s costume in subsequent verses adds to the sense of cyclical inevitability and futility in her situation.

The contrast between the luxurious “silks and linens of yesterday’s gowns” and the reality of “Thursday’s rags” symbolizes the stark divide between wealth and poverty, and the struggle to maintain appearances in a world where social status is paramount. The reference to turning to “Sunday’s clown” once again reinforces the idea of putting on a performance or a facade to cope with her circumstances.

The final verse brings a poignant conclusion to the song, emphasizing the girl’s role as “Sunday’s clown” who sits and cries for all tomorrow’s parties. The imagery of a “blackened shroud” and a “hand-me-down gown of rags and silks” encapsulates the girl’s sense of disillusionment and alienation from the opulence of the parties she attends.

Overall, “All Tomorrow’s Parties” serves as a powerful commentary on the struggles and emotional turmoil faced by individuals who are marginalized or overlooked in society. Through vivid imagery and haunting melodies, the song invites listeners to contemplate the deeper meaning behind the facades we often wear in a world where appearances can be deceiving.