Souvenirs
Bettye Lavette Lyrics


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All the snow has turned to water
Christmas days have come and gone
Broken toys and faded colors
Are all that's left to linger on
I hate graveyards and old pawn shops
For they always bring me tears
I can't forgive the way they rob me
Of my childhood souvenirs

[Chorus]
Memories they can't be boughten
They can't be won at carnivals for free
Well it took me years
To get those souvenirs
And I don't know how they slipped away from me

Broken hearts and dirty windows
Make life difficult to see
That's why last night and this mornin'
Always look the same to me

I hate reading old love letters
For they always bring me tears
I can't forgive the way they rob me
Of my sweetheart's souvenirs





[Chorus]

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Bettye Lavette's song "Souvenirs" speak to the bittersweet nature of memories and the pain that comes with nostalgia. The first verse reflects on the passing of time and how even the joyous memories associated with holiday seasons can become faded or broken over time. The use of snow melting into water is a metaphor for the fleeting nature of youthful pleasure. The following line about broken toys and faded colors paints a picture of the physical remnants of happier times that come to symbolize the loss of innocence and carefree moments. The singer then admits to feeling strong negative emotions when surrounded by graveyards and pawn shops because they remind her of her own mortality and how time has deprived her of her cherished memories.


The chorus strengthens the point that precious memories cannot be bought but must be earned through personal lived experiences. Winning prizes at carnivals may bring temporary happiness, but it is the memories of those experiences that truly matter in the long run. The final line of the chorus is particularly poignant as it speaks to the sense of loss that accompanies the slow erosion of nostalgia. Despite the pain that comes with it, the singer knows that the memories are worth the heartache.


The second verse extends the theme of loss and shows how it can affect romantic love as well. The metaphorical language of "broken hearts and dirty windows" speaks to how the passage of time can make even love look bleak and unattainable. The use of love letters shows how these memories can bring sadness not just for what has been lost but for what could have been and was never fully realized. The singer admits to feeling robbed of her memories and the sweet mementos of past love that keep her grounded in past happiness.


Line by Line Meaning

All the snow has turned to water
The winter season is over and everything is now melting away.


Christmas days have come and gone
The festive season has passed and it's now a memory.


Broken toys and faded colors
All that's left from childhood are worn out and old belongings.


Are all that's left to linger on
These old belongings are the only reminders of the past.


I hate graveyards and old pawn shops
The idea of old, forgotten things makes the artist sad.


For they always bring me tears
These places remind the singer of lost things and people.


I can't forgive the way they rob me
The singer feels that these places have taken something of value from her.


Of my childhood souvenirs
The artist has lost precious items that hold sentimental value.


Memories they can't be boughten
Memories are priceless and cannot be bought or sold.


They can't be won at carnivals for free
Even fun experiences like carnivals can't create lasting memories.


Well it took me years
The singer has spent a long time collecting these souvenirs.


To get those souvenirs
The items are special and have taken effort to obtain and keep.


And I don't know how they slipped away from me
The singer is upset and confused about how she lost her beloved souvenirs.


Broken hearts and dirty windows
The troubles of life can cloud one's view of the world.


Make life difficult to see
Troubles can hinder one's perspective and enjoyment of life.


That's why last night and this mornin'
Difficulties can make every day feel the same.


Always look the same to me
The artist is struggling to find joy or change in her daily routine.


I hate reading old love letters
Memories of past love can be painful to revisit.


For they always bring me tears
The singer is emotionally affected by reading old love letters.


I can't forgive the way they rob me
The artist feels that these letters have taken something from her - the memories and emotions they evoke.


Of my sweetheart's souvenirs
The artist has lost mementos of a past love that was special to her.


[Chorus]
The chorus reinforces the value of memories and how they cannot be replaced.




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHN PRINE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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