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Chemistry
Semisonic Lyrics


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I remember when I found out about chemistry
It was a long, long way from here
I was old enough to want it but younger than I wanted to be
Suddenly my mission was clear

So for awhile I conducted experiments
And I was amazed by the things I learned
From a fine fine girl with nothing but good intentions and a
Bad tendency to get burned

All about chemistry
Won't you show me everything you know
Ah wonder what you do to me
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, oh

Some time later I met a young graduate
When I had nobody to call my own
I told her I was looking for somebody to appreciate
And I just couldn't do it alone

So for awhile we conducted experiments
In an apartment by the River Road
And we found out that the two things we put together had a
Bad tendency to explode

All about chemistry
Won't you show me everything you've learned
I'll memorize everything you do to me so I can
Teach it when it comes my turn

Fine spring day, California waves
Sweet Pacific scenes through the
Windows of airplanes and hotel rooms

So when I find myself alone and unworthy
I think about all of the things I learned from the
Fine fine women with nothing but good intentions and a
Bad tendency to get burned

All about chemistry
Won't you show me everything you know
Ah wonder what you do to me
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, oh

All about chemistry
Won't you show me everything you've learned
I'll memorize everything you do to me so I can
Teach it when it comes my turn

It's all about chemistry
It's all about chemistry
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, oh

It's all about chemistry
It's all about chemistry
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, oh

Overall Meaning

The song Chemistry by Semisonic talks about the journey of a person who has discovered love and the trials and tribulations that come with it. The song starts with the lead singer's recollection of when he discovered chemistry, which he describes as a long way from where he is now. He was young enough to want it but not young enough to experience it, and suddenly his mission was clear. The singer then talks about conducting experiments and learning from a girl with good intentions but a tendency to get hurt. The song then talks about a time when the lead singer met someone and conducted experiments together. However, the things they put together had a bad tendency to explode, talking about how their relationship was rocky but also passionate. Finally, the song talks about how the lead singer remembers all the things he learned from all the people he has met along the way, leading to the realization that it's all about chemistry.


The song's theme is about the chemistry that exists between people and how it plays a crucial role in relationships. From the time when the lead singer is introduced to chemistry, to conducting experiments with others, and finally reflecting on what he has learned, the song beautifully portrays the ups and downs of relationships. The song's structure is simple yet emotive, with the singer's voice evoking a sense of longing, passion, and curiosity.


Line by Line Meaning

I remember when I found out about chemistry
I recall the time when I first discovered chemistry as a subject.


It was a long, long way from here
The discovery of chemistry happened a long time ago in the past.


I was old enough to want it but younger than I wanted to be
When I found out about chemistry, I was at an age where I was interested in it but I didn't feel ready to fully commit to it.


Suddenly my mission was clear
Realizing the potential of chemistry made me feel like I had a new passion to pursue.


So for awhile I conducted experiments
I started conducting experiments to learn more about chemistry.


And I was amazed by the things I learned
I was surprised and fascinated by the information and concepts that I was learning about in the field of chemistry.


From a fine fine girl with nothing but good intentions and a Bad tendency to get burned
I learned about chemistry from a woman who had a desire to help and teach, but also had a history of getting hurt in relationships.


All about chemistry Won't you show me everything you know Ah wonder what you do to me Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, oh
This chorus expresses the curiosity and excitement that comes with the exploration of chemistry.


Some time later I met a young graduate When I had nobody to call my own
After a while, I met a recent college graduate when I was feeling lonely and without a partner.


I told her I was looking for somebody to appreciate And I just couldn't do it alone
I shared with her that I wanted a relationship with someone who would understand and value me, and that I couldn't achieve that goal on my own.


In an apartment by the River Road And we found out that the two things we put together had a Bad tendency to explode
We started doing experiments together in her apartment, and we soon learned that the mixture of our personalities and emotions had a tendency to lead to conflicts and arguments.


Fine spring day, California waves Sweet Pacific scenes through the Windows of airplanes and hotel rooms
This line describes a peaceful scene of California, invoking feelings of tranquility and nostalgia.


So when I find myself alone and unworthy I think about all of the things I learned from the Fine fine women with nothing but good intentions and a Bad tendency to get burned
When I feel down and unimportant, I remind myself of the lessons I learned from the kind-hearted women who taught me about chemistry despite their own painful pasts.


It's all about chemistry
Overall, this song emphasizes the importance and impact of chemistry, both in scientific and emotional contexts.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DAN WILSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@johngleason1776

Semisonic should have been so much more popular

@stevechristie2569

were they semi-popular?

@Mito383

+Steve Christie nice pun, but sadly I don't think they were.

Closing Time was a huge hit, but most of their other songs really didn't get the attention they deserved (Secret Smile was decently popular though)

@fredmichel8974

It took me 15 years to discover them. I must have been semiconscious

@santiagoferrari1973

here in Argentina, they are semi-popular, most people from 25-40 know their songs, but not the name of the band

@Lostmusicvideos

Have any of you read the book by Jacob Slither? One of the best books I've read. Great insight on the subject.

11 More Replies...

@mrshow1509

Criminally underrated song.

@roellassche1403

mrshow1 You are so very right.

@werailey3

+mrshow1 Criminally underrated ALBUM

@benntenn9731

I wish they would have kept making music 😕

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