Her studio album My Better Self finds Dar at an unequivocally brazen crossroads. Reflecting on American politics, the disillusionment and apathy of youth, and the female experience, Dar makes no apology for her outspoken beliefs.
Her 2008 album, entitled Promised Land. indieduck.com notes that "Williams turns over relationships in all their misunderstood, misconnected glory, and embraces religion, gender and other complications in her very wise songs. Promised Land draws in themes of nature, as well, and on the whole is a pretty piece of work that ends up feeling upbeat despite itself."
Her most recent album, 2012's In The Time Of The Gods, has a theme of Greek mythology running through it. The You Will Ride With Me Tonight Songfacts reports that Williams got the idea whilst driving on an isolated highway, during a trip from New York to Ontario.
Liar
Dar Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where they stir coffee with old silver spoons in their mansions
There's a girl that the whole town can see doesn't fit in
But they all know that she understands them
And they want to know
Where the kid came from
She won't tell anyone
That's what they know
She's a liar
That's what they know
You do what you have to do
Maybe you could be a liar too
There's a school where she goes every day
Everything that you could want if you pay you can find there
She came in with a dream and a plan
Learned how to use movie cameras and started to shine there
And they want to know
Where the kid came from
She won't tell anyone
But they know she's a liar
That's what they know
She's a liar
That's what they know
And if she had to
She could turn the camera right on you
As for the teachers they all knew her crime
When she was everyday always on time they saw through her
She took the train from the city at dawn
Broke through the woods and crept through the lawns to her future
So maybe they know
Where the kid came from
They won't tell anyone
And they know she's a liar
That's what they know
She's a liar
Just because
She reached higher
They are so proud of their liar
They are so proud
You do what you have to do
Maybe you could be a liar too
The Dar Williams song, Liar, tells the story of a girl who doesn't fit in with the wealthy people in her town, but possesses an ambition and a talent that is admired by everyone. The first verse shows the contrast between the privileged life of the other children in the town and the girl's situation. The line "But they all know that she understands them" implies that despite her differences, the girl can empathize with their struggles.
However, the chorus takes a darker tone, with the townspeople branding her a liar without any real evidence. The line "She won't tell anyone" hints at the possibility that the girl could have a secret, but it is not necessarily indicative of deceit. The lyrics prompt the listener to consider the possibility that they too could be labeled a liar for no reason.
The second verse describes how the girl found her niche in a local school equipped with movie cameras. She began to excel in this field, and the line "And if she had to, she could turn the camera right on you" reinforces her tenacity and ability to hold her own in a seemingly hostile environment.
The third verse describes the girl's disciplined work ethic and the dedication required to achieve her goals. The townspeople possibly suspect her of deceit because they cannot comprehend how someone like her could have come so far. The chorus then takes a more sarcastic turn with "They are so proud of their liar," subverting the townspeople's assumption of her deceit.
Overall, Liar is a song about the insidious nature of gossip and how people are quick to judge those who don't fit a predetermined mold. The lyrics are a reminder that someone's perceived deviance is not a sign of deceit but rather an opportunity to encourage empathy and understanding.
Line by Line Meaning
Out where the children all get their own rooms
In the land of privilege and wealth where even children have their own rooms
Where they stir coffee with old silver spoons in their mansions
Where the rich enjoy their drinks with expensive silverware in their grand houses
There's a girl that the whole town can see doesn't fit in
There is a girl who is an outcast in the town and stands out from the rest of the people
But they all know that she understands them
Despite her being different, they all believe she has an understanding and insight into their world
And they want to know
They are curious and eager to uncover the secrets that surround the girl
Where the kid came from
They question her origins and background
She won't tell anyone
The girl keeps her secrets to herself and doesn't share them with anyone
But they know she's a liar
They believe that the girl is deceptive and manipulative
That's what they know
Their beliefs and opinions about the girl are based on their perception and assumptions
You do what you have to do
The girl does what she needs to do to survive and thrive in her circumstances
Maybe you could be a liar too
This line suggests that people would do the same if they found themselves in her situation
There's a school where she goes every day
The outcast girl attends a prestigious school regularly
Everything that you could want if you pay you can find there
The school offers various opportunities and luxuries if one can afford to pay for it
She came in with a dream and a plan
The girl had a specific goal in mind and formulated a plan accordingly
Learned how to use movie cameras and started to shine there
The girl learned how to operate cameras and found success in that field
And if she had to
In any given situation, when necessary
She could turn the camera right on you
The girl is capable of exposing or revealing others through her camera skills
As for the teachers they all knew her crime
Even the teachers knew about what the girl was doing
When she was everyday always on time they saw through her
The fact that the girl was always punctual and committed gave her away
She took the train from the city at dawn
The girl had to travel long distances to attend her school, and she started her journey early in the morning
Broke through the woods and crept through the lawns to her future
To get to her school, the girl took unusual routes that required her to sneak through the fields and woods
So maybe they know
Although the girl kept her secrets, people might have figures things out about her background and history
They won't tell anyone
Despite their knowledge, they choose to keep it a secret
Just because
For the simple reason that
She reached higher
Because the girl aimed for great heights and worked hard to achieve her goals
They are so proud of their liar
The people of the town are proud of the girl's achievements, even though they perceive her as a liar
They are so proud
People are happy and satisfied with the girl's progress and accomplishments
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHRIS ZASCHE, JOSIAH JOHNSON, CHARITY THIELEN, KENNY HENSLEY, TYLER WILLIAMS, JONATHAN RUSSELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind