She is known for her sense of humor, which is expressed in both her music and her onstage performances. Many of her songs alternate between emotional reflections on romance and outright comedy. Two of her more famous songs include "Sensitive New Age Guys" and "Bald Headed Men".
Gettin' Used To Leavin'
Christine Lavin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Got some empty cartons from the liquor store
Macram twine and masking tape
It's time to make the great escape again
Seems like I never hang around long enough
To grow any roots into the ground
Now I find I'm saying goodbye
To another nice old town.
I'm Gettin' Used to Leavin'
Gettin' used to all the faretheewells
Gettin' used to sayin' "I'll keep in touch"
When I know I probably never will.
This old town has been good to me
But there's something driving me on you see
So I'm going away
Though sometimes I think I'd like to stay, 'cause
All the folks I've met here have been kind
And if I could I would spend more time here
But that is not the case
I can't stay in one place, No I'm
Gettin' Used to Leavin'
Gettin' used to all the faretheewells
Gettin' used to sayin' "I'll keep in touch"
When I know I probably never will.
I don't ever cry anymore at the sound of goodbye
Maybe I'm a little bit cynical
Maybe I'm a little bit wise
Or maybe I'm
Gettin' Used to Leavin'
Gettin' used to all the faretheewells
Gettin' used to sayin' "I'll give you a call"
When I know I probably never will
I probably never will
I probably never will.
In Christine Lavin's song "Gettin' Used to Leavin'," the lyrics depict a recurring theme throughout the singer's life; leaving. In the very first line, she talks about dragging her suitcases out once more, suggesting that this isn't her first time saying goodbye to a place she's called home. The singer goes on to mention that she's never around long enough to grow any roots. Perhaps she is running away from something, or the thrill of adventure and exploring new places keeps her moving. Either way, the choice is hers to leave. While she admits that she would like to stay in this particular town and spend more time with the kind people she's met, she's forced to move on again. Despite how hard it is, saying goodbye has become a part of her life, and seemingly, she's getting used to it.
In the second verse, she mentions that she's not sad anymore when she hears goodbye. She might be trying to convince herself that it's okay to leave, or maybe she's just become "a little bit cynical" over the years. In any case, the idea of leaving doesn't affect her like it used to. She's "getting used to all the faretheewells" and "used to saying 'I'll keep in touch'" when she knows that she probably won't. The cycle of leaving, saying goodbye, and forgetting may be endless, but it's become familiar to her.
Overall, "Gettin' Used to Leavin'" carries a bittersweet tone. The singer recognizes that leaving isn't easy, but it's a part of her life at this point. However, she acknowledges that she has met many kind people on her way, making her departure a little harder every time.
Line by Line Meaning
Drag my suitcases out once more
I am packing my suitcases again, as I have done many times before, to leave this town.
Got some empty cartons from the liquor store
I have acquired some empty cartons from a liquor store, which I will use to pack my belongings.
Macram twine and masking tape
I have also obtained some macramé twine and masking tape, which I will use to securely close my packed belongings.
It's time to make the great escape again
It is time for me to leave once more.
Seems like I never hang around long enough
I have a tendency to not stay in one place for very long.
To grow any roots into the ground
I have not had the chance to establish a permanent home or community.
Now I find I'm saying goodbye
I am bidding farewell to this town.
To another nice old town.
I am leaving another pleasant town behind.
This old town has been good to me
I have had a positive experience living in this town.
But there's something driving me on you see
However, there is a force compelling me to leave.
So I'm going away
Therefore, I am leaving.
Though sometimes I think I'd like to stay, 'cause
Sometimes I consider staying, because
All the folks I've met here have been kind
The people I have met in this town have been friendly and welcoming.
And if I could I would spend more time here
If it were possible, I would like to stay in this town longer.
But that is not the case
However, it is not feasible for me to stay here.
I can't stay in one place, No I'm
I cannot remain in one location.
Gettin' Used to Leavin'
Becoming accustomed to the act of leaving.
Gettin' used to all the faretheewells
Getting used to saying goodbye to people.
Gettin' used to sayin' "I'll keep in touch"
Getting used to making promises to stay in contact with others.
When I know I probably never will.
Even though I have no intention of following through on those promises.
I don't ever cry anymore at the sound of goodbye
I do not experience emotional breaking points when saying goodbye.
Maybe I'm a little bit cynical
Perhaps I have become disillusioned.
Maybe I'm a little bit wise
Perhaps I have gained wisdom from my experiences.
Or maybe I'm Gettin' Used to Leavin'
Or perhaps I have become desensitized to leaving.
Contributed by Muhammad F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.