Because Dreaming Costs Money My Dear
Mitski Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I can still smell the fire
Even though it's long died out
The smoke still hangs in my hair
And on some quiet evenings it burns my eyes

So darling, play your violin
I know it's what you live for
Darling, play your violin
We will manage somehow

I once lived in the sea
Bring me to your ear, you can hear
The tide where I used to be
Though now I'm but a shell
Oh babe
Don't say sorry

Darling, play your violin
I know it's what you live for
Darling, play your violin
We will manage somehow

Don't dare regret anything
Remember what you're here for, you




Just play your violin
And we will manage somehow

Overall Meaning

The song "Because Dreaming Costs Money My Dear" by Mitski revolves around the idea of holding on to memories that leave an indelible mark on a person. The opening lines of the song paint a vivid picture of a residual scent of fire that still lingers years after the fire has died out. It suggests that some memories can be haunting, and even though the physical remains have long disappeared, the emotional scars remain. The line "And on some quiet evenings it burns my eyes" shows that the experience still affects her even when she least expects it.


The song then transitions to a dialogue between two people. The singer addresses her lover and asks them to "play your violin" suggesting that her lover knows how to ease her pain. The line "I know it's what you live for," portrays the idea that the lover understands her and can provide comfort through their music. The mention of playing the violin shows that in difficult times, we often rely on our loved ones' support to get through them.


In the later part of the song, the singer speaks about their past and how they've changed over the years. Despite admitting that they are no longer the same person they once were, they urge their lover not to apologize. The song closes with the reassurance that they will manage somehow and to continue playing the violin, which represents a metaphor for life. It suggests that one should continue to make music despite obstacles and scars that may remain from the past.


Line by Line Meaning

I can still smell the fire
The remnants of a past experience and the emotions associated with it remain with me


Even though it's long died out
Despite the fact that the event or situation itself is no longer present or relevant


The smoke still hangs in my hair
The effects of the experience linger and affect me


And on some quiet evenings it burns my eyes
Sometimes the memories are particularly vivid and overwhelming


So darling, play your violin
In the face of this pain, I find solace in the beauty and joy of music


I know it's what you live for
I understand how important this is to you and value the way it brings you happiness


We will manage somehow
Together, we will find a way to cope with and overcome these hardships


I once lived in the sea
I have experienced a very different way of life in the past


Bring me to your ear, you can hear
If you listen closely, I can describe my experiences and share my perspective with you


The tide where I used to be
The ebb and flow of life, both what I have experienced and what I currently observe in the world


Though now I'm but a shell
Despite having gone through a lot, I feel like I have been stripped down to a hollow shell of myself


Oh babe, Don't say sorry
I don't want to hear apologies for something that is beyond our control or the result of natural change


Don't dare regret anything
We should not focus on the past and what we cannot change


Remember what you're here for, you
Instead, we should focus on our current goals and intentions


Just play your violin
And use the things we love to help us get through the tough times


And we will manage somehow
We will persist, face the difficulties head on, and come out on the other side stronger




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MITSUKI LAYCOCK

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@isav1116

[Verse 1]
I can still smell the fire
Even though it’s long died out
The smoke still hangs in my hair
And on some quiet evenings it burns my eyes

[Chorus]
So darling, play your violin
I know it’s what you live for
Darling, play your violin
We will manage somehow

[Verse 2]
I once lived in the sea
Bring me to your ear, you can hear
The tide where I used to be
Though now I’m but a shell
Oh babe
Don’t say sorry

[Chorus]
Darling, play your violin
I know it’s what you live for
Darling, play your violin
We will manage somehow

[Post-Chorus]
Don’t dare regret anything
Remember what you’re here for, you
Just play your violin
And we will manage somehow



@tearay1073

I can still smell the fire
Even though it's long died out
The smoke still hangs in my hair
And on some quiet evenings it burns my eyes


So darling, play your violin
I know it's what you live for
Darling, play your violin
We will manage somehow


I once lived in the sea
Bring me to your ear, you can hear
The tide where I used to be
Though now I'm but a shell
Oh babe
Don't say sorry


Darling, play your violin
I know it's what you live for
Darling, play your violin
We will manage somehow


Don't dare regret anything
Remember what you're here for, you
Just play your violin
And we will manage somehow



All comments from YouTube:

@mitskileaks

Mitski's new album 'The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We', featuring the song "My Love Mine All Mine" is out now. Watch the music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vx4kLgnFexo

Listen to the album: https://mitski.lnk.to/TLIIASAW

@deerlord5662

Yes

@renisu6521

THANK YOU, MITSKI

@zo.yeahhh

I am so fkin envious of people whose parents support their life choices because it's so scary and lonely when no one encourages you. At least I have this song.

@kiabeth5326

I agree

@foundingdaddy4123

Agree

@OO-ls6fi

agree

@solus8685

I support you
I believe in you
You're doing incredible
Keep doing what you love
Don't listen to those who say otherwise
It's your life and no one but you should have a say in what you do with it or not
💕

@liif7152

@@solus8685 That's some amazing words of encouragement right there! Thanks you for typing those kind words for people who need them :)

8 More Replies...

@tonidu6809

This is basically the mother's response to Class of 2013, and I love it

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