Charlie grips his glove between his teeth
And ties his red ball jets like Yankee cleats
Spends all day at the sandbox stadium
And dreams all night of major league homeruns
Believin' can someday make it so
He keeps dreamin'
He's going to the show
A below average bat and average arm
In spite of that
They called him to the farm
Where he met Mary
And they married on all star day
And she'd soothe his losers bruises
And she'd say
Believin' can someday make it so
Just keep dreamin' you're going to the show
From single on
To triple A
Auburn hair to silver gray
Town to town
Spring to fall
Then one day he gets the call
Charlie grips his chew inside his cheek
Reaches down to tie his Yankee cleats
Winks up at his wife
And kicks the chalk
Then sends a signal from the coaching box
Cursed are the fools who follow their fate
But blessed are
The stubborn ones
Who wait
B.J. Thomas "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head" on The Ed Sullivan Show
The Show Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
B.J. Thomas's song "The Show" presents a poignant narrative about the pursuit of a lifelong dream, embodied by the character Charlie. From his humble beginnings playing in a sandbox, mimicking the actions of professional players, Charlie is driven by an unwavering belief that he can one day reach the major leagues, the ultimate "show" in baseball. The lyrics vividly portray his early dedication and the simple, yet powerful, nature of his aspirations, setting the stage for a journey defined by persistence.
The song traces Charlie's path through the challenging minor league system, referred to as "the farm." Despite acknowledging his limitations – "A below average bat and average arm" – his determination leads him to this crucial stage. It's here he finds companionship and support in Mary, who becomes his wife and provides solace through the inevitable defeats, reinforcing the central message of belief. The journey from "single on to triple A," marking progression through the ranks, and the passage of time from "Auburn hair to silver gray," emphasize the long, arduous nature of this pursuit, spanning years of tireless travel and effort.
The narrative culminates in a powerful moment of realization when Charlie "gets the call." The final verses depict him no longer as the young dreamer but as a seasoned veteran, gripping his chew and tying his familiar cleats, reflecting the culmination of decades of patience and hard work. His wink to his wife signifies their shared journey and perseverance. The final lines offer a profound reflection on fate versus determination, suggesting that while some may surrender to perceived destiny, true blessing comes to those who stubbornly hold onto their dreams and wait for their moment. "The Show" symbolizes not just a baseball field, but the ultimate destination reached through enduring faith and persistent action against the odds.
This inspiring tale comes from the repertoire of B.J. Thomas, an artist renowned for his warm vocal style and ability to convey heartfelt emotion. Known for global hits like "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head," which famously featured in the film *Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid*, Thomas built a career that spanned multiple genres. His widespread recognition, including appearances on iconic television programs such as The Ed Sullivan Show, underscores his significant impact on music and popular culture, providing a rich background for the artist delivering this message of hope and perseverance.
The themes explored in "The Show" resonate deeply with timeless principles found in various wisdom traditions, including concepts mirrored in scripture. The unwavering belief in achieving a seemingly impossible goal despite limitations echoes the power of faith and its capacity to overcome obstacles. The lengthy journey filled with trials and the ultimate reward for patient endurance align with teachings on perseverance through adversity and waiting on the fulfillment of promises. The idea that those who stubbornly hold onto their aspirations are blessed over those who passively accept perceived fate touches on the virtue of diligent effort and faithfulness in pursuing one's calling or potential.
Ultimately, "The Show" serves as an anthem for anyone pursuing a long-term dream. It beautifully illustrates that success is often the result of persistent effort, unwavering belief, and enduring patience over many years, regardless of inherent talent. Charlie's story is a testament to the idea that holding onto hope, supported by love and dedication, can indeed lead one to their own version of "the show," proving that the journey itself, marked by resilience and faith, is as significant as the destination.
