Overnight On Nicollet
Mainstay Lyrics
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That made me set out on my own
I said my goodbyes and left You behind
Growing up is getting old
Bring back the memories
Bring back that smile because I've outgrown them
Now I remember but everything's changed
Must have been the April thaw
That made me hunger for Your arms
You welcomed me back and you held me close
Overnights don't seem so cold
Bring back the memories
Bring back that smile because I've outgrown them
Now I remember but everything's changed
Still I'm captivated by that face You wear tonight
Familiar but it looks so new in streetlight - in this light
The song "Overnight On Nicollet" by Mainstay delves into the emotions of someone who has left their past behind and is starting anew. The lyrics suggest that the singer may have gone through some hardships in the past that made them leave everything behind. It could be a reference to a past relationship that they couldn't hold on to anymore, or a painful memory of growing up. They mention that they have outgrown their memories and the smiles associated with them, but they are still captivated by the face of a person they left behind. This face is familiar to them, but it looks new, and they are drawn to it again.
As the song progresses, the singer describes a longing for something that they left behind. They mention "April thaw" as a metaphor for this longing, and how they were hungering for love and acceptance. The person they left behind welcomed them back and held them close, making their cold nights less lonely. The singer doesn't regret leaving their past behind, but they do feel an ache for what they lost.
The song's message is powerful and resonates with anyone who has left something behind in order to start anew. It speaks about the comfort that comes from familiarity, even if it's just a face. The song suggests that moving on doesn't mean forgetting everything from the past, but rather accepting it and finding closure.
Line by Line Meaning
Must have been that winter cold
The singer believes the cold weather led to them leaving home and going on their own.
That made me set out on my own
The singer left home, independent and alone.
I said my goodbyes and left You behind
The singer parted ways, cutting ties with someone important to them.
Growing up is getting old
The artist is disillusioned with the realities of becoming an adult and yearns for the past.
Bring back the memories
The artist wishes to revisit fond recollections of the past.
Bring back that smile because I've outgrown them
The singer has moved on from their nostalgia and recognizes they can't relive the past.
Now I remember but everything's changed
The singer remembers the past, but everything is different now.
Still I'm captivated by that face You wear tonight
The artist is still drawn to a familiar face, which holds a nostalgic meaning to them.
Must have been the April thaw
The arrival of spring and the melting of snow sparked a desire for warmth and affection in the artist.
That made me hunger for Your arms
The artist yearned for someone to hold them close.
You welcomed me back and you held me close
The singer reunited with someone from their past who provided them with comfort and intimacy.
Overnights don't seem so cold
Being with the other person provides warmth, making the night not feel so cold and lonely.
Familiar but it looks so new in streetlight - in this light
The singer recognizes the person they are with, but the current situation makes it appear as if they are seeing them in a new light.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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