an open door
Illinois Lyrics


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Call me, Lisa if you will
I got a story for ya
Call me, Lisa if you mind
I gotta tell you now
I gotta tell you now

You hold secrets the best out of all of our friends
Fool's gold, traded your soul
Scared at the end
But we're all scared at the end

I don't want to tell you how
I don't feel like explaining it now
But I'd like to get to know you just a little bit more
Why don't you open the door
Why don't you open the door

You lay looking at stars in your own backyard
While your dog runs around and barks at itself in the dark
I don't want to make drastic leaps
I don't want to talk to your machine
Oh I'd like to get to know you just a little bit more
Why don't you open the door
Why don't you open the door

I don't want to stand on your porch step
I don't want another night to forget
I don't want to be the one who's caught in the net
I don't want to know if I'm happy yet
I'd just like to get to know you just a little bit more




Why don't you open the door
Why don't you open the door

Overall Meaning

"An Open Door," by Illinois, is a song that tells a story of a person who wants to connect deeply with someone they admire. The singer calls this person, "Lisa," and expresses their desire to get to know her better. Lisa is different from the singer's other friends because she holds secrets the best, and the singer admires that quality. Lisa is also someone who has traded her soul for "fool's gold" and is scared at the end. These are all reasons why the singer wants to know her better and help her through her fear.


The singer describes Lisa's habits and surroundings, indicating that they have observed her from afar. Lisa lies down in her backyard, looking at the stars, while her dog runs around in the dark. The singer does not want to make any sudden moves but wants to get to know Lisa a little better. Therefore, they ask her to open the door to let them in and start a conversation.


There is a sense of hesitation and fear of being rejected in the singer's tone. They do not want to stand on Lisa's porch and be caught in a situation they might not like. They do not want to forget another night of their life or be unsure of their happiness. However, the singer is still hopeful and wants Lisa to open the door and let them into her world.


Overall, "An Open Door" is a song about human connection and the desire to know someone better. It speaks about the fear and hesitation that comes with building a relationship but also the hope that comes from taking a step towards it.


Line by Line Meaning

Call me, Lisa if you will
Address me as Lisa if that is convenient for you


I got a story for ya
I have an interesting tale to share with you


Call me, Lisa if you mind
If it bothers you, you may call me Lisa


I gotta tell you now
I need to share this with you immediately


You hold secrets the best out of all of our friends
You are the best at keeping secrets among all our friends


Fool's gold, traded your soul
You have given away your soul for something worthless


Scared at the end
Afraid of the inevitable conclusion


But we're all scared at the end
Everyone has fears about the end


I don't want to tell you how
I lack the desire to explain it to you


I don't feel like explaining it now
I am not currently in the mood to provide details


Why don't you open the door
Why not invite me in and allow us to become better acquainted?


You lay looking at stars in your own backyard
You lie, gazing at the stars in your own backyard


While your dog runs around and barks at itself in the dark
Your canine companion dashes around and barks at nothing but darkness


I don't want to make drastic leaps
I do not wish to take dramatic actions


I don't want to talk to your machine
I don't want to have to communicate with your voicemail system


Oh I'd like to get to know you just a little bit more
I am intrigued and desire to become better acquainted


I don't want to stand on your porch step
I have no desire to linger awkwardly on your doorstep


I don't want another night to forget
I refuse to let this evening be like so many others I cannot recall


I don't want to be the one who's caught in the net
I refuse to be ensnared like a helpless creature


I don't want to know if I'm happy yet
I am not ready to consider my own happiness at this moment


Why don't you open the door
I implore you to invite me inside to continue our acquaintance


Why don't you open the door
I eagerly request that you allow me entrance to your abode




Contributed by Levi R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@davidlbrooking

open door is awesome !!! thanks !

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