I've been down, I've been down too far to care
I keep getting in my car but I'm not going anywhere
And I've been had, well at least that's how it looks
And it's not funny like on TV and it's not smart like it is in books

And I wonder, yeah, I wonder how the world keeps spinnin' around
Where's a boy with bad intentions gonna settle down?

And I don't know what you've been told
The streets of where I'm from are paved with hearts instead of gold
Yeah, the streets of where I'm from are paved with hearts instead of gold

I recall, when I was twenty-three
Wondering how anyone could fall in love with me
But now I'm old, hell, I'm well past twenty-five
And I can't seem to fall in love no matter how I try

And I wonder where I'll wind up but I'm headed west I know
Wind my way through Texas and into New Mexico

And I don't know what you've been told
The streets of where I'm from are paved with hearts instead of gold
Yeah, the streets of where I'm from are paved with hearts instead of gold

And I don't know what you've been told
The streets of where I'm from are paved with hearts instead of gold
Yeah, the streets of where I'm from are paved with hearts instead of gold
Yeah, the streets of where I'm from are paved with hearts instead of gold

Overall Meaning

The Old 97's song "Streets of Where I'm From" is a reflective and melancholic meditation on the struggles and disappointments of life, set against the backdrop of a road trip through the American Southwest. The lyrics capture a sense of aimlessness and disillusionment, as the singer drives through the desert without a clear destination, haunted by the ghosts of failed relationships and unfulfilled expectations.

The opening lines set the tone for the song, as the singer confesses to feeling "down too far to care" and stuck in a cycle of aimless driving. He reflects on his own failures and mistakes, feeling like he's been "had" by life and unable to find his way. Even as he wonders how the world keeps spinning around, he can't seem to find a way out of his own doldrums.

The chorus is a wistful reminder of the singer's roots, as he remembers the streets of his hometown being "paved with hearts instead of gold." While this may seem like a poetic turn of phrase, it suggests a world where people are more caring and compassionate than driven by money and ambition. The final verse echoes the same sense of uncertainty and longing, as the singer heads west without a clear plan, hoping to find something elusive that he can't quite name.

Overall, the song is a poignant reflection on the challenges of growing up and struggling to find one's place in the world, set against a backdrop of Americana and road trip imagery. It captures a sense of restlessness, disappointment, and yearning that is both specific and universal, making it a powerful and enduring piece of songwriting.

Line by Line Meaning

I've been down, I've been down too far to care
I've hit rock bottom and I'm apathetic towards my situation.

I keep getting in my car but I'm not going anywhere
Despite attempting to change my circumstances, I'm still stuck in the same place.

And I've been had, well at least that's how it looks
I've been deceived or taken advantage of, and it appears that way to others as well.

And it's not funny like on TV and it's not smart like it is in books
Contrary to popular media portrayals, being misled does not have humorous or clever outcomes.

And I wonder, yeah, I wonder how the world keeps spinnin' around
I'm amazed at how life goes on despite my personal struggles and difficulties.

Where's a boy with bad intentions gonna settle down?
As someone who's made poor choices, I wonder where I can find stability and redemption.

And I don't know what you've been told
I'm uncertain about what others have said about the place where I come from.

The streets of where I'm from are paved with hearts instead of gold
Although my hometown may not be wealthy, the people there are kind and compassionate.

I recall, when I was twenty-three
I remember a time when I was younger and more naive.

Wondering how anyone could fall in love with me
I was unsure of my own worthiness of love and affection.

But now I'm old, hell, I'm well past twenty-five
I am older now and have experienced more of life.

And I can't seem to fall in love no matter how I try
Despite my attempts, I am unable to find romantic love.

And I wonder where I'll wind up but I'm headed west I know
Although I am uncertain of my future, I am traveling towards the western part of the United States.

Wind my way through Texas and into New Mexico
I will travel through these specific states on my journey.

The streets of where I'm from are paved with hearts instead of gold
Despite the lack of wealth, the people in my hometown are genuine and caring.

Yeah, the streets of where I'm from are paved with hearts instead of gold
The people in my hometown have admirable qualities that are worth noting.

And I don't know what you've been told
Again, I am uncertain of what others have said about my hometown.

The streets of where I'm from are paved with hearts instead of gold
I reiterate that the people in my hometown are kind and empathetic, despite any financial shortcomings they may face.

Yeah, the streets of where I'm from are paved with hearts instead of gold
Once more, I emphasize the admirable qualities of those in my hometown.

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