The song has been covered by Berlin, Jeremy Jay and Dee Madden.
Shayla
Blondie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She wasn't history
She's just a number
One day she gets her final pay and she goes far away
Green trees call to me
I am free but life is so cheap
Scenery is still outside of me
All alone trapped by its beauty
Years of fear were in her way
Lost in space and down she came
Suddenly some subtle entity, some cosmic energy, brushed her like shadows
Down here we stop to wonder
Cause on the freeway
Bright lights and thunder
The song Shayla by Blondie tells the story of a woman named Shayla who works in a factory. The opening line of the song, “Shayla worked in a factory,” sets the tone for the song and immediately gives us a glimpse into Shayla’s life. The song goes on to describe how Shayla is not just a cog in the wheel, but a person who is leaving the factory and her life behind. The line “She wasn't history, she's just a number” highlights the dehumanizing nature of working in a factory.
Shayla’s final pay marks the end of her time at the factory and she sets out on a journey to find freedom. The lyrics “Green trees call to me, I am free but life is so cheap” suggest that Shayla is searching for something more than just a job or a paycheck. She is looking for a life that is more meaningful and fulfilling. The song also touches on the idea of being trapped by beauty – in this case, the beauty of the scenery that surrounds her.
As Shayla travels further away from the factory and her old life, she encounters a cosmic energy that seems to guide her. The lyrics “Suddenly some subtle entity, some cosmic energy, brushed her like shadows” suggest that Shayla has had a moment of profound realization or enlightenment.
Overall, Shayla is a song about breaking free from the monotony of daily life and finding something more meaningful. It’s a story of transformation and discovering oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
Shayla worked in a factory
Shayla was employed in a factory and spent most of her life working there.
She wasn't history
Shayla was not a thing of the past; she was present and alive.
She's just a number
In the factory, Shayla's identity was reduced to just a number on a spreadsheet, rather than being seen as an individual.
One day she gets her final pay and she goes far away
Shayla quits her job and leaves behind everything she knows, seeking a new life and new opportunities.
Green trees call to me
Shayla finds herself drawn to the beauty of nature and the freedom it represents.
I am free but life is so cheap
Although Shayla is now free from her old life, she struggles with the realization that life itself can be easily lost or undervalued.
Scenery is still outside of me
Despite being surrounded by beautiful landscapes, Shayla feels empty on the inside.
All alone trapped by its beauty
Shayla feels trapped by the stunning scenery around her, unable to fully appreciate or connect with it.
Shayla turned to run away to leave in peace and end her stay
Shayla decides to leave in order to find inner peace and end her current situation.
Years of fear were in her way
Shayla has been living in fear for years, unable to escape it until now.
Lost in space and down she came
Shayla is lost in thought and falls from a high place, both physically and mentally.
Suddenly some subtle entity, some cosmic energy, brushed her like shadows
Shayla experiences a mysterious and intangible force that makes her feel as though she is being followed or watched.
Down here we stop to wonder
The people on the ground pause to reflect on how they got where they are and what their purpose may be.
Cause on the freeway
On the busy road, people are rushing through life without stopping to think about it.
Bright lights and thunder
The bright lights and noise of life can distract people from the deeper meanings of existence.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: CHRIS STEIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@simont.7568
Shayla worked in a factory
She wasn't history
She's just a number
One day she gets her final pay
And she goes far away
Green trees call to me
I am free but life is so cheap
Scenery is still outside of me
All alone, trapped by its beauty
Shayla turned to run away
To leave in peace and end her stay
Years of fear were in her way
Lost in space and down she came
Suddenly
Some subtle entity
Some cosmic energy
Brushed her like shadow
Down here we stop to wonder
Cars on the freeway
Bright lights and thunder
@ohcraponacracker
The 1st time I heard this song the chills overcame my body.
And it was on the original vinyl.
Still gives me chills.
I will love Blondie always.
@thegreatgizmo3590
Me Too
@joeben81
Happened to me at 40, 6 days ago.
@RetroReminiscing
I get what you mean,the goosebumps 👌🎶
@colincraig5608
My first album Eat to the Beat on cassette with the French version of Sunday Girl. Awesome album!!!!
@baruchr5406
Yo la acabo de descubrir y siento lo mismo que tú!
@Jem544
Her music immediately takes me back.... almost like a time machine.
@bluemakem459
If only 1980 will do me......👍
@DrMARDOC
Take me back ! Take me back! Slow Motion……. You outta try it some time……
@morkthehat
Without doubt this is Debbie's best vocal performance. One of my fave's and my daughter's name