Hollywood
Kasey Chambers Lyrics
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I would hold my head up high
And if I was in a movie
I would never be this shy
I would shout out loud and be so proud
Of what I have to say
And if I was in a movie
I would never let you get away
If I was in a movie
I would stand the test of time
If I was in a movie
I would get away with crime
I would run so fast
And always last the distance of the day
And if I was in a movie
I would never let you get away
[Chorus]
This is not Hollywood
There is no camera in my room
This is not Hollywood
The flowers grow before they bloom
Well you can hide away when you walk in dusky light of night
This is not Hollywood
This is my life
If I was in a movie
I would never be this sad
If I was in a movie
I would have more than I have
I would show the world I'm just a girl
Who has so much to say
And if I was in a movie
I would never have let you get away
[Chorus]
Yeah this is not Hollywood, this is my life
Kasey Chambers's song "Hollywood" is a reflection on the glamour and grandeur of Hollywood movies, and how she imagined her life would be different if she had the same confidence and fearlessness that the characters in movies possess. In the first stanza, she imagines how she would hold her head high and be unafraid to speak her mind if she were in a movie. She wants to be seen as confident and self-assured, and never let the man she loves get away from her. In the second stanza, she imagines that in a movie, she would "get away with crime," "run so fast," and "stand the test of time." Essentially, if she could live her life in a movie, she feels that she could accomplish anything.
However, in the chorus, Kasey brings herself back to reality, reminding herself and the listener that "this is not Hollywood." She is not a character in a movie, but rather a real person living her life. The flowers grow before they bloom, and she cannot hide away from the realities of life. She acknowledges that her life may not be perfect or glamorous, but it is her life to live, embrace and enjoy. In the final stanza, Kasey acknowledges that in her real life, she cannot escape sadness and disappointment, but she still has a lot to say and wants to show the world who she is. The overarching message of the song is that life is not a movie, but that should not stop us from living boldly and confidently.
Line by Line Meaning
If I was in a movie
If everything in my life was as perfect as in a movie
I would hold my head up high
I would be confident and self-assured
And if I was in a movie
If everything in my life was as perfect as in a movie
I would never be this shy
I wouldn’t be timid or reserved
I would shout out loud and be so proud
I would express myself boldly and confidently
Of what I have to say
Of my thoughts and feelings
And if I was in a movie
If everything in my life was as perfect as in a movie
I would never let you get away
I wouldn’t let someone leave me if I truly cared for them
I would stand the test of time
My love and determination would withstand any obstacle
I would get away with crime
I could break the law without facing any consequences
I would run so fast
I would be agile and quick
And always last the distance of the day
And I would make it through any challenge I faced
This is not Hollywood
My life isn’t just a movie
There is no camera in my room
My life isn’t being filmed for everyone’s entertainment
The flowers grow before they bloom
My life has a natural order and progression
Well you can hide away when you walk in dusky light of night
At night, I can retreat and reflect in private
This is not Hollywood
My life isn’t just a movie
This is my life
This is my reality and what I must make of it
If I was in a movie
If everything in my life was as perfect as in a movie
I would never be this sad
I wouldn’t feel as emotional pain or suffering
If I was in a movie
If everything in my life was as perfect as in a movie
I would have more than I have
I would have greater success, wealth, and happiness
I would show the world I'm just a girl
I would prove that I can accomplish anything despite my gender
Who has so much to say
Who has valuable thoughts and ideas to share
And if I was in a movie
If everything in my life was as perfect as in a movie
I would never have let you get away
I would fight to keep someone I love close to me
This is not Hollywood, this is my life
My life is my own and I must face my own struggles and triumphs
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: HENRY NICOLA MANCINI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
avn rulz
I've loved her music, since I first heard it in 2001. Love the fact she keeps her family closely involved.
Don Trewin
Kasey I absolutly love everything you do.
Yesica1993
She is so wonderful. I can't wait to see her in Chicago next month!
TrickMerciless
I'm a little embarrassed to say it, being a 29 year old man and all... but this song makes me smile every time I hear it... such an innocent sentiment combined with such a charming voice, you can't help but be happy when you hear it :)
Katty Anne
I got offered a scholarship into a school for performing this song xD
Jane Lane
too sweet for prime time 💙🌹
Danielle Elana
Kind of a movie