Swept Away
Carpenter Mary-Chapin Lyrics
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People everywhere on their way, at a run
Then I see you from a distance
Light years later at fate's insistence
[Chorus]
Old wounds, sad scenes, love lost, bad dreams
Heartache, old scars, old walls, these are
You are standing by the pay phones, by the stairs
I walk straight into your arms and you hold me there
I am falling slowly backwards
Right into your famous last words
[Chorus]
All this ancient history
Every unsolved mystery
Years I've carried with me
Vanish when you kiss me
[Chorus]
The lyrics of Carpenter Mary-Chapin's song Swept Away depict the singer's unexpected encounter with someone from her past. The song starts with the singer waiting at an airport with a ticket and carry-on; she observes people rushing by to catch their flights until her attention is drawn to someone that she recognizes from afar. Despite the distance and time that has passed between them, fate brings them together for a second chance. The chorus highlights the theme of letting go of past pain, heartache, and bad memories as they are swept away in the presence of this person.
The second verse of the song continues with the singer walking into the arms of the person she knows, and as she falls backward into his grasp, she realizes that he is about to say his famous last words before he leaves her again. The chorus repeats, reiterating how this person takes away the pain, scars, walls, and past that the singer has carried with her.
The lyrics are introspective and emotional, depicting how love and connection can help heal past wounds and scars. They are a beautiful reminder that sometimes, a chance encounter can change everything.
Line by Line Meaning
I am waiting with a ticket with a carry-on
I am waiting, holding my ticket and carry-on luggage
People everywhere on their way, at a run
There are many people rushing around trying to get to their destinations
Then I see you from a distance
I catch a glimpse of you from far away
Light years later at fate's insistence
It feels like a long time has passed, but fate has brought us together
Old wounds, sad scenes, love lost, bad dreams
The pain of past experiences that have left us hurt and upset
Heartache, old scars, old walls, these are
The emotional pain, memories of past struggles, and internal defenses we have built up over time
Swept away, swept away, swept away
All of these feelings and experiences are being swept away
You are standing by the pay phones, by the stairs
I see you standing by the pay phones, near the stairs
I walk straight into your arms and you hold me there
I walk directly into your embrace, and you hold me tightly
I am falling slowly backwards
I feel myself falling back, in a slow and peaceful way
Right into your famous last words
Your final words become etched into my memory
All this ancient history
All of the past memories, feelings, and experiences
Every unsolved mystery
All of the unanswered questions and unresolved issues from the past
Years I've carried with me
All of these emotional burdens I have carried for years
Vanish when you kiss me
They disappear when we share a kiss
Swept away, swept away, swept away
All of these burdens and negative emotions are being swept away
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MARY CARPENTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind