Refugee
Melissa Etheridge Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ain't no real big secret, all the same, somehow we get around it
Oh listen, it don't really matter to me, baby
You believe what you wanna believe
You see, you don't have to live like a refugee, no
Somewhere, somehow, somebody must have kicked you around some
Honey, it don't make no difference to me, baby
Everybody has to fight to be free
You see, you don't have to live like a refugee
(Don't have to live like a refugee)
Oh baby, you don't have to live like a refugee
(Don't have to live like a refugee)
Oh baby, we ain't the first
I'm sure a lot of other lovers been cursed
Right now it seems real to you, but it's
One of those things you gotta feel to be true
Somewhere, somehow, somebody must have kicked you around some
Who knows maybe you were kidnapped
Tied up taken away and held for ransom
Honey, it don't really matter to me, baby
Oh, everybody's had to fight to be free
You see, you don't have to live like a refugee
(Don't have to live like a refugee)
No baby, you don't have to live like a refugee
(Don't have to live like a refugee)
No baby, you don't have to live like a refugee
(Don't have to live like a refugee)
Oh, oh, oh, oh, yeah
(Don't have to live like a refugee)
Oh baby, you don't have to live like a refugee
The lyrics of "Refugee" by Melissa Etheridge speak about a deep connection between two people who have been through tough times. They have a bond that they both know exists, but they don't need to talk about it too much. Although their past traumas and emotional baggage might make them feel like they are living like a refugee, Melissa sings that they don't have to be stuck in that mindset. They can choose to believe in something better and refuse to be defined by their troubled past.
The second verse is a rallying cry for those who have been kicked around by life. The person Melissa is addressing might have experienced some form of persecution or suffered some trauma that is holding them back in life. She encourages them to break free from the negative cycle and embrace their right to freedom. She acknowledges that fighting for freedom can be challenging, but in the end, it is worth it.
Overall, the song is a message of hope and empowerment. It reminds listeners that they don't have to let their past define their future, and freedom is achievable for everyone who is willing to fight for it.
Line by Line Meaning
We got somethin', we both know it, we don't talk too much about it
We have a connection, an understanding that we don't need to verbalize
Ain't no real big secret, all the same, somehow we get around it
There's no hidden agenda, yet we still manage to navigate any issues that arise
Oh listen, it don't really matter to me, baby
I'm willing to listen, and whatever you say won't change my feelings towards you
You believe what you wanna believe
I won't try to sway your opinion, you have the freedom to believe what you want
You see, you don't have to live like a refugee, no
You don't have to feel like a victim or be trapped in a difficult situation
Somewhere, somehow, somebody must have kicked you around some
It seems like you've been through a lot of hardship because of someone else's actions
Tell me why you want to lay there and revel in your abandon
Why are you choosing to live in despair and not trying to make a change?
Honey, it don't make no difference to me, baby
Regardless of what happened to you, I care about you regardless
Everybody has to fight to be free
Everyone experiences barriers or obstacles that they have to overcome to achieve freedom
Oh baby, we ain't the first
We're not the only ones who have faced challenges in life and in love
I'm sure a lot of other lovers been cursed
Many other couples have probably faced challenges or barriers to their relationship
Right now it seems real to you, but it's
The pain and hardship you're experiencing is valid, but it won't last forever
One of those things you gotta feel to be true
You have to experience something for yourself to truly understand it
Who knows maybe you were kidnapped
We don't know the extent of what happened to you, but it must have been difficult
Tied up taken away and held for ransom
You might have been physically restrained or emotionally trapped
No baby, you don't have to live like a refugee
You don't have to feel like you're trapped or have no control over your own life
Oh, oh, oh, oh, yeah
Oh baby, you don't have to live like a refugee
You don't have to feel like you're stuck in a situation that you can't escape
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Michael W. Campbell, Tom Petty
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
AJ Johnson
Saw her in concert and she sang this, at the time I was in an abusive marriage. When she sang this it felt like she was singing to me. I fucking cried. It was so beautiful. Little did I know, this was the beginning of the end of that horrid relationship. I'm now three years free. I am a survivor and whenever I feel like I need to hear it I crank up this song and give myself a release.
Nick S
She definitely gives the song another perspective.
My mom and dad didn’t get along too well when i was in my youth.
When we went on long drives with mom, and dad wasn’t around, she’d always turn this song up,
And I completely understand why now.
They split a few years later.
The hard part is, my mom didn’t end up anywhere any better.
Charles Hall
You should find a way to tell her.
Michael Smith
I was today years old when I learned that she remade this song....OMFG it's so good!!!!
msglimmertwin52
This woman sings her heart out, every time she sings. Wow.
GodsOwn Fool
Jeremiah 17:9: THE HEART is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick.
CHRISTOPHER STORY
Forceful, heartfelt, tentative, vulnerable all at the same time...a perfect display of M.E.'s interpretive gifts ❤👍😎
Sherman Smith
One of the most powerful female vocalists out there. Effortless.
Steven Bates
This is a great version of a great Tom Petty song,would have been awesome to see them rocking this together.
Becky C
❤❤❤
One of my All Time Favourites.
Timeless lyrics, awesome singing, impeccable guitar. Forever relevant xxx