Tenderness On The Block
Jackson Browne & Warren Zevon Lyrics
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Trying to run before she can walk, that's right
She's growing up, she has a young man waiting
She's growing up, she has a young man waiting
Wide eyes, she'll be street-wise
To the lies and the jive talk
But she'll find true love
Daddy, don't you ask her when she's coming in
And when she's home don't ask her where she's been
She's going out, she has a young man waiting
She's going out, can't keep her young man waiting
She'll be okay, let her have her day
'Cause it's a long way, it's a long walk
But she'll find true love
And tenderness on the block
I know how much it hurts to see her go
She has a mind of her own, you know
She's all grown up, she has a young man waiting
She's all grown up, she has a young man waiting
She was wide-eyed, now she's street-wise
To the lies and the jive talk
But she'll find true love
And tenderness on the block
She'll find true love
And tenderness on the block
The song "Tenderness On The Block" by Jackson Browne and Warren Zevon tells the story of a young woman who is growing up and has found a young man waiting for her. The lyrics express the anxiety of a concerned mother and father in watching their daughter leave the safety of their home and venture into the streets. They want to protect her from the dangers of the world, but understand that she needs to experience life on her own terms. The song acknowledges the difficult transition from childhood to adulthood, and the importance of finding love and tenderness in a world that can often be harsh and unforgiving.
The lyrics reveal the universal themes of growing up, leaving home, and finding one's way in the world. The young woman in the song represents the longing for independence and the challenges of navigating a world that can be both exciting and scary. The song is a tribute to the resilience and determination of young people as they enter adulthood, and a call for parents to trust in their children's ability to find their way in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Mama, where's your pretty little girl tonight?
Asking where the daughter is going tonight
Trying to run before she can walk, that's right
The girl is growing up quickly and trying to act beyond her age
She's growing up, she has a young man waiting
The girl is maturing and has a boyfriend waiting for her
Wide eyes, she'll be street-wise
The girl is naive now but will become experienced in city life
To the lies and the jive talk
She'll learn to see through deception and insincere talk
But she'll find true love
She'll ultimately find genuine romantic love
And tenderness on the block
Love is available even in tough urban neighborhoods
Daddy, don't you ask her when she's coming in
Asking the father not to bother the daughter with curfew questions
And when she's home don't ask her where she's been
Similarly asking the father to not ask the daughter about her whereabouts
Can't keep her young man waiting
The daughter has to leave to go on a date with her boyfriend
She'll be okay, let her have her day
Assuring the parents that the daughter will be fine and should enjoy her youth
'Cause it's a long way, it's a long walk
Life is unpredictable and challenging, but the daughter will find her way
I know how much it hurts to see her go
Acknowledging that it's difficult for parents to let their children venture into the world
She has a mind of her own, you know
The daughter is independent and has the right to make her own choices
She was wide-eyed, now she's street-wise
The daughter has learned a lot and gained experience in navigating the city
She'll find true love
Reiterating that the daughter will find genuine love
And tenderness on the block
Love is found even in challenging environments
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: JACKSON BROWNE, WARREN ZEVON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind