Nothing Left To Do But Dream
Jolie Holland Lyrics
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And the mountains are too far
And there's nowhere in town
I can get to in my broken car
I've got nowhere to go but to sleep
I would shut my eyes but I've got promises to keep
I can't go crazy and I can't get sane
I've got nowhere to go but to sleep
I would shut my eyes but I've got promises to keep
I remember, I remember something about who we were
I remember, I remember something about who we could be
I've had nothing to do for years but dream
I got reckless and I broke my baby's rule
And I'm sick and restless with the wandering blues
'Cause most of my friends are gone down the line
And I'm sitting in town on the proceeds of my crimes
I've got nowhere to go but to sleep
I would shut my eyes but I've got promises to keep
I took my sister to the river and I came back alone
And this sickness that's on me is settling in my bones
And my daddy is suspicious but I know how he does
He won't find out about it till she's safe down in the mud
With nowhere to go but to sleep
I would follower her down but I've got promises to keep
I remember, I remember something about who we were
I remember, I remember something about who we could be
I've had nothing to do for years but dream
I've had nothing to do for years but dream
The lyrics to Jolie Holland's "Nothing Left To Do But Dream" tell the story of a person who is stuck in their current situation and feels like they have nowhere to go other than to sleep. The character feels overwhelmed by their surroundings and circumstances, as the sun is too bright and the mountains are too far away. They have no way to leave town due to a broken car, and even if they did leave, they would only have to return again. The character is plagued by promises they have made to themselves or others, preventing them from falling into a deep sleep. Despite this, they cannot find a way to maintain their sanity or achieve any sense of peace.
The lyrics suggest that the character has made mistakes and broken promises, leading to feelings of regret and restlessness. They remember a time when things were different and had hopes for what they could have been. However, they are currently stuck with nothing to do but dream. The character feels lost, as many of their friends have moved on with their lives, and they are sitting in town with the proceeds of their past misdeeds. They recall a time when they took their sister to the river but came back alone and now has a feeling of sickness that's settled in their bones. They worry that their father will discover their wrongdoing.
Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of despair and loss, with the character feeling like they are unable to escape their current situation. However, the repetition of the phrase "I've had nothing to do for years but dream" suggests that the character still holds onto hope and the possibility of a better future, even if it seems impossible in the present moment.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, the sun's too bright
The brightness is overwhelming to me.
And the mountains are too far
My destination feels too distant.
And there's nowhere in town
There are no accessible places for me here.
I can get to in my broken car
My car is not functional, making it impossible for me to go anywhere.
I've got nowhere to go but to sleep
Sleep is the only option for me at the moment.
I would shut my eyes but I've got promises to keep
I have responsibilities that prevent me from sleeping.
I can't go crazy and I can't get sane
I am experiencing a state of emotional turmoil that I can't seem to shake.
And I don't want to leave, I'd just have to come back again
I have no desire to leave my current situation, as I know I'll eventually have to return.
I remember, I remember something about who we were
I have fond memories of who we used to be.
I remember, I remember something about who we could be
I have hope for who we could become.
I've had nothing to do for years but dream
I've been stuck in a state of inactivity for years, with only my dreams to provide me with any sense of purpose or motivation.
I got reckless and I broke my baby's rule
I acted recklessly and as a result, broke a promise to my loved one.
And I'm sick and restless with the wandering blues
I am feeling ill and overwhelmed with a sense of aimlessness.
'Cause most of my friends are gone down the line
Most of my friends have moved on, leaving me feeling isolated.
And I'm sitting in town on the proceeds of my crimes
I am stuck in my hometown, with nothing to show for my actions.
I took my sister to the river and I came back alone
I took my sister somewhere and returned alone, with a feeling of sadness.
And this sickness that's on me is settling in my bones
I am feeling physically ill and the feeling is affecting me deeply.
And my daddy is suspicious but I know how he does
My father is suspicious of my actions, but I'm familiar with his behavior and know he won't find out anything.
He won't find out about it till she's safe down in the mud
My father won't discover the truth until it's too late.
With nowhere to go but to sleep
Sleep remains my only option.
I would follow her down but I've got promises to keep
I am unable to join my loved one, as I have obligations to fulfill.
I've had nothing to do for years but dream
Once again reiterating the fact that I've been inactive for years, with only my dreams to rely on.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: JOLIE R HOLLAND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind