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Call It Fate Call It Karma
The Strokes Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Close the door
Not all the way
We don't understand
We don't understand
So don't you wanna remind me
I don't know a thing
And some of us remember
And some run out of place

Can I waste all your time here on the sidewalk?
Can I stand in your light just for a while?
I've waited around, do-do-do, do-do-ooh
Having a hard time watchin' you

You've got it down now, don't you?
I wanted to understand your face
So don't you wanna remind me
I don't know a thing
And some of us remember
And some run out of place

Can I waste all your time here on the sidewalk?
Can I stand in your light just for a while?
I've waited around, do-ooh
Havin' a hard time watchin' you, watchin' you

I needed someone
I needed someone

Overall Meaning

The Strokes' song "Call It Fate Call It Karma" is both cryptic and introspective in its lyrics. The opening verse "Close the door, Not all the way, We don't understand" sets the tone for the theme of misunderstandings that runs throughout the song. The repetition of "So don't you wanna remind me, I don't know a thing" is a plea for guidance and understanding. The following verse "Can I waste all your time here on the sidewalk? Can I stand in your light just for a while?" reveals a desire to be close to someone, to bask in their presence and seek comfort. The line "Havin' a hard time watchin' you, watchin' you" conveys the pain and difficulty of seeing someone you care for struggle.


The chorus "I needed someone" is a simple yet poignant statement that speaks to the human need for companionship and support. The repetition of the phrase emphasizes the importance of the sentiment. The song is a reflection on the complexities of relationships and the struggles that come with them.


Line by Line Meaning

Close the door
Shut the door behind you


Not all the way
Don't close it completely


We don't understand
We're confused


We don't understand
We're confused


So don't you wanna remind me
Do you want to help me remember?


I don't know a thing
I have no idea


And some of us remember
Some of us have a better memory


And some run out of place
Others can't keep up


Can I waste all your time here on the sidewalk?
Can I spend some time with you right here on the street?


Can I stand in your light just for a while?
Can I stay in your presence for some time?


I've waited around, do-do-do, do-do-ooh
I've been waiting for you, humming a tune


Having a hard time watchin' you
I find it difficult to watch you


You've got it down now, don't you?
You've figured it out, right?


I wanted to understand your face
I wanted to comprehend your expression


So don't you wanna remind me
Would you mind refreshing my memory?


I don't know a thing
I'm clueless


And some of us remember
Some of us have good recall ability


And some run out of place
While some tend to struggle to keep up


Can I waste all your time here on the sidewalk?
Can I spend more time with you right here on the street?


Can I stand in your light just for a while?
Can I stay in your company for some more time?


I've waited around, do-ooh
I've been waiting here


Havin' a hard time watchin' you, watchin' you
It's difficult to watch you


I needed someone
I wanted somebody


I needed someone
I wanted somebody




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Fabrizio Moretti, Julian Casablancas, Nick Valensi, Nikolai Fraiture, Albert Jr. Hammond

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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