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".
Rituals
Christine Lavin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
"I just turned 28,
But boy it's been a long, long time
Since I've been on a date.
I mean like a dinner, and a movie,
A good night kiss at the door"
We are not content with kisses anymore.
How she and Grampa met,
How their courtship followed local rules of etiquette.
The flowers that he brought her
The dresses that she wore.
We are not impressed with such ritual any more.
My father met my mother through a mutual friend
They knew each other for two months before they ever kissed
And when the did they were embarrassed and just a little scared
By this awkward declaration that they cared.
But now we rush into everything so fast.
Love that's here so quickly
Soon becomes a part of the past
It never works out right
'Cause nothing everlasting ever happens overnight.
So if you think you love her, take your time
Walk her in the moonlight
Maybe even try to write a line or two of poetry
Or perhaps a song.
You might find you're building
A love that's going to last a long, long time.
Take you time, Oh take your time
There is something to be said for rituals we've left behind
There is something to be said for the dance
back to old-fashioned romance.
The song "Rituals" by Christine Lavin expresses her regret for the loss of traditional courtship rituals in modern day dating. The first verse introduces the perspective of a young woman who is longing for a classic date night with a dinner, a movie, and a goodnight kiss at the door. The second verse transitions to the reminiscences of Lavin's grandmother and the courtship traditions of her generation, such as bringing flowers and dressing up. Lavin contrasts these old-fashioned practices with the current norm of rushed relationships that are quick to fade.
The third verse recounts Lavin's parents' relationship, which started with a tentative and hesitant pace that built steadier with time. Lavin urges those who believe they are in love to slow down, take time to get to know each other, and engage in the romantic rituals of old. The chorus calls for stirring up the old-fashioned romance, taking time, and bringing back these neglected customs.
The song highlights the issue of the impatience and speediness of modern-day dating - where people do not give themselves a chance to become familiar with one another which leads to superficial relationships that seldom last long. The importance of taking it slow, and the value of traditional courting rituals - like the exchange of flowers and heartfelt conversations - are emphasized. In essence, the song is a call to slow down and take a nostalgic look at the art of wooing.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm not so very old
Despite my youthful appearance, I have experienced a long period of not dating.
I just turned 28,
I have recently celebrated a 28th birthday.
But boy it's been a long, long time
It has felt like an extensive amount of time since I have been on a typical date.
Since I've been on a date.
It has been a while since I have gone out with a gentleman in a traditional dating scenario.
I mean like a dinner, and a movie,
I am referring to a customary date involving dinner and either attending or viewing a film.
A good night kiss at the door
A sweet kiss offered to me before the gentleman leaves for the night would be appreciated.
We are not content with kisses anymore.
Modern society desires a deeper connection and meaning beyond a fleeting physical moment like a kiss.
My Grama told me stories
My grandmother recounts past tales to enlighten me.
How she and Grampa met,
Grandmother shares her experience with my grandfather's courtship.
How their courtship followed local rules of etiquette.
The social customs and courtesies they upheld during their romance are noteworthy.
The flowers that he brought her
Grandfather would provide floral bouquets in gestures of affection.
The dresses that she wore.
Grandmother was pleased to wear beautiful dresses for such occasions.
We are not impressed with such ritual any more.
Today's culture is not awestruck with the traditional and ceremonial aspects of courting.
My father met my mother through a mutual friend
My mother and father encountered each other through a shared acquaintance's introduction.
They knew each other for two months before they ever kissed
Before any physical contact, the couple took time to get to know one another for nearly eight weeks.
And when the did they were embarrassed and just a little scared
After their initial kiss, they felt bashful and apprehensive.
By this awkward declaration that they cared.
Their unspoken emotions were suddenly articulated physically, making them feel awkward.
But now we rush into everything so fast.
Modern culture tends to hurry into relationships and physical contact too rapidly.
Love that's here so quickly
The fast-building love does not create a strong foundation for a long-lasting relationship.
Soon becomes a part of the past
Quick love can be fleeting and not long-lasting.
It never works out right
A relationship that moves too quickly will likely not succeed in the long-term.
'Cause nothing everlasting ever happens overnight.
A lifelong relationship with a deep connection and love takes more time than just one night.
So if you think you love her, take your time
If you genuinely love someone, don't rush, slow down and take your time.
Walk her in the moonlight
Take a romantic walk under the moon's light to deepen the bond.
Maybe even try to write a line or two of poetry
Composing a couplet or two of poetry could display the depth of the emotions you feel and impress your love interest.
Or perhaps a song.
A song created for a loved one can also demonstrate the depth of emotions you feel.
You might find you're building
You may discover that you are constructing a lifelong relationship.
A love that's going to last a long, long time.
By taking the time to develop a genuinely caring relationship, you could create life-long love that endures the test of time.
Take you time, Oh take your time
Slow down and take the necessary time to create a deeper bond with your loved one.
There is something to be said for rituals we've left behind
Some traditions of courting that modern society has abandoned are still worth keeping in mind.
There is something to be said for the dance
The old-fashioned dating customs that many have let go of still has its appeal and value.
back to old-fashioned romance.
Respect and reflection of traditional courting customs can help build a more meaningful romance that lasts.
Contributed by Lila Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.