The Last Word
Carpenter Mary Chapin Lyrics
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And when you've got, it I'll be gone
It won't matter what you're saying
When the damage has all been done
Can't seem to keep the faith
As if that's all I need to do
I'd rather walk away
You can have it; I don't want it
And when you've got, it I'll be gone
It won't matter what you're saying
When the damage has all been done
Some words will cut you down
Like you were only in the way
Why should I stand this ground?
It won't hurt as much to say
You can have it; I don't want it
And when you've got, it I'll be gone
It won't matter what you're saying
When the damage has all been done
Sometimes we're blinded by
The very thing we need to see
I finally realized
You need it more than you need me
You can have it; I don't want it
And when you've got, it I'll be gone
It won't matter what you're saying
When the damage has all been done
The damage has all been done
The song "The Last Word" by Mary Chapin Carpenter tells the story of someone who has lost faith in a relationship and has decided to walk away. The lyrics express that the singer has given up on the relationship, and they no longer care who gets the last word. The first verse states that the singer has no interest in continuing the relationship and plans to leave when their partner gets what they want. The verse also conveys a sense of finality, where it no longer matters what their partner says as the damage has already been done.
The second verse describes the emotional turmoil that the singer is trying to escape, they have lost faith and don't want to be a part of it any longer. The lines suggest that the singer is doing what is best for them instead of getting caught up in the drama. The lyrics further encourage a clean break and a move toward a peaceful end.
The chorus of the song repeats that the singer is giving up the relationship, and when the damage has been done, they'll be gone. At this point, the singer is convinced of their decision and seems to be focused on moving on from the hurt and pain.
Overall, the song is about having the strength to walk away from something that is no longer working, even if it means feeling hurt or saying goodbye. It's about being true to oneself and prioritizing one's happiness over other people's opinions.
Line by Line Meaning
You can have it; I don't want it
The singer is giving up on something that someone else wants and that they are not interested in.
And when you've got, it I'll be gone
The singer won't stick around to see how the other person fares with this thing.
It won't matter what you're saying
The singer is dismissive of the other person's words once they have this thing.
When the damage has all been done
The artist knows that trouble is coming and accepts that there will be negative consequences as a result of the other person having this thing.
Can't seem to keep the faith
The artist is struggling to maintain hope or optimism.
As if that's all I need to do
The singer implies that keeping the faith is not enough to resolve the situation.
I'd rather walk away
The singer would rather cut their losses and leave the situation.
Than take what belongs to you
The artist doesn't want to take what the other person considers theirs.
Some words will cut you down
The artist recognizes the power of hurtful words.
Like you were only in the way
The artist suggests that the other person is a hindrance or obstacle.
Why should I stand this ground?
The singer questions the necessity of asserting themselves in this situation.
It won't hurt as much to say
The artist implies that it's easier to concede than to fight.
Sometimes we're blinded by
The singer acknowledges the possibility of being blinded to the truth.
The very thing we need to see
The singer implies that the other person is fixated on something they believe they need, but it may not be what they truly need.
I finally realized
The singer has come to a new understanding.
You need it more than you need me
The artist recognizes that the other person may value this thing more than their relationship with the artist.
The damage has all been done
The artist reiterates that there will be negative consequences as a result of the other person having this thing.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MARY CARPENTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind