Old Flames
Kesha feat. Dolly Parton Lyrics
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I used to take comfort from long before I met you
I caught a spark in his eyes of forgotten desire
With a word, or a touch, I could have rekindled that fire
But old flames can't hold a candle to you
No one can light up the night like you do
Flickering embers of love
But old flames can't hold a candle to you
Oh yeah
Ooh ooh
Like sometimes at night, I think of old lovers I've known
And I remember how holding them helped me not feel so alone (feel so alone)
Then I feel you beside me and even their memories are gone
Like stars in the night lost in the sweet light of dawn
But old flames can't hold a candle to you
No one can light up the night like you do
Flickering embers of love
I've known one or two
But old flames can't hold a candle to you
But old flames can't hold a candle to you
Oh yeah (ooh)
Oh oh, oh yeah
Oh, oh
Ah (ah!)
Ah!
Ah yeah
Old flames can't hold a candle to you
Candle to you
Old flames (oh yeah)
Old flames (oh yeah)
Old flames (oh yeah)
Old flames (oh yeah)
Can't hold a candle to you
The lyrics of "Old Flames," a collaboration between Kesha and Dolly Parton, explore the theme of nostalgia and the power of a current love. The song describes a moment when the singer encounters an old friend who once provided comfort before their current partner came into their life. The friend still seems to hold a spark of desire, and the singer realizes that with just a word or a touch, they could have reignited that past flame.
However, the chorus emphasizes that despite the allure of these old flames, they can't compare to the person the singer is currently with. The current love interest is described as someone who can light up the night like no other, their presence making the memories of old lovers fade away like stars in the morning light.
The song celebrates the strength of the current relationship and the deep connection the singer feels with their partner. It acknowledges the existence of old flames but reaffirms that no one can hold a candle to the one they are with now. Ultimately, it is a declaration of love and a recognition of the special place the current partner holds in the singer's heart.
Line by Line Meaning
Downtown tonight, I saw an old friend, someone who I used to take comfort from long before I met you
While out in the city, I unexpectedly encountered an acquaintance from my past who brought me solace in the days before I knew you
I caught a spark in his eyes of forgotten desire
I noticed a glimmer of lost passion in his gaze
With a word, or a touch, I could have rekindled that fire
A simple phrase or gentle contact from me had the potential to revive that intense affection
But old flames can't hold a candle to you
However, past romantic connections cannot compare to the depth and significance of our relationship
No one can light up the night like you do
Your presence has the extraordinary ability to illuminate and bring happiness to even the darkest moments
Flickering embers of love I've known one or two
I have experienced a couple of fleeting and uncertain love affairs in the past
But old flames can't hold a candle to you
Nevertheless, none of those previous romantic connections can rival the impact you have on my life
Like sometimes at night, I think of old lovers I've known
Occasionally, during nighttime, I reminisce about past partners I have been involved with
And I remember how holding them helped me not feel so alone
I recall how their warmth and closeness provided comfort and alleviated my feelings of loneliness
Then I feel you beside me and even their memories are gone
However, as soon as I sense your presence next to me, any recollection of those past lovers instantly fades away
Like stars in the night lost in the sweet light of dawn
Similar to stars vanishing in the morning sunlight, the memories of these old flames become overshadowed by the beauty and fulfillment you bring into my life
Oh yeah
Expressing agreement and enthusiasm
Ooh ooh
Using vocalization to convey excitement and intrigue
Ah (ah!)
Uttering a short exclamation to convey surprise or realization
Ah yeah
An exclamation of acknowledgement and acceptance
Candle to you
Acknowledging the unmatched significance and impact of your presence in my life
Old flames (oh yeah)
Reflecting on past romantic connections that have since diminished in relevance
Can't hold a candle to you
Expressing the notion that those previous flames cannot compare to the love and happiness you bring
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Hugh Moffatt, Rosemary Patricia Sebert
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind