Slingback Shoes
Murray McLauchlan Lyrics
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Now it's just a drag to see you again
Lookin' for younger and younger men
'Til you find some little boy's heart to break again
But I know that you're lonely
I can see that you're stoned
Take your sling-back shoes and go back home
You're witty and fast
Your words they cut like a knife
You talk of love, but it don't show in your eyes
I've seen you be a coquette
And I've heard you jive
While you look for somebody's blood
To make you feel alive
But I know that you're lonely
I can see that you're stoned
Take your sling-back shoes and go back home
Go back home
You know, I don't need you
Go back home and make love to yourself like you always do
If one of your lovers, runs into me
We might exchange a look of sympathy
The lyrics of Murray McLauchlan's song, Slingback Shoes, tell a story of a man who has grown tired of a woman who constantly pursues younger men and ultimately breaks their hearts. He remarks that she talks of love, but it doesn't show in her eyes. The woman, in search of someone's blood to make her feel alive, is charming and sarcastic, but at her core, she is lonely and stoned. The singer suggests that she take her sling-back shoes and return home.
The song draws a picture of a woman who uses her wit and charm to manipulate others and who takes pleasure in the pain of those who fall for her. The singer no longer wants to be a part of her game and advises her to leave. Despite his disdain for her actions, he recognizes that she is also a victim, left feeling lonely and disconnected from those around her. Through his commentary, the song warns of the potential consequences of constantly seeking out new partners without considering the feelings of others.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm gettin' tired of rememberin' when
I am becoming tired of reminiscing about the past
Now it's just a drag to see you again
Currently, it is mundane to meet you again as it does not bring any joy to me
Lookin' for younger and younger men
Searching for increasingly younger men to keep your interest piqued
'Til you find some little boy's heart to break again
Until you discover a young man you can hurt and leave again
But I know that you're lonely
However, I am aware that you feel isolated and desolate
I can see that you're stoned
I can detect the influence of drugs on you
Take your sling-back shoes and go back home
Please leave with your distinct shoes and return to your place of stay
You're witty and fast
You possess quick mental and verbal abilities
Your words they cut like a knife
Your choice of words can injure one's feelings
You talk of love, but it don't show in your eyes
Even though you speak of love, it isn't reflected in your eyes
I've seen you be a coquette
I have observed you flirt with other men
And I've heard you jive
I have listened to your insignificant and meaningless conversations
While you look for somebody's blood
During your quest for someone to love or involve with
To make you feel alive
To experience the feeling of being alive
Go back home
Return to your place of stay
You know, I don't need you
You are aware that I lack the need for you
Go back home and make love to yourself like you always do
Stimulate yourself like you do persistently in your place of stay
If one of your lovers, runs into me
In case any of your partners encounter me
We might exchange a look of sympathy
We may gaze at each other with compassionate eyes
Contributed by Noah C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
brianrjoseph@post.harvard.edu
on Out Past The Timberline
A really insightful and soulful piece on the rural heart - make that soul - of the Canadian character.