Oh My Sweet Carolina
Ryan Adams Lyrics
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I passed up the station for the bus
Was trying to find me something but I wasn't sure just what
I ended up with pockets full of dust
So I went on to Cleveland and ended up insane
Bought a borrowed suit and learned to dance
I was spending money like the way it likes to rain
And I ended up with pockets full of 'caine
Oh my sweet Carolina
What compels me to go?
Oh my sweet disposition
May you one day carry me home
I ain't never been to Vegas but I gambled up my life
Building news print boats I raced in sewer mains
I was trying to find me something but I wasn't sure just what
Funny how they say that some things never change
Oh my sweet Carolina
What compels me to go?
Oh my sweet disposition
May you one day carry me home
Up here in the city it feels like things are closing in
The sunset's just my light bulb burning out
I miss Kentucky and I miss my family
All the sweetest winds they blow across the south
Oh my sweet Carolina
What compels me to go?
Oh my sweet disposition
May you one day carry me home
May you one day carry me home
The lyrics of Oh My Sweet Carolina by Ryan Adams depict the singer's restless and aimless wandering across America, in search of something he cannot quite define. He travels from Houston to San Antone, Cleveland, and Vegas without finding what he is looking for, only accumulating pockets full of dust, cocaine, and regrets. The nostalgic and melancholic tone of the chorus, "Oh my sweet Carolina, what compels me to go? Oh my sweet disposition, may you one day carry me home," suggests that the singer's true home and comfort may be in his native Carolina, where the sweet winds blow across the south, and where he misses his family.
The song's use of vivid sensory imagery, such as "the way it likes to rain" and "the sunset's just my light bulb burning out," creates a sense of physical and emotional displacement, as if the singer is adrift and out of sync with his environment. The repeated refrain of "trying to find me something but I wasn't sure just what" emphasizes the theme of aimlessness and the search for meaning and purpose.
Overall, Oh My Sweet Carolina is a poignant and introspective song that reflects on the universal themes of home, identity, and the search for belonging. It is a testament to Ryan Adams's songwriting skills and his ability to convey complex emotions through evocative lyrics and melodies.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I went down to Houston and I stopped in San Antone
I traveled around searching for something, went to Houston and San Antonio.
I passed up the station for the bus
I made a choice that I later regretted.
Was trying to find me something but I wasn't sure just what
I was searching for fulfillment but didn't know what I wanted.
I ended up with pockets full of dust
I came back empty-handed and unsatisfied.
So I went on to Cleveland and ended up insane
I continued to roam, but it drove me crazy.
Bought a borrowed suit and learned to dance
I tried to fit in and learn some new skills.
I was spending money like the way it likes to rain
I was wasting my resources carelessly.
And I ended up with pockets full of 'caine
I resorted to drugs and addictive behavior.
Oh my sweet Carolina
Referring to the state Carolina with fondness and a sense of longing.
What compels me to go?
What is driving me to keep moving and searching for something?
Oh my sweet disposition
Reflecting on his own personality and emotional tendencies.
May you one day carry me home
Hoping that his sense of home and belonging will be found one day.
I ain't never been to Vegas but I gambled up my life
I've taken risks and made choices that have had negative consequences.
Building news print boats I raced to sewer mains
I wasted my time and energy on pointless pursuits.
Funny how they say that some things never change
Reflecting on the cyclical nature of life.
Up here in the city it feels like things are closing in
Feeling trapped and overwhelmed in a big city.
The sunset's just my light bulb burning out
Feeling a sense of melancholy and isolation in the city.
I miss Kentucky and I miss my family
Feeling homesick for a place and people who provide a sense of comfort and belonging.
All the sweetest winds they blow across the south
Longing for the familiar and comforting aspects of the southern United States.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Ryan Adams
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind