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.
Salome
Old 97's Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I know what goes on inside, it's over before it starts
Stay all night, yeah I'll wait right here
The full moon might work magic, girl but I won't disappear
And I'm tired of makin' friends and I'm tired of makin' time
And I'm sick to death of love and I'm sick to death of tryin'
And it's easier for you, oh it's easier for you
Salome, untie my hands
Well I'll find another lady and you'll wreck another man
It's over now, yeah and so are we
My blood's turned to dirt, girl you broke every part of me
And I'm tired of makin' friends and I'm tired of makin' time
And I'm sick to death of love and I'm sick to death of tryin'
And it's easier for you, oh it's easier for you
And it's easier for you, oh it's easier
And I'm tired of makin' friends and I'm tired of makin' time
And I'm sick to death of love and I'm sick to death of tryin'
And it's easier for you, yeah it's easier for you
And it's easier for you, oh it's easier for you
And it's easier for you, oh it's easier for you, oh
The lyrics to Old 97's's song Salome describe a person's frustration with love and relationships. The singer addresses Salome, a woman whom he knows too well and cannot trust. He is tired of making friends, tired of making time, and sick to death of love and trying. However, Salome seems to have an easier time moving on, and the singer envies that. He speaks of untieing his hands and finding another lady, finally accepting that it's over between them. He's been broken by her and his blood has turned to dirt.
The use of the name Salome is significant in understanding the song's meaning. In the Bible, Salome was the daughter of Herodias and is famous for her role in John the Baptist's beheading. Her dance mesmerizes Herod, and he promises to give her anything she wants. Salome asks for John the Baptist's head on a platter, which he delivers. This story is often interpreted as being about temptation and manipulation, which is reflected in the lyrics of the song. The singer feels like he's been manipulated by Salome, much like the story of the biblical Salome.
Overall, the song Salome is about a toxic relationship and the difficulties of moving on. The singer is feeling frustrated and hurt, while Salome seems to have an easier time of it. The use of the name Salome adds another layer of meaning to the song and highlights the idea of temptation and manipulation.
Line by Line Meaning
Salome, uncross your heart
Salome, stop being deceitful
I know what goes on inside, it's over before it starts
I know you're not being genuine, and our relationship is doomed from the start
Stay all night, yeah I'll wait right here
I'm willing to stick around and wait for you
The full moon might work magic, girl but I won't disappear
I won't magically fix everything, but I won't simply disappear either
And I'm tired of makin' friends and I'm tired of makin' time
I'm sick of socializing and pretending everything is okay
And I'm sick to death of love and I'm sick to death of tryin'
I'm exhausted from failed relationships and trying to make them work
And it's easier for you, oh it's easier for you
You don't seem as affected by our relationship troubles as I am
Salome, untie my hands
Salome, release me from your grasp
Well I'll find another lady and you'll wreck another man
I'll move on and find someone else, while you continue to hurt others
It's over now, yeah and so are we
Our relationship has come to an end
My blood's turned to dirt, girl you broke every part of me
You've hurt me so deeply that I feel broken inside
And it's easier for you, yeah it's easier for you
You seem to be moving on with ease, while I'm struggling
And it's easier for you, oh it's easier for you
You're not as emotionally invested in me as I am in you
And it's easier for you, oh it's easier for you, oh
You're able to move on faster than I am and it hurts me deeply
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: KENDALL DEWAYNE BETHEA, MURRAY HAMMOND, PHILIP WAYNE PEEPLES, STEWART RANSOM MILLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind