Wrecking Ball
Emmylou Harris Lyrics


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My life's an open book, you read it on the radio
We've got nowhere to hide, we got nowhere to go
But if you still decide you want to take a ride

Meet me at the Wrecking Ball, Wrecking Ball
I'll wear something pretty and white
And we'll go dancing tonight
Meet me at the Wrecking Ball, Wrecking Ball
I'll wear something pretty and white
And we'll go dancing tonight

I see smokey eyes right across the bar
I've seen that look before shining from star to star
Though I can't take that chance
If you've got time for one dance

Meet me at the Wrecking Ball, Wrecking Ball
I'll wear something pretty and white
And we'll go dancing tonight
Meet me at the Wrecking Ball, Wrecking Ball
I'll wear something pretty and white
And we'll go dancing tonight

The restless line of cars goes stretching down the road
But I won't telephone 'cause you might say hello
What is it makes me feel this way?
What is it makes me want to say?

Meet me at the Wrecking Ball, Wrecking Ball
I'll wear something pretty and white
And we'll go dancing tonight
Meet me at the Wrecking Ball, Wrecking Ball





I'll wear something pretty and white
And we'll go dancing tonight

Overall Meaning

Emmylou Harris's "Wrecking Ball" is a song that tells a story of a woman who is open and transparent with her life, as it is broadcasted on the radio. The woman feels like there is nowhere to go and nobody to turn to, but if she still can convince someone to go with her, she proposes that they meet at the Wrecking Ball, where she will be wearing something pretty and white, and they can go dancing. She sees someone across the bar with smokey eyes, but she cannot take that chance, so she seeks out another partner for a dance. The restless line of cars goes stretching down the road, and she feels apprehensive about calling someone on the phone but still has this compelling desire to say, "meet me at the Wrecking Ball," and she will wear something pretty and white, and they will go dancing.


The title, "Wrecking Ball," symbolically alludes to destruction or the demolition of something, which can be a metaphor for the emotional state of the woman, as she faces uncertainty in her life. She feels vulnerable and exposed like a wrecking ball that is tearing down the walls of a building. The song has a strong sense of longing and desperation, as the woman seeks comfort and companionship from anyone who would join her at the Wrecking Ball. The Wrecking Ball can also be seen as an opportunity for a new beginning or a fresh start, a place where two people can break down their emotional barriers and connect through dancing.


Line by Line Meaning

My life's an open book, you read it on the radio
My life is public knowledge, as it's broadcasted on the radio.


We've got nowhere to hide, we got nowhere to go
We have no means of escaping or hiding from our current situation.


But if you still decide you want to take a ride
However, if you're still interested in going along with me,


Meet me at the Wrecking Ball, Wrecking Ball I'll wear something pretty and white And we'll go dancing tonight
Meet me at the 'Wrecking Ball,' an event where things are destroyed. I'll dress up for the occasion, and we'll dance the night away.


I see smokey eyes right across the bar I've seen that look before shining from star to star Though I can't take that chance If you've got time for one dance
I notice someone staring at me from across the bar; a look I've seen before in others who've reached fame. Although I'm wary and unsure about taking things further, I ask if you're up for one dance.


The restless line of cars goes stretching down the road But I won't telephone 'cause you might say hello What is it makes me feel this way? What is it makes me want to say?
The line of cars constantly moving down the road says something about the current state of things. I don't want to call, as I might want to continue talking. What is causing me to feel this way? What compels me to speak?




Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Neil Young

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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