Mrs. Vandebilt

The lyrics imagine a person living simply in a jungle tent, without rent, money, or close attention to the clock. The repeated questions about worrying and hurrying make this life sound relaxed and playful. At the same time, “What’s the use of anything?” briefly gives the carefree mood a more doubtful, almost weary edge. The speaker seems to prefer taking life at their own pace and asks others to leave them alone.

Several images show this attitude through ordinary troubles. A light that “is on the blink” means it is flickering or not working properly, yet the speaker refuses to worry about it. If the bus has left, hurrying will not bring it back: the lyrics turn a small inconvenience into a reason to slow down. A “pile” that is “on the wane” is shrinking, perhaps referring to money or possessions; the speaker says not to complain about losing it.

The song can be heard as a lighthearted celebration of freedom from money, schedules, and social pressure. But its repeated question about the use of anything may also suggest indifference or a hint of emptiness, not simply peace. The named women are told to leave the speaker alone, though the lyrics do not explain who they are or why they appear. The cheerful chants keep the meaning open rather than resolving that uncertainty.