Chances
The Strokes Lyrics
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I waited on ya, but now I don't
You didn't see it, I didn't see it
I didn't see it, but now, I do
I play your game, I play your game
Now
I play your game, I play your game
I take my chances alone
Get on your horse and be gone
I will not wait up for you anymore
So you can ask me if somethin' is wrong
Will you go?
I don't know anymore
When the night isn't ready for you
It's a fleeting unorthodox view
They invited a stewardess too
Now they want you to see it
Here's to days he decides he's got time
And he claims that it's not a surprise
When he finds out the truth's on his side
I take my chances alone
Get on your horse and be gone
I will not wait up for you anymore
So you can ask me if something is wrong
Will you go?
I don't know anymore
I don't believe anyone
As they crawl out of my way
Waiting for the night
Leaving night by night
You can see me travel
We could be in trouble every night
Why haven't you arrived?
The lyrics to The Strokes's "Chances" speak to the struggles and uncertainties of a tumultuous relationship. The singer expresses their willingness to wait for their partner, but ultimately decides to move on and take their chances alone. The repetition of "I play your game" emphasizes the power dynamic in the relationship, with one person exerting control over the other. The line "I don't believe anyone as they crawl out of my way" suggests that the singer has been hurt in the past and is guarded against further manipulation or deceit.
The chorus of the song is particularly poignant, with the singer declaring that they will no longer wait up for the other person and questioning whether they will even leave at all. The line "I take my chances alone" is a powerful assertion of independence and self-reliance. The verse about the night not being ready for the other person and the mention of a stewardess add to the imagery of a relationship in flux, with both people struggling to find security and stability.
Line by Line Meaning
I waited for ya
I patiently hoped for your arrival
But now I don't
But I've given up waiting for you
You didn't see it
You were unaware of something important
But now, oh, I do
But now I realize what you didn't see
I play your game
I do what you want me to do
Now
At this moment
I play your game
I do what you want me to do
I take my chances alone
I risk everything by myself
Get on your horse and be gone
Leave quickly
I will not wait up for you anymore
I won't stay awake for you anymore
So you can ask me if something is wrong
Don't bother asking if there's a problem
Will you go?
Are you leaving?
I don't know anymore
I'm uncertain now
When the night isn't ready for you
When things don't work out
It's a feeling I know that dogs you
It's a familiar feeling that haunts you
They invited a stewardess, too
Others were invited as well
Now they want you to see it
Now they want you to notice it
Here's to days he decides he's got time
Here's to the days when he thinks he has time
And when he claims that it's not a surprise
And when he says he's not shocked
When he finds out the truth's on his side
When he discovers he was right
I don't believe anyone
I've lost trust in everyone
As they crawl out of my way
As they move aside for me
Waiting for the night
Anticipating the evening
Leaving night by night
Going somewhere different every evening
You can see me travel
You can witness me on the move
We could be in trouble every night
Our situation might be hazardous each evening
We're having a new life
We're starting fresh
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Nick Fraiture, Albert Jr. Hammond, Fabrizio Morretti, Nick Valensi, Julian Casablancas
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind