Get out of town
Coleman Hawkins Lyrics


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Get out of town
Before it's too late, my love
Get out of town
Be good to me, please

Why wish me harm?
Why not retire to a farm
And be contented to charm
The birds off the trees?

Just disappear
I care for you much too much
And when you're near, close to me, dear
We touch too much

The thrill when we meet is so bittersweet
That, darling, it's getting me down




So, on your mark, get set
Get out of town

Overall Meaning

The song "Get Out of Town" by Coleman Hawkins is a plea from one lover to another, urging them to leave before it is too late. The singer recognizes that their love is passionate, but ultimately destructive. They implore the other person to go to a farm, to live a simpler life away from the complications of their love. The singer is conflicted about this decision, however, as they express their fervent love for the other person. The song expresses the pain that can come from being with someone you love deeply but can't be with in the long run.


The lyrics of the song are open to interpretation, as they could be about a toxic relationship or a forbidden love affair. The lines "The thrill when we meet is so bittersweet/That, darling, it's getting me down" suggest that the relationship may be dangerous or forbidden, leading the singer to feel overwhelmed and drained. Alternatively, the song could be read as a song about a lover leaving to pursue their dreams, leaving the other person heartbroken. The lines "Why wish me harm?/Why not retire to a farm" could suggest that the other person is leaving to avoid hurting the singer or to find a simpler life.


Overall, the song "Get Out of Town" is a poignant ballad that speaks to the complexities of love and relationships. It demonstrates the heartache and pain that can come from loving someone who is ultimately wrong for you.


Line by Line Meaning

Get out of town
Leave this city and our relationship behind


Before it's too late, my love
Depart as soon as possible, my beloved, for our situation may become dire


Get out of town
Reiterate the call for departure


Be good to me, please
Please show me kindness and heed my warning


Why wish me harm?
What motive do you have to hurt me?


Why not retire to a farm
Why not live a peaceful and simple life away from the burdens of town?


And be contented to charm
You can still use your charm, but in a more tranquil and fulfilling environment


The birds off the trees?
You can enjoy the pleasures of nature and its creatures, without the chaos of urban life


Just disappear
Vanish from my life, for your presence is too emotionally taxing


I care for you much too much
I hold deep affection for you and cannot bear the pain of being so close, yet so far


And when you're near, close to me, dear
Being in your vicinity, my love, creates too much friction and heartache


We touch too much
Our proximity and intimacy is overwhelming and unsustainable


The thrill when we meet is so bittersweet
The excitement of our encounters is overshadowed by the sorrow that follows


That, darling, it's getting me down
It's depressing me, my dear, and I cannot continue like this


So, on your mark, get set
Prepare yourself, for the time to depart is imminent


Get out of town
Final command to leave this place and our love behind




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: COLE PORTER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Thomas Kirkpatrick

The Hawk Flies!

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