Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: power-pop
Song Meaning of “Doughnut for a Snowman” by Guided By Voices
This song from Guided By Voices paints a picturesque story of a sweet yet melancholic winter’s day. The imagery of a snowman looking for a ‘doughnut for a snowman’ suggests that he is in search of something more in life, a dream or longing that he is unable to fulfill. On this frosty day, he longs for something to make him complete. Although he searches endlessly for the missing piece he needs, he is unable to find it.
The narrator of the song sympathizes with the snowman, wishing to help but also understanding that the snowman’s search may be futile. He recognizes that there are forces at work that aren’t visible to the human eye, and that ultimately, life can be both beautiful and heartbreaking. The chorus “Slipping away, and I cannot deny Dreamers can never say, There’s a doughnut for a snowman” reflects this arrangement of events. The narrator knows that maybe nothing can be done to help the snowman, but still hopes with every breath that there could be something out there to bring joy to the snowman – if only he could find it.
Ultimately the song serves as a reminder to cherish the moments of joy and warmth in our lives. Although we may never find the missing pieces of our lives, we can still appreciate the magic of the small times of happiness instead of getting caught up in our longing for the unattainable.