Little Boxes

Album: Malvina Reynolds... Sings The Truth (1967)
Play Video
  • Little boxes on the hillside
    Little boxes made of ticky-tacky
    Little boxes on the hillside
    Little boxes all the same
    There's a green one and a pink one
    And a blue one and a yellow one
    And they're all made out of ticky-tacky
    And they all look just the same

    And the people in the houses
    All went to the university
    Where they were put in boxes
    And they came out all the same
    And there's doctors and lawyers
    And business executives
    And they're all made out of ticky-tacky
    And they all look just the same

    And they all play on the golf course
    And drink their martinis dry
    And they all have pretty children
    And the children go to school
    And the children go to summer camp
    And then to the university
    Where they are put in boxes
    And they come out all the same

    And the boys go into business
    And marry and raise a family
    In boxes made of ticky-tacky
    And they all look just the same
    There's a pink one and a green one
    And a blue one and a yellow one
    And they're all made out of ticky-tacky
    And they all look just the same Writer/s: Malvina Reynolds
    Publisher: Audiam, Inc.
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 5

  • Reynard D. Fox from Upstate NyI'm going to say that Victor Jara copied it for the better!
  • Klaus from ChileVíctor Jara copied this one a decade later for good or worst.
  • Dwight from North CarolinaI must be old. I remember when this song was on the radio!
  • Patricio from Santiago, ChileThere is a version in Spanish written by the Chilean songwriter Victor Jara. It is called "Las Casitas del Barrio Alto" (Little houses uptown). It appears in the 1971 LP "El Derecho de Vivir en Paz"
  • J from Toronto, CanadaMalvina Reynolds also composed the Seekers hit, Morningtown Ride.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Dr. John

Dr. JohnSongwriter Interviews

The good doctor shares some candid insights on recording with Phil Spector and The Black Keys.

Matthew Wilder - "Break My Stride"

Matthew Wilder - "Break My Stride"They're Playing My Song

Wilder's hit "Break My Stride" had an unlikely inspiration: a famous record mogul who rejected it.

Chris Squire of Yes

Chris Squire of YesSongwriter Interviews

One of the most dynamic bass player/songwriters of his time, Chris is the only member of Yes who has been with the band since they formed in 1968.

Gary Louris of The Jayhawks

Gary Louris of The JayhawksSongwriter Interviews

The Jayhawks' song "Big Star" has special meaning to Gary, who explains how longevity and inspiration have trumped adulation.

David Paich of Toto

David Paich of TotoSongwriter Interviews

Toto's keyboard player explains the true meaning of "Africa" and talks about working on the Thriller album.

Jeff Trott

Jeff TrottSongwriter Interviews

Sheryl Crow's longtime songwriting partner/guitarist Jeff Trott reveals the stories behind many of the singer's hits, and what its like to be a producer for Leighton Meester and Max Gomez.