Side Streets
Saint Etienne Lyrics
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I've always seen as home
At certain times of the evening
It's like a no-go zone
Got cash in my pocket to last the weekend (ba ba ba ba)
And I've got features I quite like and don't mind keeping
But still I walk the side streets home
Even when I'm on my own
If I let myself believe all the bad press and horror stories
I wouldn't set a foot outside
You say I live in a bubble
I find a bubble's best
At a faint whiff of trouble
Just turn and head due west
Quite light on my feet if I ever need be (ba ba ba ba)
As I zip down the street no-one ever sees me
That's why I walk the side streets home
Even when I'm on my own
If I let myself believe all the bad press and horror stories
I wouldn't set a foot outside
I'm tempting fate (I know, tell me about it)
So nonchalant (I know, and I don't doubt it)
I'll probably get it tomorrow
Til then I walk the side streets home
Even when I'm on my own
If I let myself believe
(Side streets home)
(On my own)
Believe
"Side Streets" by Saint Etienne is a song that explores the feeling of apprehension and concern that one might experience when walking through a neighbourhood that has a reputation for being unsafe. The lyrics suggest that despite having an affable disposition and being "light on their feet," the singer of the song is aware of the dangers of the world and could easily become a victim of violence or misfortune.
The lyrics are both introspective and metaphorical. They describe the singer's mindset as they walk home through the side streets at night. The use of the phrase "side streets" connotes secrecy and confidentiality, suggesting that the singer is aware of a world that is hidden from view. Their comment that they are "tempting fate" and "nonchalant" shows that they are aware of the dangers that lurk around them, but they also believe in their own ability to handle themselves.
The song is more than a meditation on the fear of street danger. It is also a song about the human experience in general. It speaks to the tendency to go through life with a sense of caution and a fear of the unknown. Yet, despite their fears, the singer of the song is also aware of the limitations of their own perceptions. They know that their own mindset might be limiting their experience of the world, and yet they still continue steadfast, walking the "side streets" through the night.
Line by Line Meaning
The neighborhood that I live in
The area where I live is my home
I've always seen as home
I have always considered this place as my dwelling
At certain times of the evening
During specific hours in the night
It's like a no-go zone
It feels dangerous and unsafe to go outside
Got cash in my pocket to last the weekend (ba ba ba ba)
I possess enough money to get through the weekend
And I've got features I quite like and don't mind keeping
There are aspects of my appearance that I am content with and want to maintain
But still I walk the side streets home
Despite having money and being comfortable with my features, I prefer to take alternative routes
Even when I'm on my own
Even if I'm alone
If I let myself believe all the bad press and horror stories
If I allow myself to believe the negative publicity and stories I've heard
I wouldn't set a foot outside
Then I will not leave the house
You say I live in a bubble
You argue that I have a narrow view of the world
I find a bubble's best
But I think a bubble is advantageous
At a faint whiff of trouble
When I sense even a hint of danger
Just turn and head due west
I turn and go towards the west
Quite light on my feet if I ever need be (ba ba ba ba)
I can be quick and nimble if necessary
As I zip down the street no-one ever sees me
When I move swiftly and silently, nobody notices me
That's why I walk the side streets home
That's the main reason why I prefer taking alternative routes
I'm tempting fate (I know, tell me about it)
I'm aware that I'm putting myself in danger
So nonchalant (I know, and I don't doubt it)
Still, I remain casual and unconcerned about it
I'll probably get it tomorrow
I think I might be punished for my risky behavior soon
Til then I walk the side streets home
Until something happens, I will continue to take different paths
Believe
Trust in what I'm saying
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BOB STANLEY, PETER STEWART WIGGS, SARAH CRACKNELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Simon Bodger
Absoloutely gorgeous. There's some French pop, Brazilian pop going on here, acoustic Beatles, Beach Boys, even Sideshow by Blue Magic! I love the way that Saint Etienne, Everything But the Girl and Stereolab could cross all kinds of genres whether deep house, dance, minimalism or pop but with such beauty!
Jon V.
This is poetry, no question! Wow! Sarah, you are so much talent, my my !!!!
fernando trilles
I love this band
Lydia Janne
I've tried so hard to find this song for many years and at last I found it!! It was my no.1 song in my electronic dictionary made by Sharp which now I no longer to use. This song reminds me my teenage memories and feelings. I listened it when I'm studying, feeling sad or imagine what I'll gonna be in the future.
Simple Girl
@Lydia Janne that one link doesnt work, could you link another one?
hope you are having a nice day :)
Lydia Janne
Sadministrator Yeah it is :) We had a real fad of this kind of dictionaries. I still think that this dictionary was more joyful than iPhone which I use it these days.
Sadministrator
You had an electronic dictionary which was also a music player? Amazing! I love that era of technology. Was it something similar to this:
http://www.denshi-jisho.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/1600x/040ec09b1e35df139433887a97daa66f/s/h/sharp-brain-pw-ac890-b-japanese-english-electronic-dictionary-elegant-black.jpg
?
pft199519
Couldn't agree more. Saint Etienne: flawless tunes and perfect aestethics
jimmyunited
Only Saint Etienne can write music like this.
Ken Daves
Inadvertently thought of this haunting sweet song. I do love it. I will never forget it again, it will remain on my playlist. Full stop.