QuoteProject
Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio? A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Paul Simon
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote expresses a longing for a simpler time and the impact of iconic figures on national sentiment.

In this quote, Paul Simon reflects on the nostalgia and emotional connection people have with cultural symbols, represented here by Joe DiMaggio, a legendary baseball player. The phrase 'a nation turns its lonely eyes to you' suggests that during times of distress or uncertainty, people often seek comfort in the memories and achievements of those who have inspired them, highlighting the profound influence of public figures on collective identity and hope.

Themes

NostalgiaIconic FiguresCultural ImpactLongingMemory

In practice

Example use cases

During a speech at a charity event reflecting on national heroes, one might say, 'Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio? A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.'

More from Paul Simon

I don't feel any pressure from fans. But I'm always in some kind of state of emotional turmoil. I would not describe myself as happy-go-lucky. That's not to say that I'm not happy.
Paul SimonRead
I sort of recognize it, as opposed to shaping it. Oh, that's a good idea, that's a good line. I wonder where I can use that. And when you get into a rhyme group like 'not,' you got a lot of rhymes, you got a lot of choices. The more you do it, the luckier you get.
Paul SimonRead
I am just a poor boy, though my story's seldom told, and I have squandered my resistance, for a pocket full of mumbles, such are promises. All lies in jest, still a man hears what he wants to hear and disregards the rest...la-la-la-la-la-la-la-lala-la-la-la-la...
Paul SimonRead
Who's gonna love you when your looks are gone?
Paul SimonRead
I don't believe what the papers are saying They're just out to capture my dime, Exaggerating this, exaggerating that.
Paul SimonRead
Improvisation is too good to leave to chance.
Paul SimonRead

Similar quotes

I find war detestable but those who praise it without participating in it even more so.
Romain RollandRead
Be one of the crowd? It went against everything a wizard stood for, and a wizard would not stand for anything if he could sit down for it, but even sitting down, you had to stand out.
Terry PratchettRead
Absolute silence leads to sadness. It is the image of death.
Jean-Jacques RousseauRead
I suppose you inevitably fall into habits of expression.
Seamus HeaneyRead
Does a rake deserve to possess anything of worth, since he chases everything in skirts and then imagines he can successfully hide his shame by slandering [women in general]?
Christine De PizanRead
Everything's much too big here,' thought Moominmamma. 'Or perhaps I'm too small.
Tove JanssonRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.