New Jersey
Red House Painters Lyrics

You're an American girl
Addressing the subject of the song as an American girl.

Red headed, eyes blank
Describing the physical appearance and demeanor of the subject, with red hair and empty eyes.

Living in a freckle on the face of the world
Highlighting the insignificance of the subject's existence in the grand scheme of things.

Another dying kid that learned too much too soon
Implying that the subject is a disillusioned youth who has experienced too much pain and hardship at a young age.

You're not as good as your Mom, but you're as good as dead
Suggesting that the subject is not as great as her mother, and is destined for a tragic end.

You're as good as dead, New Jersey ain't the whole world
Reiterating the subject's inevitable demise and acknowledging that there is more to the world than just New Jersey.

Which of your shots have sold?
Questioning which of the subject's attempts at success have been lucrative or successful.

Twenty-nine with your child
Commending the subject for having a child at a young age, possibly implying that it is a significant achievement or milestone.

Who doesn't give and eats what's left of your young soul
Suggesting that the subject's child is draining her of her youth, energy, and happiness.

Another dying spark that burned too fast too soon
Continuing the theme of the subject as a young person whose life and potential are being extinguished too quickly.

You're not as bad as your Dad, but you're as good as dead
Comparing the subject to her father and suggesting that she is a slightly better version of him, but still facing an ill fate.

Don't you leave me out here too long
Begging someone, perhaps the subject, not to forget or abandon the artist.

Will you bring me out there?
Asking the subject to help the singer leave a difficult situation and to experience more of the world.

Out of line in out of time
Describing the subject as someone who does not fit in or conform to societal norms.

A cry for the leading role, your bum childhood stole
Suggesting that the subject has always sought to be the center of attention or in control, but was deprived of this in her childhood.

A mother tires and stuck in her love-worn bed
Describing the subject's mother as tired and confined to a bed of love that has been worn down over time.

Don't you leave me out here too long
Reiterating the plea to not be left alone for too long.

Will you bring me out there?
Renewing the request for assistance in escaping a difficult situation and experiencing more of the world.