Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye
Chris Connor & Stan Kenton Lyrics
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Where I stood I thought I knew
Or should
True or false, life wasn't ever any waltz
Then it caught the somersaults
For good
Might have known it would
The world steps on my little toes.
Ev'ry time I take a little chance
I pay right through my little nose.
Ev'ry time I fly my little kite
It catches on a tree.
Ev'ry time I throw an anchor out
It pulls me in the sea.
Ev'ry time I feel a little glow
I always get a little shock.
Ev'ry time I stick my little chin out
I always get a little knock,
And when I aim my arrows at the sun
They always miss their mark
Leaving just a lonely little lady
In the dark
The lyrics of Chris Connor & Stan Kenton's song "Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye" delve into the themes of uncertainty, struggle, and disappointment in various aspects of life. The singer expresses a wish for clarity and understanding, grappling with the blurred lines between what is true and what is false. Despite thinking they had a grasp on their position in life, they find themselves unsure and questioning. The mention of life not being a waltz suggests that it is not always graceful or easy, but rather full of unexpected twists and turns that can catch one off guard.
The imagery of the heart dancing and the world stepping on toes symbolizes the pain and discomfort that can accompany vulnerability and opening oneself up to love or new experiences. Each time the singer takes a risk or ventures outside of their comfort zone, they feel the consequences in a literal or metaphorical sense. The repeated instances of setbacks and obstacles – from the kite getting caught in a tree to the anchor pulling them into the sea – highlight the recurring pattern of struggle and disappointment that the singer experiences.
The metaphor of feeling a little glow but always receiving a shock reinforces the idea of hope or optimism being met with harsh reality or disappointment. The singer's attempts at bravery or assertiveness, such as sticking their chin out, are met with setbacks and challenges, leading to a sense of feeling knocked down or defeated. The imagery of the arrows missing their mark when aimed at the sun symbolizes the idea of high aspirations or goals falling short, leaving the singer feeling isolated and alone in the darkness of unfulfilled dreams.
Overall, the lyrics of "Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye" capture a poignant reflection on the struggles and setbacks that come with taking risks, chasing dreams, and navigating the uncertainties of life. The repeated patterns of hope being dashed and efforts falling short create a sense of resignation and acceptance of disappointment, ultimately painting a picture of resilience in the face of adversity and the enduring human experience of facing challenges with each new beginning.
Line by Line Meaning
False or true, I wish I had a clue or two
Uncertain about what is real or not, I long for some guidance
Where I stood I thought I knew
Once confident in my position, now questioning my beliefs
Or should
Or maybe I shouldn't have been so sure
True or false, life wasn't ever any waltz
Life isn't as easy as it may seem
Then it caught the somersaults
Challenges took unexpected turns
For good
And it seemed to be for the better
Might have known it would
Perhaps I should have anticipated it
Ev'ry Time my heart begins to dance
Whenever I start to feel joy
The world steps on my little toes.
Something or someone always ruins it
Ev'ry time I take a little chance
Each time I try something new or risky
I pay right through my little nose.
I end up suffering consequences
Ev'ry time I fly my little kite
Whenever I try to enjoy something simple
It catches on a tree.
It gets stuck and can't reach its full potential
Ev'ry time I throw an anchor out
Every time I try to stay grounded
It pulls me in the sea.
I end up being dragged into deeper troubles
Ev'ry time I feel a little glow
Whenever I experience a hint of happiness
I always get a little shock.
It is often followed by disappointment
Ev'ry time I stick my little chin out
Whenever I act courageously
I always get a little knock,
I always face setbacks
And when I aim my arrows at the sun
Even when aiming high
They always miss their mark
I always fall short of my goals
Leaving just a lonely little lady
Resulting in a feeling of solitude
In the dark
Lost and without direction
Lyrics © Reservoir Media Management, Inc., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Dorothy Fields, Jimmy McHugh
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind