: The song captures the raw desire of struggling musicians to become "big stars," believing that fame would solve their feelings of loneliness and inadequacy.
: The opening line, "down at the New Amsterdam," refers to a bar where Duritz spotted a "yellow-haired girl," sparking the narrative of wanting to be "someone who believes". Production Credits COUNTING CROWS - Mr. Jones Counting Crows - Mr. Jones
: Duritz later noted that the song is cautionary; it highlights the hollowness of achieving dreams and the mistaken belief that "when everybody loves me, I will never be lonely". : The song captures the raw desire of
The lyrics were inspired by a night out in Los Angeles where Duritz and Marty Jones watched Marty’s father, David Serva , play flamenco guitar at a bar. "down at the New Amsterdam