Meaning of "Clap Hands" by John Hammond

The lyrics of "Clap Hands" paint a vivid picture of a world filled with absurdity and unpredictability. There is a sense of madness and confusion throughout the imagery presented, from the blind fireman to the conductors lame, and the sad luck dame hanging out the window with a bottle full of rain. The repetition of "Clap hands" seems to serve as a refrain amidst the chaos, almost like a call for attention or recognition in the face of all the madness. The references to a Roosevelt dime, a fifty dollar bill, and Salvation Army further add to the sense of disorientation and disjointedness in the narrative. Overall, the lyrics evoke a feeling of surrealism and absurdity, where nothing seems to make perfect sense but instead invites the audience to contemplate the randomness and unpredictability of life.