Picket Fences
Chely Wright Lyrics


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Little boys and little girls
Dream of big, big things
They're taught at a tender age
Just what life should bring
Get a job, say "I do" and settle yourself down
But what about those of us
Who's lives are still spinnin' around
Tell me what's so great about picket fences
Paintin' them's such a mess
And a big backyard where kids can play
I'd pro'bly never get a moments rest
And settin' the table for five at five
Only means more dishes to load
What's so great about picket fences
I guess I'll never know

Here I am in my prime, at least they tell me so
But if I go to sleep at night, I always go alone
I guess that I could have it all
And someone by my side
But I can't take, the give and take
The price is just too high

Tell me what's so great about picket fences
Paintin' them's such a mess
And a big backyard where kids can play
I'd pro'bly never get a moments rest
And settin' the table for five at five
Only means more dishes to load
What's so great about picket fences
I guess I'll never know





Tell me what's so great about picket fences
I guess I'll never know

Overall Meaning

In "Picket Fences," Chely Wright reflects on the societal expectations placed on individuals, particularly women, to settle down and start a family. Wright acknowledges the dreams and aspirations of little boys and girls who are taught to pursue a conventional path in life - getting a job, getting married, and starting a family. However, the song questions the value of these expectations, particularly for those who feel their lives are still "spinning around."


Wright expresses her frustration with the notion of the "perfect life" as defined by the traditional American dream, one filled with picket fences and a big backyard for children to play in. She questions the value of these things and wonders if they are worth sacrificing the independence and freedom that comes with living life on one's own terms. Ultimately, she concludes that she will never know the answer to what's so great about picket fences and chooses to stay true to her own path in life.


Overall, the song is a commentary on the societal pressure to conform to traditional norms, particularly for women. It serves as a reminder that there is no one "right" way to live life and encourages listeners to find value and fulfillment in their own unique journeys.


Line by Line Meaning

Little boys and little girls
Even from a young age, societal expectations and norms are imposed on children.


Dream of big, big things
They aspire to great things and have grand ambitions.


They're taught at a tender age
These expectations are instilled in them from a young age.


Just what life should bring
They are told what they should expect from life.


Get a job, say "I do" and settle yourself down
The prescribed life is to get a job, get married, and settle down in a traditional manner.


But what about those of us
However, this life may not be suitable or desirable for everyone.


Who's lives are still spinnin' around
Some individuals may feel that their lives are still in a state of flux and uncertainty.


Tell me what's so great about picket fences
The artist questions the appeal of traditional, suburban life with white picket fences.


Paintin' them's such a mess
Maintaining and decorating these fences is a tedious task.


And a big backyard where kids can play
Although it may seem idyllic, a large backyard can be exhausting, especially if children are involved.


I'd pro'bly never get a moments rest
The singer believes that this traditional lifestyle will leave her with no time to relax and unwind.


And settin' the table for five at five
Preparing meals for a family of five, especially at a specific time, is a chore.


Only means more dishes to load
After every meal, there will be a pile of dishes to wash, rinse, and load into the dishwasher.


What's so great about picket fences
The singer reiterates her questioning of the appeal of traditional suburban life.


I guess I'll never know
The singer concludes that this lifestyle will never be something she understands or desires.


Here I am in my prime, at least they tell me so
Despite feeling unsure about the traditional life, the artist is at a point where society considers her to be in her prime.


But if I go to sleep at night, I always go alone
However, she recognizes that she doesn't have a partner and feels lonely at night.


I guess that I could have it all
Although the traditional life is not desirable to her, the singer acknowledges that she could potentially attain it.


And someone by my side
Being in a relationship is a key component of the traditional life that the singer is hesitant to pursue.


But I can't take, the give and take
The artist is not willing to compromise and sacrifice aspects of her life in order to attain this traditional life.


The price is just too high
The consequences of pursuing this life are not worth it for the artist.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CHELY WRIGHT

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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