Get Out of Town
Anita O’Day Lyrics

In Anita O'Day's song "Get Out of Town," the lyrics convey a plea from the singer to a former lover to leave her life and stay away. The song begins with the mention of the lover's sudden reappearance in the singer's life, disrupting her emotional equilibrium. The phrase "from nowhere" suggests the unexpected nature of the lover's return, possibly after a period of separation. The singer reflects upon the past, acknowledging that the lover had previously captured her heart, only to break it.

The chorus of the song serves as a direct message to the lover, urging them to leave town before it's too late. The repetition of this line emphasizes the singer's desire for distance and avoidance. The plea to "be good to me, please" hints at the singer's vulnerability and the emotional impact the lover has had on her.

The following stanza questions the lover's motives, asking why they would bring harm into the singer's life instead of finding contentment elsewhere. The suggestion for the lover to retire to a farm evokes a peaceful and secluded environment, away from the complications of their relationship. The line about charming the birds off the trees implies that the lover has the ability to captivate and enchant others, but the singer no longer wishes to be subjected to their charms.

The final verse emphasizes the singer's strong emotional connection to the lover, expressing that their presence is overwhelming. The line "we touch too much" implies a physical intimacy that is both enticing and burdensome. The singer acknowledges the bittersweet nature of their encounters, which ultimately bring her down emotionally.

Overall, "Get Out of Town" is a plea from a wounded lover who recognizes the need to distance herself from a relationship that has caused both joy and heartbreak.