Meaning of "Big Parade" by The Lumineers

The lyrics of "Big Parade" delve into the themes of fame, power, and the illusion of happiness that often accompanies them. The song paints a vivid picture of a parade, filled with extravagant and superficial elements. It begins with the protagonist asking a lovely girl to stay with him, suggesting a longing for something real amidst all the artificiality. The fleet of black limousines and armored cars symbolizes the wealth and protection that come with fame, while the tinted windows and flags on antennaes represent the barriers put up to shield the candidate from the outside world. This serves as a metaphor for how fame can isolate people and disconnect them from reality.

The lyrics also touch upon the fleeting nature of success and the price that must be paid to maintain it. The mention of diamonds cut for the carats and plaster of paris on the floats demonstrates the façade that is created for the parade. The beauty queens, with their white gloves, wave with pageantry, but are ultimately sick from the nightclubs, showing the negative consequences that can accompany a life of fame.

The song then shifts its focus to the violent men who dance the blood ballet and the bookies predicting a boxer's defeat. These lines reflect the darker side of the entertainment industry, where individuals are exploited and even put in danger for the sake of entertainment. The mention of the welterweight being asked to take a dive highlights the pressure to conform and compromise for success.

Another character mentioned in the song is a Catholic priest in crisis, torn between romance and his faith. This represents the internal struggle between personal desires and religious obligations. By leaving the church for a fiancé, he relinquishes his role as a priest and chooses worldly love over spiritual devotion. This underscores the idea that fame and success can lead individuals to question their values and make choices that go against their beliefs.

The lyrics also touch on the superficiality of the entertainment industry and the adoration bestowed upon performers. The singer refers to the man of faith, who has left his calling for personal happiness, and the women who know all his songs by heart. This suggests that fame often breeds fans who are infatuated with the image projected by performers, but may not truly understand or connect with the person behind the celebrity.

Ultimately, "Big Parade" suggests that true salvation and love can only be found within oneself, rather than through the external trappings of fame and power. The plea for the lovely girl to stay represents a longing for genuine connection and a desire to break free from the illusions and superficiality of the parade.