Susan
Aimee Mann Lyrics


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Oh, Susan, you were clued in
You knew just how this thing would go
A prognosis that was hopeless
From the very first domino
I guess I see it all in hindsight
I tried to keep perspective despite
The flash of the fuse, the smell of cordite
[Chorus]
Now I'm in that place again
And I know he can't come in to get me
And someday he will live to regret me
Susan, I can see it now

Oh, Suzie, they get to me
They can really be wearying
But he threw me rope and buoy
Let me use his decoder ring
There must have been some kind of parade
We kissed for a while to see how it played
And pulled the pin on another grenade

[Chorus]

Oh, Susan, the hope of fusion
Is that the halo will reappear
It may be pure illusion
But it's beautiful while it's here
I had some trouble with the goodbye
I checked my Roman candle supply
And watched the vapor trail in the sky





[Chorus]

Overall Meaning

The song "Susan" by Aimee Mann is a poignant reflection on a past relationship that didn't work out. The opening lines of the song reveal that Susan - who is likely a close friend or possibly a therapist - had warned the singer that the relationship was doomed from the beginning. Despite this, the singer admits that she tried to remain optimistic and keep things in perspective, but ultimately, the relationship came crashing down. The explosive imagery in the line "The flash of the fuse, the smell of cordite" suggests that this was a particularly intense and painful experience.


In the chorus, the singer reveals that she is in a dark place once again (presumably because of a failed relationship), but this time she knows that her ex-partner won't be there to try and help her. She also acknowledges that her ex will likely come to regret their decision to leave her. The second verse of the song offers a glimmer of hope as the singer refers to her ex as "he" and talks about a moment of connection between them ("We kissed for a while to see how it played"). However, this hope is short-lived as the verse ends with the line "And pulled the pin on another grenade".


Overall, "Susan" is a masterful exploration of the complexities of failed relationships, and the pain and confusion that can result from them. Mann's lyrics are evocative and beautifully written, painting a vivid picture of the singer's emotions throughout the song.


Line by Line Meaning

Oh, Susan, you were clued in
Addressing Susan, the singer acknowledges that Susan had an idea or a plan about what was going to happen


You knew just how this thing would go
The singer acknowledges that Susan had a clear picture of the outcome of the situation


A prognosis that was hopeless
The singer admits that the outlook of the situation was bleak and beyond remedy


From the very first domino
The artist alludes that the situation was beyond saving from the first stage


I guess I see it all in hindsight
The artist admits that they have a better understanding of the situation after it has already happened


I tried to keep perspective despite
The singer tried to hold on to rationality and objectivity despite the circumstances


The flash of the fuse, the smell of cordite
The singer describes a sudden and explosive event that happened in the situation


[Chorus] Now I'm in that place again And I know he can't come in to get me And someday he will live to regret me Susan, I can see it now
The artist reflects on a past experience where they know that the other person cannot come back to save them and they know the other person will regret losing them in the future


Oh, Suzie, they get to me They can really be wearying
The artist addresses Susan and admits that the situation was getting overwhelming


But he threw me rope and buoy Let me use his decoder ring
The artist is grateful for the other person who helped them through the tough times, much like a lifeboat and an access code or tool to interpret the situation


There must have been some kind of parade We kissed for a while to see how it played And pulled the pin on another grenade
The singer recalls a time when they were trying to see how things would go and ended up making the situation worse


[Chorus]
The artist repeats again how they are in a similar situation as before


Oh, Susan, the hope of fusion Is that the halo will reappear
The singer expresses that they hope that things will come together and get better


It may be pure illusion But it's beautiful while it's here
The singer acknowledges that it may not be real or lasting but the momentary happiness is still worth it


I had some trouble with the goodbye I checked my Roman candle supply And watched the vapor trail in the sky
The singer struggled with saying goodbye and used fireworks as a way to cope or express their feelings


[Chorus]
The artist repeats again how they are in a similar situation as before




Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Aimee Mann

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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