Album: Greatest Hits (1967)

Charted: 6 34

License This Song 

• Your multilingual business friend
  Has packed her bags and fled
  Leaving only ash-filled ashtrays
  And the lipsticked unmade bed
  The mirror on reflection
  Has climbed back upon the wall
  For the floor she found descended
  And the ceiling was too tall
  
  Your trouser cuffs are dirty
  And your shoes are laced up wrong
  You'd better take off your homburg
  'Cause your overcoat is too long
  
  The town clock in the market square
  Stands waiting for the hour
  When its hands they both turn backwards
  And on meeting will devour
  Both themselves and also any fool
  Who dares to tell the time
  And the sun and moon will shatter
  And the signposts cease to sign
  
  Your trouser cuffs are dirty
  And your shoes are laced up wrong
  You'd better take off your homburg
  'Cause your overcoat is too long
  
  Your trouser cuffs are dirty
  And your shoes are laced up wrong
  You'd better take off your homburg
  'Cause your overcoat is too long
  
  Oh, your trouser cuffs are dirty
  And your shoes are laced up wrong
  You'd better take off your Homburg
  'Cause your overcoat is too long
  
  Your trouser cuffs are dirty Writer/s: GARY BROOKER, KEITH REID
  Publisher: T.R.O. INC.
  Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 3

• Barbara Atherton from BridlingtonHaving recently watched the excellent Jeremy Thorpe Scandal drama, I can only associate Homburg with an awful image of Thorpe wearing that mark of his class. Really, he should have been dripping with shame (overcoat too long). He needed to resign (remove that hat). His multi-lingual business friend leaving a lipsticked unmade bed seems an acceptable lyrical metaphor for the vaselined sheets of the Norman Scott episode but also for the whole shameful denouement.
  Or the words could be adapted to any one of the despicable sexual scandals uncovered in the '60's and beyond that politicians always seem able to weasel their way out of.
  
  My analysis only makes this wonderful song more powerful to me.
• Ben Dirks from Nijmegen, -I just love this song [better than the generally acknowledged "Whiter shade" ... It is of course the great melody and the [like Shade] completely uncomprehendible lyrics; nice imagery thuogh ...
• Lester from New York City, NyI was a big fan of Procol Harum during the Trower years. They produced some great albums. Would love for a few more of their songs to be listed in here, "In Held 'Twas In I" in particular.

More Songfacts:

Me And Bobby McGeeJanis Joplin

"Me And Bobby McGee" was written by Kris Kristofferson and first recorded by Roger Miller. Janis Joplin's famous version turned Bobby into a boy.

LovesongThe Cure

Cure lead singer Robert Smith originally wrote "Lovesong" as a wedding present for his fiancée, Mary, shortly before their marriage.

Don't Go Breaking My HeartElton John and Kiki Dee

Elton John had a huge hit duetting with Kiki Dee on "Don't Go Breaking My Heart," but he's also performed it with RuPaul and Miss Piggy.

S&MRihanna

Rihanna claims that "S&M" is about her love/hate relationship with the media. Apparently her paparazzi are using whips and chains.

My Name IsEminem

Eminem sampled a song by Labi Siffre on "My Name Is." Siffre, a gay activist, made Em take out some gay humor in the lyric before allowing it.

PillowtalkZayn

Zayn's "Pillowtalk" reached #1 on the Hot 100, something his former One Direction bandmates never achieved.

Editor's Picks

Dr. JohnSongwriter Interviews

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

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 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 JayhawksSongwriter Interviews

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

David Paich of TotoSongwriter Interviews

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

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.