1989
Civet Lyrics


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Over hollowed hearts of the East Bay
I live for nothing, if not today
When you left you didn't say goodbye
I saw it in your eyes man, you didn't even try

It's been so long now since I've laid you down
Won't you come back, come back to me
Come back, come back to me
Times were tough, but we're still family
Come back, come back to me

Over the lines that divided my country
Where the good and bad that make up today
When I left I didn't say goodbye
You saw it in my eyes, yeah I didn't even try

It's been so long now since I've laid you down
Won't you come back, come back to me
Come back, come back to me
Times were tough, but we're still family
Come back, come back to me

I'll wash you away, I'll wash you away

It's been so long now since I've laid you down
Won't you come back, come back to me
Come back, come back to me




I buried my heart in the East Bay
Come back, come back to me

Overall Meaning

In Civet's song "1989", the lyrics "Over hollowed hearts of the East Bay, I live for nothing if not today" suggest that the singer is currently in the East Bay of California and feeling a sense of emptiness or hollowness. They seem to be living in the present moment without much thought for the future. The lyrics "When you left you didn't say goodbye, I saw it in your eyes man, you didn't even try" suggest that the singer was left by someone close to them without warning, and that they could tell this person didn't care enough to say goodbye. The following lyrics "It's been so long now since I've laid you down, won't you come back, come back to me" express the singer's yearning for this person to come back into their life.


The second verse continues the theme of separation and the emotions that come with it. The lyrics "Over the lines that divided my country, where the good and bad that make up today" suggest that the singer has also experienced the divide and conflict in their country, and that this may have contributed to their sense of hollowness. The idea of not saying goodbye is repeated with the lyrics "When I left I didn't say goodbye, you saw it in my eyes, yeah I didn't even try". These lines suggest that the singer has also been the one to leave and cut ties with someone important to them, but without much thought or care. The chorus repeats the plea for the person to come back, but also acknowledges the difficult times that may have led to the separation.


Overall, "1989" is a melancholic song about loss and the pain of separation. It touches on themes like family, conflict, and the fleeting nature of relationships. The East Bay of California serves as a symbolic location for the singer's feelings of emptiness and longing. The lyrics are straightforward and heartfelt, but the vocals and instruments add a level of intensity and energy to the track.


Line by Line Meaning

Over hollowed hearts of the East Bay
Above the broken and empty emotions of the East Bay


I live for nothing, if not today
My purpose in life is to enjoy the present


When you left you didn't say goodbye
You departed without a formal farewell


I saw it in your eyes man, you didn't even try
Your lack of effort to make things right was evident


It's been so long now since I've laid you down
I haven't been intimate with you in a while


Won't you come back, come back to me
Please return to me


Times were tough, but we're still family
We faced difficulties together, but we remain connected by blood


Over the lines that divided my country
Across the borders separating my motherland


Where the good and bad that make up today
Where both the virtues and flaws exist in the present


When I left I didn't say goodbye
I departed without a formal farewell


You saw it in my eyes, yeah I didn't even try
You could tell that I wasn't making an effort to stay


I'll wash you away, I'll wash you away
I'll try to forget about you


I buried my heart in the East Bay
I left my love behind in the East Bay




Contributed by Nora J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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