Currently, the group comprises singer and harmonica player John Popper, guitarist Chan Kinchla, drummer Brendan Hill, bassist Tad Kinchla and keyboardist Ben Wilson. Tad Kinchla and Ben Wilson joined the band following the death of original bassist Bobby Sheehan in 1999.
While Blues Traveler is best known among fans for their improvisational live shows, the general public is most familiar with the group from their Top 40 singles "Run-Around" and "Hook". They gained mainstream popularity after their fourth studio album four, released in 1994. Sheehan's death and Popper's struggle with obesity put a damper on the group's success, and A&M dropped the band in 2002.
The Queen Of Sarajevo
Blues Traveler Lyrics
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She takes a chance and comes to me
And falling through the cracks we tumble
Not far at all but enough to see
We've come to rest our backs against the rubble
Of a future in uncertainty
And I'm so glad you're here, she said
I wish I didn't, I didn't need you so much
To be here
It's funny meeting anyone this way
But there she goes
Walking her last runway
The queen of Sarajevo
We communicate in broken English
And nervous sighs and apprehension
As fascinated we are standing witness
No alcohol could quell the tension
No clever kind of joke or small talk in this
No fate denies our soul connection
And I'm so glad you're here, she said
And I hate that you're here, she said
I wish I didn't need you so much
To be here
It's funny meeting anyone this way
But there she goes
Walking her last runway
The queen of Sarajevo
They say that in the west the blues comes easy
And the night belongs to the one who plays
But it's the ancient souls that breathe them deeply
For the bluest heart is the one who stays
It's funny meeting anyone this way
But there she goes
Watch her walk her last runway
The queen of Sarajevo
And it's so funny to be living this way
But it's time to go
Leave you standing on the runway
The queen of Sarajevo, the queen of Sarajevo
The lyrics of "The Queen of Sarajevo" by Blues Traveler tell the story of a chance encounter between two individuals amidst the chaos and uncertainty of the international rumble. The singer expresses their mixed feelings about the situation, being both glad and hating that the other person is there. There is a sense of vulnerability and dependency, as the singer admits to needing the other person so much.
The song refers to Sarajevo, which was the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the Bosnian War in the 1990s. The city and its people endured significant hardships and destruction during the conflict. The reference to resting their backs against the rubble symbolizes the remnants of a future filled with uncertainty, where hope is found in the presence of companionship even amidst chaos.
The lyrics also highlight the difficulties of communication, as the interaction occurs in broken English and nervousness. However, despite the language barrier, the two individuals recognize and are fascinated by the profound connection they share. The line "No fate denies our soul connection" suggests that their connection transcends language and circumstance.
The song ends with a bittersweet tone, as the singer acknowledges the transient nature of their meeting and the necessity to leave. The singer walks away, leaving the other person standing on the runway, metaphorically signifying their departure from each other's lives.
Overall, "The Queen of Sarajevo" explores the power of human connection amidst adversity and how even brief encounters can leave a lasting impact.
Line by Line Meaning
In the international rumble
Amidst the chaos of a war-torn country
She takes a chance and comes to me
She bravely approaches me, seeking solace
And falling through the cracks we tumble
We find ourselves in an unexpected connection
Not far at all but enough to see
Close enough to witness the devastation
We've come to rest our backs against the rubble
Finding support amidst the destruction
Of a future in uncertainty
In a world filled with uncertainty
And I'm so glad you're here, she said
Expressing gratitude for the presence of the other person
And I hate that you're here, she said
Feeling conflicted about relying on someone
I wish I didn't, I didn't need you so much
Longing for independence and not needing the other person as much
To be here
To be in this moment together
It's funny meeting anyone this way
Finding humor in the unconventional circumstances of their meeting
But there she goes
But she continues her journey
Walking her last runway
Facing the uncertain future with bravery
The queen of Sarajevo
Symbolizing strength and resilience in the midst of chaos
We communicate in broken English
Struggling to overcome language barriers
And nervous sighs and apprehension
Expressing anxiety and unease through nonverbal cues
As fascinated we are standing witness
Both captivated by the circumstances they find themselves in
No alcohol could quell the tension
Not even drinking could alleviate the weight of the situation
No clever kind of joke or small talk in this
No room for lightheartedness or distraction
No fate denies our soul connection
Despite the challenges, their souls are connected
They say that in the west the blues comes easy
Western culture finds it easier to express sadness through music
And the night belongs to the one who plays
The musician has control and influence in the darkness
But it's the ancient souls that breathe them deeply
Deeply feeling and embodying the essence of the blues
For the bluest heart is the one who stays
Those who endure the hardships carry the heaviest sadness
And it's so funny to be living this way
Finding irony in their current existence
But it's time to go
Realizing that it's time to part ways
Leave you standing on the runway
Leaving the other person behind, uncertain of the future
The queen of Sarajevo, the queen of Sarajevo
Reiterating the strength and resilience of the person from Sarajevo
Lyrics © MCDMAN MUSIC, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: BEN WILSON, BRENDAN HILL, CHAN KINCHLA, DAVID BIANCO, JOHN C. POPPER, TAD KINCHLA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind