Song Meaning
The lyrics paint a whimsical portrait of a character named Cinnamon, presented as a creature brimming with musicality. The initial verses describe Cinnamon 'rockin' down the row' and having 'arms full of melody,' immediately establishing a playful, almost surreal tone. This isn't just a person; it's an entity defined by its inherent musicality, expressed through the literal 'fa-so-la-ti-do.' The narrator's familiarity with Cinnamon suggests a deep, almost intuitive understanding of this unique being.
The central tension seems to revolve around the narrator's desire to capture and cultivate Cinnamon's innate talent. The repeated phrase 'He'll bring his own book and pen with him / Write a little tune' highlights Cinnamon's self-sufficiency and creative drive. The narrator's role shifts from observer to active participant, 'outsmarting them' to bring Cinnamon home and ensure this musicality is nurtured, suggesting a protective or possessive impulse.
The most striking craft element is the consistent, almost hypnotic repetition of 'Fa-so-la-ti-do' and the motif of Cinnamon having a 'mouth full of melody' or 'house full of melody.' This literalizes the abstract concept of musical inspiration, making it tangible. The act of 'outsmarting them' and bringing Cinnamon home, coupled with the assertion 'All, all by my own little self, oh, no,' hints at a complex backstory where Cinnamon's acquisition might have been unconventional, perhaps even a rescue from a less appreciative environment.
Ultimately, the lyrics resonate through their charmingly peculiar depiction of creativity. The narrator's earnestness in cherishing and fostering Cinnamon's musical gift, even through slightly manipulative means, creates an endearing narrative. It’s the specific, almost childlike focus on melody as a physical attribute that makes Cinnamon’s presence so memorable and the narrator’s devotion so compelling.