Iron & Wine and Calexico have been steady bellwethers of the burgeoning alt-folk scene for years. Both bands have released a grip of albums and EPs, and both have enjoyed consistent praise in music publications and on college campuses. Their collaboration was in the stars, no matter what the critics say, and both bands have delivered on the promise of their earlier work with their remarkably solid EP, In the Reins (2005).
Sixteen Maybe Less
Iron & Wine and Calexico Lyrics
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Between the trees and cicadas singing around the pond
"I spent an hour with you, should I want anything else?"
One grinning wink like the neon on a liquor store
We were sixteen, maybe less, maybe a little more
I walked home smiling, I finally had a story to tell
Sang our newborn love to sleep
My brother told me he saw you there
In the woods one Christmas Eve, waiting
I met my wife at a party, when I drank too much
My son is married and tells me we don't talk enough
Call it predictable, yesterday my dream was of you
Beyond the ridge to the west, the sun had left the sky
Between the trees and the pond, you put your hand in mine
Said, "Time has bridled us both, but I remember you too"
And though an autumn time lullaby
Sang our newborn love to sleep
I dreamt I traveled and found you there
In the woods one Christmas Eve, waiting
The lyrics to Iron & Wine and Calexico's song Sixteen Maybe Less, tell a story of two former lovers who come together again after many years. The song begins with a conversation between the two characters where the girl asks the boy what he wants in life, and the boy is content with just spending time with her. The lyrics also describe their past when they were sixteen, and how they shared a moment that left the boy with a story to tell.
The second half of the song talks about how life has changed for both of them, the boy is now married with a son, but still dreams about the girl. They meet again years later and reminisce about their past. The lyrics reflect a sense of nostalgia and longing for a past that cannot be regained.
The song's structure is unique, featuring two separate narratives that intersect at the end when the characters reunite. The lyrics are poignant and evocative, creating vivid imagery of memories and emotions. The reference to the woods on Christmas Eve adds to the atmospheric quality of the song, emphasizing the magical and mysterious aspects of their past.
Line by Line Meaning
Beyond the ridge to the left, you asked me what I want
As we gazed into the distant hills, you pondered my desires
Between the trees and cicadas singing around the pond
The serene sounds of nature surrounded us, creating an idyllic setting
"I spent an hour with you, should I want anything else?"
After sharing such a pleasant time, what could I possibly need?
One grinning wink like the neon on a liquor store
Your playful gesture made my heart race like a flashing sign on a late-night bar
We were sixteen, maybe less, maybe a little more
At that young age, who knows how old we were or what the future would hold
I walked home smiling, I finally had a story to tell
With joy in my heart, I went home with an experience worth sharing
And though an autumn time lullaby
Sang our newborn love to sleep
As our love blossomed in the fall, the calming melody of the season lulled us to a peaceful slumber
My brother told me he saw you there
In the woods one Christmas Eve, waiting
My brother claimed to have spotted you in the woods on a magical Christmas Eve, waiting for something or someone
I met my wife at a party, when I drank too much
My spouse and I first crossed paths at a social gathering, when I had imbibed a little too much
My son is married and tells me we don't talk enough
Now that my child is wed, they feel that we don't communicate as much as they would like
Call it predictable, yesterday my dream was of you
Perhaps it's cliché, but last night my slumber was filled with thoughts of you
Beyond the ridge to the west, the sun had left the sky
As we looked off to the horizon, the sun had already disappeared from view
Between the trees and the pond, you put your hand in mine
In the midst of nature's beauty, your sweet gesture of affection touched my heart
"Time has bridled us both, but I remember you too"
Even though the years may have changed us, our memories of each other are still vivid and strong
And though an autumn time lullaby
Sang our newborn love to sleep
As our romance began in the fall, the soothing harmony of the season helped us drift off to a peaceful slumber
I dreamt I traveled and found you there
In the woods one Christmas Eve, waiting
In my dreams, I embarked on a journey and discovered you in the woods on a mystical Christmas Eve, waiting for something or someone
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SAMUEL ERVIN BEAM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind