TATTOO
Grass Widow Lyrics


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If you go away leave the tattoos on your arm.
I'll stay and paint the lawn black.
Vast generation gap.
Want my television blank.

Winding up their clocks to make time for tomorrow.
The kids are alright in their pink tobacco cloud.
Blue flowers fading in the sun.
Hours spent in artificial light.





Paint the lawn black
Dye my flowers blue

Overall Meaning

Grass Widow's song "Tattoo" explores the theme of separation and the challenges individuals face when their paths diverge. The first verse reflects a sense of resignation on the part of the singer, who is willing to let go of their love interest as long as they retain a part of them, represented by the tattoos on their arm. The following line, "I'll stay and paint the lawn black", is ironic as it reflects the singer's desire to abandon their past and perhaps even self-destruct, similar to painting the grass black. The line "vast generation gap" suggests a lack of understanding between the two individuals, highlighting the challenge of sustaining a long-term relationship.


The second verse presents a stark contrast to the previous verse, with the singer describing a carefree and idyllic world inhabited by the younger generation, represented by their pink tobacco clouds. The line "winding up their clocks to make time for tomorrow" is a metaphorical representation of the youth's ambition and hope for the future. The presence of artificial light in the last line suggests the singer's dismissive attitude towards the young generation's way of life, as something not authentic or worth pursuing. The lyrics are cryptic, and the band has left plenty of room for interpretation, making it a great song to uncover its hidden meaning.


Line by Line Meaning

If you go away leave the tattoos on your arm.
If you choose to leave, don't try to erase the memories we created together which are permanently etched on your skin.


I'll stay and paint the lawn black.
I'll stay back even if everything around me is gloomy and dark, and missing the colors of life.


Vast generation gap.
The distance between two different generations and their way of living is vast and different.


Want my television blank.
All I want is to turn off the noise and be in complete silence, away from technology, to gain mental peace.


Winding up their clocks to make time for tomorrow.
A reminder that we need to be cautious with our time, and make use of every second we have, for tomorrow is never guaranteed.


The kids are alright in their pink tobacco cloud.
The new generation can be found in their own way, and is doing just fine, even if it may not appeal to everyone.


Blue flowers fading in the sun.
The natural beauty gradually fading away, just like the memories we hold, which gradually fade away with time.


Hours spent in artificial light.
Our habits and modern way of living have caused us to spend countless hours in front of screens, in artificial light rather than natural light.


Paint the lawn black
An expression of the feeling of despair or hopelessness, as if everything around is dark and lifeless.


Dye my flowers blue
A sense of longing or desire to escape from the mundane, to find something new and exciting, something that brings color to our lives.




Contributed by Harper H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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