The Straw That Broke the Camel's Back
Dashboard Madonna Lyrics

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Here I stand
Nothings happening
That's my man
Calls himself Jim
Here's my house
Here's my kitchen
That's my life
A clock that's ticking

Here's a town I call home
Take a look I'm on my own
Here I am, that's not living
Call it quits, I'm so sick of giving
Saying goodbye to it all
I'm letting go
I'm saying goodbye
Stop this ride i'm getting off
Shut your mouth, i've had enough
Sorry to say I lost my knack
The straw that broke the camels back
Wasting time, just stop the clock
I must say I've had my lot
Where to now I've lost my track
The straw that broke the camels back
Stepping out
Here I go
Which direction, i don't know
My minds made up
Packed my bags
Falling tears
Smoke a fag
Topanga, San Jose, Wichita, L.A
Come Houston
No escape
Back on the bus and home again
Saying goodbye to it all
I'm letting go
I'm saying goodbye
Stop this ride i'm getting off
Shut your mouth, i've had enough
Sorry to say I lost my knack
The straw that broke the camels back
Wasting time, just stop the clock
I must say I've had my lot
Where to now I've lost my track
The straw that broke the camels back
Stop this ride
Getting off
Shut your mouth
I've had enough
Saying goodbye to it all
I'm letting go
I'm saying goodbye
Stop this ride i'm getting off
Shut your mouth, i've had enough
Sorry to say I lost my knack
The straw that broke the camels back
Wasting time, just stop the clock
I must say I've had my lot

Where to now I've lost my track
The straw that broke the camels back

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "The Straw That Broke the Camel's Back" by Dashboard Madonna convey a sense of frustration, weariness, and the need for change. The singer, who calls herself Jim in an ironic twist, finds herself stuck in a monotonous and unfulfilling life. She describes her house, kitchen, and life as mundane and ordinary, reflected in the ticking clock that symbolizes the passage of time without any meaningful experiences or progress.

The mention of a town she calls home suggests a lack of attachment or belonging, and she feels disconnected and alone. She expresses her longing for something more and her desire to break free from the situation she finds herself in. The repetition of the lines "Here I am, that's not living" and "Call it quits, I'm so sick of giving" emphasizes her dissatisfaction and her decision to let go and say goodbye to her current circumstances.

The second verse portrays the singer making a bold decision to step out and leave her old life behind. The mention of different locations like Topanga, San Jose, Wichita, and L.A signifies her uncertainty about which direction to take. She packs her bags, shedding tears and smoking a cigarette as she prepares to embark on a journey of self-discovery and change.

The refrain, repeating the lines "Stop this ride I'm getting off" and "The straw that broke the camel's back," signifies her determination to put an end to the cycles of disappointment and frustration. She's had enough and is ready to let go of the familiar, even if it means losing her sense of direction temporarily.

Overall, the lyrics of the song reflect the singer's yearning for a more meaningful and fulfilling life, her decision to break free from her current situation, and her willingness to embrace the unknown and face the challenges that lie ahead.

Line by Line Meaning

Here I stand
I am in this situation

Nothings happening
Nothing is changing or progressing

That's my man
He is the one I am involved with

Calls himself Jim
His name is Jim

Here's my house
This is where I live

Here's my kitchen
This is the part of my house where I cook

That's my life
This is my existence

A clock that's ticking
Time is passing

Here's a town I call home
This is the town I consider my home

Take a look I'm on my own
Observe, I am alone

Here I am, that's not living
I am present, but I am not truly living