last time
Justin Townes-Earle Lyrics
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Like all those other times
I'm not going to claim to know what happened I don't
Even know how I got home that night
Maybe I said some things I shouldn't
Maybe I caused a scene
Maybe I broke myself a promise
It won't be the last time
It won't be the last time
It won't be the last time
It won't be the last time
The first time I found love
Lord I was young and I was mean
And I took just what I wanted
From that pretty little thing
And I never told her that I loved her
I could see the want in her eyes
The last time that I saw her
Is when we waved goodbye that night
It won't be the last time
It won't be the last time
It won't be the last time
It won't be the last time
Now when I was young
I was dumb and I was crazy
Now I'm getting old
And I feel this world closing in on me
On a Sunday mornin' sidewalk
Just wishing Lord that I could sleep
I got my hands down in my pockets
Cause I'm shakin' like a leaf
It won't be the last time
It won't be the last time
It won't be the last time
It won't be the last time
The lyrics of Justin Townes-Earle's song "Last Time" contain multiple self-reflective and introspective moments. The song begins with the singer acknowledging that they likely deserve whatever negative consequences they are experiencing due to their previous actions. They refrain from trying to justify their behavior or make excuses, suggesting a level of emotional maturity and self-awareness. The second verse describes a past relationship in which the singer acted callously and selfishly, taking what they wanted without regard for their partner's feelings. They regret not confessing their love for this person and recognize that it was likely the last time they would see them.
The chorus repeats the line "It won't be the last time" four times, emphasizing the idea that the singer understands the cyclical nature of their mistakes and recognizes that they may continue to repeat them. This repetition also creates a sense of resignation and acceptance - the singer is not necessarily hopeful that they can change their ways, but they are aware that their behavior will have consequences.
The final verse describes the singer's current state of mind. They are no longer young and reckless, but instead feel as though the world is closing in on them. The imagery of the Sunday morning sidewalk and the singer's trembling hands suggest anxiety and inner turmoil. Again, the chorus repeats, emphasizing that the cycle of their mistakes may continue.
Overall, the lyrics of "Last Time" offer a thoughtful portrayal of someone who recognizes their shortcomings and struggles with the idea that they may never break free of repeating their past mistakes.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm not going to say I don't deserve it
I acknowledge that I may be deserving of any negative consequences that come from my actions
Like all those other times
This is not the first instance of undeserved consequences from my actions
I'm not going to claim to know what happened I don't
I am unsure of the events that led to these consequences
Even know how I got home that night
I don't recall how I made it home after those events
Maybe I said some things I shouldn't
It is possible that I spoke words that were inappropriate
Maybe I caused a scene
It is possible that I created a disturbance
Maybe I broke myself a promise
I may have gone back on a commitment that I made to myself
That I never meant to keep
I had no intention of breaking my promise
It won't be the last time
I anticipate future instances where my actions may result in negative consequences
The first time I found love
My initial experience with love
Lord I was young and I was mean
At the time of my first experience with love, I was young and not yet matured
And I took just what I wanted
In that relationship, I only took what I needed from my partner
From that pretty little thing
My partner was attractive, and I pursued a relationship with them for that reason
And I never told her that I loved her
I never shared my feelings of love with my partner
I could see the want in her eyes
Despite my lack of emotional expression, I could sense that my partner desired more from me
The last time that I saw her
When we parted ways for the last time
Is when we waved goodbye that night
Our farewell was a simple wave, with no emotional significance attached
Now when I was young
During my youth
I was dumb and I was crazy
My youth was marked by poor decision-making and impulsive behavior
Now I'm getting old
As I age
And I feel this world closing in on me
I am experiencing a sense of confinement or limitation
On a Sunday mornin' sidewalk
The scene is set on a Sunday morning
Just wishing Lord that I could sleep
I long for rest or escape from my thoughts
I got my hands down in my pockets
I hunch my shoulders and bury my hands in my pockets, likely due to nervousness or anxiety
Cause I'm shakin' like a leaf
I feel a tremor or shake in my body, possibly due to nerves or a sense of vulnerability
It won't be the last time
The same behavior, mistakes, and consequences will most likely occur again
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind