Fair Game
Crosby Stills & Nash Lyrics


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Take a look around you tell me if you see
A girl who thinks she's ordinary lookin' she has got the key
If you can get close enough to look into her eyes
There's something special right behind the bitterness she hides

And you're fair game
You'll never know what she'll decide
You're fair game
Just relax enjoy the ride

Find a way to reach her make yourself a fool
But do it with a little class disregard the rules
'Cause this one knows the bottom line couldn't get a date
The ugly duckling striking back and she'll decide her fate

And you're fair game
You'll never know what she'll decide
You're fair game
Just relax enjoy the ride

The ones you never notice are the ones you have to watch
She's pleasant and she's friendly while she's looking at your crotch
And try your hand at conversation gossip is a lie
And sure enough she'll take you home and make you want to die

And you're fair game
You'll never know what she'll decide




You're fair game
Just relax enjoy the ride

Overall Meaning

The song "Fair Game" by Crosby Stills & Nash seems to be about a girl who is perceived as plain and unremarkable, but has something special hidden beneath her exterior. The lyrics suggest that she may have been overlooked by people due to her average looks, but she is someone to be reckoned with. The singer urges the listener to approach her with a little bit of class, even if it means making yourself look foolish. The song seems to be saying that the girl is not what she appears to be and that she could turn on anyone who underestimates her.


The chorus of the song, "You're fair game, you’ll never know what she’ll decide, you're fair game, just relax enjoy the ride," implies that approaching this girl comes with a warning. The singer is telling the listener that they should be prepared for anything if they decide to pursue her. The girl, whom everyone thought was just ordinary, turns out to be anything but, and could leave whoever gets close to her with their heart on the line.


Overall, “Fair Game” is a cautionary tale about underestimating people, and that things are not always as they appear. The song suggests that no one should be judged by their outward appearance alone and that everyone has something unique that makes them special.


Line by Line Meaning

Take a look around you tell me if you see
Pay attention to your surroundings, do you notice anything?


A girl who thinks she's ordinary lookin' she has got the key
There's a girl who doesn't think much of herself, but she has something important to offer


If you can get close enough to look into her eyes
If you take time to get to know her better


There's something special right behind the bitterness she hides
You'll find something worthwhile if you're patient enough to uncover the layers below her grumpiness


And you're fair game
You're in jeopardy


You'll never know what she'll decide
You'll never be certain what she's planning


Just relax enjoy the ride
Don't worry too much, and try to have a good time


Find a way to reach her make yourself a fool
Take a risk to get her attention, even if it makes you look silly


But do it with a little class disregard the rules
Don't be too uncivilized about it, but don't be afraid to break tradition


'Cause this one knows the bottom line couldn't get a date
She doesn't have the confidence to pursue a romantic relationship


The ugly duckling striking back and she'll decide her fate
The overlooked and underestimated individual decides for themselves and takes charge of their life


The ones you never notice are the ones you have to watch
Don't underestimate someone based on appearance or first impressions


She's pleasant and she's friendly while she's looking at your crotch
She might seem pleasant and talkative, but she might have alterior motives


And try your hand at conversation gossip is a lie
Try talking to her, but don't trust rumors or hearsay


And sure enough she'll take you home and make you want to die
And when she finally decides to act, it might not turn out well for you




Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: Stephen Stills

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Pauline Hall


on Unequal Love

Saw Graham Nash last week in Gateshead, he sang this song.
Absolutely beautiful, possibly about his love for Joni Mitchell.
His voice still amazing

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