The song "The Golden Rule" by Gilbert O'Sullivan speaks to various themes and situations in life, using playful and sometimes ironic language. The lyrics are filled with contradictions and humorous anecdotes. The overall meaning of the song may be interpreted as a commentary on societal norms, personal experiences, and the importance of treating others with kindness and fairness. The song begins with the lines "I wouldn't be glad wouldn't be sad, I wouldn't be good if I knew what I could," suggesting a sense of uncertainty or ambivalence towards life. This could reflect the idea that happiness and goodness are subjective and can't be easily defined or achieved. The subsequent lines "I hate to go, But I must you know, Duty calls, Niagara Falls" playfully reference the famous waterfall while hinting at the inevitability of responsibilities and obligations in life. As the song continues, the lyrics shift to more personal experiences. The lines "I'm going to school breaking a rule, I'm going around in a pitiful frown" highlight the narrator's rebellious or mischievous behavior, possibly implying that they are not conforming to societal expectations or norms. The lyrics also mention the narrator's academic struggles, with them coming last in the class and facing reprimand from their teacher and father. The song then takes a humorous twist as the lyrics suggest getting a car and a pneumatic drill, expressing a desire for material possessions and a love for the sound they make. This can be seen as a tongue-in-cheek commentary on consumerism and the pursuit of superficial pleasures. The lyrics "Don't be such a miser, At the most a fiver's all you pay" may imply that one should not be stingy or hesitant to spend money on things that bring joy or alleviate pain. Towards the end of the song, the lyrics touch upon the narrator's gratitude towards their parents for bringing them into the world. The line "Dear old mum and dad, And the fun they had, Early one night, Dad put out the light" humorously alludes to their conception. This can be seen as a lighthearted appreciation for the love and effort their parents put into raising them. The chorus, "Always remember the golden rule, When in no doubt get a car out, And while you're there how about..." brings it all together, suggesting that treating others with kindness and fairness (the golden rule) should be a guiding principle in life. However, the narrator adds a playful twist by mentioning getting a car and exploring other possibilities, indicating the importance of individual freedom and expression within societal norms. Overall, "The Golden Rule" by Gilbert O'Sullivan combines witty wordplay, ironic observations, and storytelling to convey a message about navigating life's unpredictable journey while acknowledging personal experiences, societal expectations, and the importance of treating others well.
