Castanets
Alejandro Escovedo Lyrics
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I like her better when she walks away
She said she was mine, she told me twice
I like her better when she walks away
Yeah, I like her better when she walks away
I like her better when she never stays
I like her better when she danced my way, c'mon
I like her better when she walks away, c'mon
I love the sun when it silhouettes
I like her better when she walks away
I love her hair fallin' across my face
I like her better when she walks away
I like her better when she walks away
I like her better when she never stays
I like her better when she danced my way, c'mon
I like her better when she walks away, c'mon
She plays castanets, she works without a net
I like her better when she walks away
She turns me on like a pick up truck
I like her better when she walks away
I love the sun shinin' through her dress
I like her better when she walks away
I love her hair in a tangled mess
I like her better when she walks away
Yeah, I like her better when she walks away
I like her better when she never stays
I like her better when she danced my way, c'mon
I like her better when she walks away, c'mon
"Castanets" by Alejandro Escovedo is a song that explores the complexity of attraction and desire. The song's main focus is on the female subject who is described as someone who "plays castanets" and "works without a net". She is someone who is free, confident and unrestrained which can be both appealing and intimidating. The singer admits to being drawn to her, finding her attractive and wanting her; yet, he paradoxically also likes her better when she walks away.
One interpretation of this song is that the singer is unable to manage the intensity of his feelings for the female subject. He finds it difficult to reconcile his attraction to her with his fear of getting close to her or being emotionally vulnerable. The refrain "I like her better when she walks away" underscores this point. It suggests that the singer prefers the feeling of longing and desire, rather than the complications that would arise if they were to pursue a relationship.
It's worth noting that the song often switches between past and present tense, suggesting that the singer is recalling a past encounter with the female subject while simultaneously experiencing longing for her in the present. The lyrics often focus on sensory details such as the sun shining through her dress, her hair falling across his face, and the sound of her castanets. All of these details convey a sense of intimacy, even though the singer is ultimately unable or unwilling to act on his desires.
Line by Line Meaning
She plays castanets, she works without a net
He admires her bravado and how fearless she is in life.
I like her better when she walks away
He enjoys the thrill of the chase and the excitement of not knowing what will happen next.
She said she was mine, she told me twice
He has been in a relationship with her before and she promised to be faithful, but he still prefers when she leaves.
Yeah, I like her better when she walks away
He reiterates that he enjoys when she leaves and the excitement it brings.
I like her better when she never stays
He likes when she is unpredictable and doesn't stick around for too long.
I love the sun when it silhouettes
He appreciates the beauty of nature and the way sunlight creates shadows.
I love her hair fallin' across my face
He enjoys the physicality of their relationship, but still prefers when she is not around.
I like her better when she walks away
He states again how much he enjoys when she leaves.
She turns me on like a pick up truck
He finds her attractive and desirable, but still prefers when she walks away.
I love the sun shinin' through her dress
He finds beauty and sensuality in her appearance.
I love her hair in a tangled mess
He appreciates her natural, carefree state.
Yeah, I like her better when she walks away
He repeats his preference once again.
I like her better when she never stays
He enjoys the uncertainty and unpredictability of their relationship.
I like her better when she danced my way, c'mon
He relishes in the memories of their encounters, but still prefers when she leaves.
I like her better when she walks away, c'mon
He concludes by stating once again that he enjoys when she leaves and the excitement it brings.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Alejandro Escovedo
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Pete McPherson
That's Peter Buck, Scott McCaughey, Kurt Bloch and the Minus 5 backing him up with guests, but his touring band is just as good. Alejandro Escovedo is a national treasure.
TJ Nugent
It just hit me when they scanned over that direction. Looks like him... and what guitar... Ricky.. Yep that's PeterB!
Heather Griffin
Canada loves Al too - Vancouver specifically 😎
Robert Purdy
Wow!! Great song!! That guitar player is amazing! A brand new fan!!
jeff livingston
Great to see the old cats kicking ass in the hardest way! Good times.
Scott McCullough
Awesome Alejandro never stop ! Great show Scott
Nomad Jeff
Alejandro was in the band Rank and File that was one of the first "Punktry" bands where Punk Rock and Country merged. Lone Justice sort of did that along with others.
Heather Griffin
I consider him the Papa of Americana!
Leslie Malfas
Love it. Coming to my area in June. Must go.
Tom CONWAY
Never heard of this band. They sound great.