In the summer of 2001 Baxter Dury released his debut single, the "Oscar Brown EP". The single picked up rave reviews, which included 'Single of the Week' in NME. It also achieved 'Single of the Week' in the Guardian.
Petals
Baxter Dury Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She loved to sit and give me a kiss
But she knows nothing wrong
Used to tell you more lies just to fill out my life
Punching through walls that was never right
But she knows nothing wrong
Do you remember when we were just younger
And everyone said
There's a house in Chiswick where you once lived
I love to tell you that I love to live
But you know there′s nothing wrong
Wrapped in cheap linen and you danced all night
But you left me hanging for dear life
But you know there's nothing wrong
Do you remember when we were just younger
Chances fell like petals, hotel down in Brixton
Lovers go
There's a house in Chiswick where you once lived
I tried to break and give you everything
But you know there′s nothing wrong
And I kiss and tell everything I can
But I don′t really know if I'm a man
But you know there′s nothing wrong
Do you remember when we were just younger
Chances fell like petals in a hotel in Brixton
Lovers go
The song "Petals" by Baxter Dury tells the story of a man who reminisces about his past relationship with a woman who used to live in a house in Chiswick. Although he did some regrettable things during their time together, the man loved her deeply and still wants to give her everything. The lyrics suggest that the relationship ended poorly, with the woman leaving the man hanging for dear life. Despite this, the man still feels a strong connection to her and remembers the moments they shared when they were younger. The repetition of the line "Do you remember when we were just younger" emphasizes the passage of time and the feeling of nostalgia.
The theme of nostalgia is further reinforced by the metaphor of "petals" falling, which symbolizes the fleeting nature of life's opportunities. The chances that the man and woman had together fell like petals on the hotel floor, and although the memories are still beautiful, they can never be recaptured. The house in Chiswick serves as another symbol of the past, a physical location that holds sentimental value for the man.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a house in Chiswick where she once lived
The person being sung about used to live in a house in Chiswick.
She loved to sit and give me a kiss
The person being sung about liked to show affection by giving the singer kisses.
But she knows nothing wrong
The person being sung about is unaware of any wrongdoing or issues in the relationship.
Used to tell you more lies just to fill out my life
The singer used to lie to the person being sung about to make their life seem more interesting or eventful.
Punching through walls that was never right
The singer used to act out by damaging property, which was never acceptable behavior.
Do you remember when we were just younger
The singer is reminiscing about past memories.
Chances fell like petals in the hotel floor
Opportunities for love or success were abundant and easily accessible, but ultimately fleeting.
And everyone said
Others had their own opinions or perspectives on the situation being referenced.
Wrapped in cheap linen and you danced all night
The person being sung about enjoyed dancing and partying, but did so in cheap or low-quality clothing.
But you left me hanging for dear life
The person being sung about left the singer feeling abandoned or in danger.
Do you remember when we were just younger
The singer is still reminiscing about past memories.
Chances fell like petals, hotel down in Brixton
Opportunities for love or success were abundant and easily accessible, but ultimately fleeting, specifically when the two were staying in a hotel in Brixton.
Lovers go
People in relationships come and go or fall apart.
I tried to break and give you everything
The singer tried to overcome personal obstacles and give their all to the relationship.
And I kiss and tell everything I can
The singer openly shares information or stories about their relationships or experiences.
But I don't really know if I'm a man
The singer questions their own masculinity or identity.
Do you remember when we were just younger
Yet another reference to reminiscing about past memories.
Chances fell like petals in a hotel in Brixton
Once again, opportunities for love or success were abundant and easily accessible, but ultimately fleeting, specifically when the two were staying in a hotel in Brixton.
Lovers go
Once again, people in relationships come and go or fall apart.
Writer(s): Baxter Dury, Michael Moore, Ben Michael Gallagher
Contributed by Colin L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.