Old 97's have been heralded as a great live band. They included five live songs as a bonus disc on Satellite Rides, and released a live double CD set recorded at historic Gruene Hall in 2005, Alive and Wired. Singer/guitarist Rhett Miller has released three solo albums and singer/bassist Murry Hammond released his first solo effort in April 2008. Ken Bethea plays lead guitar for the band and playing the drums/singing is Philip Peeples.
For photographs and additional information see the official website, www.Old97s.com.
Question
Old 97's Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Her head was on fire
Why was he so nervous?
He took her to the park
She crossed her arms
And lowered her eyelids
[Chorus]
A question that
You should say "yes" to
Once in your life
Maybe tonight
I've got a question for you
She'd had no idea
Started to cry,
She said in a good way
He took her by the hand
Walked her back home
They took the long way
[Chorus]
The lyrics to the Old 97's song 'Question' seem to tell a simple love story, but just beneath the surface there's a sense of vulnerability and uncertainty. The first verse begins with the woman waking from a dream with her head on fire. This could be a metaphor for strong emotions, but more likely it's a reference to a headache caused by stress. Her partner is nervous, but we don't know why. They go to the park and the woman crosses her arms and lowers her eyelids, suggesting she's feeling defensive. The chorus hints at what's to come: someday someone is going to ask a question that you should say yes to. It's a warning, but also an invitation.
In the second verse, the woman is overwhelmed when her partner asks a question. She starts crying, but assures him it's in a good way. We don't know what the question is, but it's safe to assume it's a proposal of sorts. The man takes her by the hand and walks her back home, taking the long way. This could be a romantic gesture, or it could be a way to give the woman time to think about what she wants to say. The song leaves the answer up to the listener's imagination.
The ambiguity of the lyrics is part of what makes 'Question' so effective as a love song. It's not just a simple declaration of love, but a complex portrayal of how two people navigate the uncertainty inherent in any relationship. The chorus, which repeats several times throughout the song, feels like a plea to the listener to be open to the unexpected, to take a chance on love, and to say yes to whatever opportunities come your way.
Line by Line Meaning
She woke from a dream
She came to consciousness after seeing a dream
Her head was on fire
She felt a burning sensation in her head
Why was he so nervous?
She questioned why he seemed anxious
He took her to the park
He escorted her to the park
She crossed her arms
She folded her arms across her chest
And lowered her eyelids
She closed her eyes slightly
[Chorus]
The start of the chorus section
Someday somebody's gonna ask you
One day, someone will ask you
A question that
An inquiry that
You should say "yes" to
You must reply in the affirmative
Once in your life
At least once in your lifetime
Maybe tonight
It could be tonight
I've got a question for you
I have an inquiry for you
She'd had no idea
She wasn't aware of anything
Started to cry,
She began to weep
She said in a good way
She explained that her tears were not of sadness but of joy
He took her by the hand
He held her hand
Walked her back home
He accompanied her back to her home
They took the long way
They traveled along a longer route
[Chorus]
The start of the chorus section
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Kendall Bethea, Murry Hammond, Philip Peeples, Simon Ford, Stewart Miller
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind