Poughkeepsie
Banhart Devendra Lyrics
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My love swam with me
Nature's tender bones are breathing lungs
Each breaths each breeze
Have you felt it have you
I've felt it too
And so have you
Summer days she stays by her window
Down her steps and through her hallway
Comin out her door
Have you seen it have you
I've seen that too
And so have you
Now man holds hands hand neck shaped cobweb
White oil fills each pore
Again down your steps and through your hallways
Jumpin out your door
And have you done it
I've done that too
And so have you
Well love me tender
Viva Las Vegas and now I'm all shook up
Heartbreak hotel
Lordy miss cordy
Blue moon blue suede shoes
And have you heard it have you
I've heard it too
And I know for sure
That so have you
The lyrics to Banhart Devendra's song "Poughkeepsie" convey a sense of intimacy and connection with nature, as well as a reflection on the passing of time and shared experiences. The opening lines, "By the banks of old Poughkeepsie, my love swam with me," suggest a peaceful and idyllic scene where the singer and their loved one are immersed in nature's beauty. The mention of "nature's tender bones" and "breathing lungs" emphasizes the organic and living essence of the environment.
The second verse introduces a different perspective, possibly that of an elderly woman. The image of her staying by the window on summer days, with saggy flesh sweeping the floor, portrays a sense of loneliness and isolation. The following lines, "Have you seen it, have you? I've seen that too, And so have you," suggest a shared understanding of the human experience, even in its more challenging moments.
The final verse shifts focus to a more ambiguous scene involving a man. The mention of "hand neck shaped cobweb" and "white oil fills each pore" hints at decay and deterioration. The repetition of the phrase "And have you done it, I've done that too, And so have you" reinforces the idea that these experiences are universal and relatable.
Line by Line Meaning
By the banks of old Poughkeepsie
In the proximity of the historical Poughkeepsie riverside
My love swam with me
I shared an intimate connection with my beloved
Nature's tender bones are breathing lungs
The fragile essence of nature exudes life and vitality
Each breaths each breeze
Every inhalation mirrors the gentle air currents
Have you felt it have you
Have you experienced this sensation as well?
I've felt it too
I can relate to that feeling
And so have you
And I know you have too
Summer days she stays by her window
During summertime, she remains near her window
Her saggy flesh it sweeps the floor
Her aged skin sways and touches the ground
Down her steps and through her hallway
Descending the stairs and traversing the corridor
Comin out her door
Emerging through the entrance
Have you seen it have you
Have you witnessed this sight?
I've seen that too
I have also observed it
And so have you
I am certain you have as well
Now man holds hands hand neck shaped cobweb
Presently, a person grasps hands resembling a web around their neck
White oil fills each pore
A substance akin to white oil engulfs every pore
Again down your steps and through your hallways
Once more, descending your stairs and moving through your passageways
Jumpin out your door
Abruptly emerging from your entrance
And have you done it
Have you partaken in such actions?
I've done that too
I have engaged in those behaviors as well
And so have you
And I know you have too
Well love me tender
Approach me gently with love
Viva Las Vegas and now I'm all shook up
Hooray for the vibrant Las Vegas, and now I am deeply stirred
Heartbreak hotel
A place of emotional anguish
Lordy miss cordy
Oh my, Lady Cordelia
Blue moon blue suede shoes
Rare occurrences and fashionable footwear made of blue suede
And have you heard it have you
Have you been exposed to this sound?
I've heard it too
I have also listened to it
And I know for sure
And I am confident
That so have you
That you have as well
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Devendra Banhart
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind