Carmen
Olivia Dean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You found a door and held it open
No way to know how to make a home
In someone else's motherland
You transplanted a family tree
And a part of it grew into me
You're stronger than I'll ever be
I'll throw it for you, Carmen, Carmen
I will
The only place I wanna stand
Holding on to grandma's hands
Let them adore you, Carmen, Carmen
I will
Carmen, Carmen
Look at all the trouble that you made
Carved your initials in this island
But the Weetabix don't taste the same
And we're all talking to our phones
But you reigned over a family tree
And I'll carefully carry the seeds
You're stronger than I'll ever be
Never got a jubilee
I'll throw it for you, Carmen, Carmen
I will
The only place I wanna stand
Holding on to grandma's hands
Let them adore you, Carmen, Carmen
I will
Carmen, Carmen, Carmen
I will
You're stronger than I'll ever be
Never got a jubilee
I'll throw it for you, Carmen, Carmen
I will
The only place I wanna stand
Holding on to grandma's hands
Let them adore you, Carmen, Carmen
I will (mm)
Carmen, Carmen
I'm still (I will)
Carmen (I will)
I will (I will, I will)
(Carmen, Carmen) Carmen, Carmen
I'm still, I'm still, oh
Carmen
Carmen, Carmen, Carmen
Carmen
Stronger than I'll ever be (Carmen)
(Carmen, Carmen, Carmen, Carmen)
Only place I wanna stand (Carmen)
Carmen, Carmen, Carmen, mm
Carmen, Carmen, I'm still
Carmen
I will
Carmen, Carmen
I'm still, I'm still, oh
The song "Carmen" by Olivia Dean pays homage to her grandmother and explores themes of strength, resilience, and the connection to one's roots. The lyrics depict Olivia's admiration for her grandmother, who immigrated to a new country and built a life there, symbolized by the line "You found a door and held it open." Despite the challenges of residing in a foreign land, her grandmother created a sense of home, represented by the line "No way to know how to make a home in someone else's motherland." Olivia acknowledges the significant role her grandmother played in her own identity, as she sings, "You transplanted a family tree, and a part of it grew into me."
The chorus highlights Olivia's desire to celebrate her grandmother's strength and legacy. She expresses that her grandmother deserves recognition, even though she may not have received the same recognition during her lifetime. The line "You're stronger than I'll ever be, never got a jubilee" reflects Olivia's acknowledgement of her grandmother's resilience and the absence of any grand celebration in her honor. Olivia affirms her commitment to honor her grandmother's legacy and make it known, singing, "I'll throw it for you, Carmen, Carmen, I will."
Throughout the song, Olivia contrasts the differences between her grandmother's homeland and their current residence. She notes that certain aspects of life have changed, such as the taste of Weetabix, which implies a longing for the familiarity of their home country. However, despite the challenges and adjustments, Olivia recognizes the importance of preserving her grandmother's heritage and promises to carry on the family lineage, stating, "But you reigned over a family tree, and I'll carefully carry the seeds."
Overall, "Carmen" expresses Olivia Dean's deep appreciation for her grandmother's strength and perseverance as an immigrant, her commitment to preserving her legacy, and the complexities of the immigrant experience.
Line by Line Meaning
First time on a plane eighteen, you came
It was your first time flying at eighteen, and you arrived
You found a door and held it open
You discovered an opportunity and helped others access it
No way to know how to make a home
There was no guide on how to establish a sense of belonging
In someone else's motherland
In a foreign country that wasn't your own
You transplanted a family tree
You uprooted your family's history
And a part of it grew into me
And it shaped who I am
You're stronger than I'll ever be
You possess a strength I can never match
Never got a jubilee
You never received a celebration or recognition
I'll throw it for you, Carmen, Carmen
I will create a spectacular event for you, Carmen
The only place I wanna stand
The only place I desire to be
Holding on to grandma's hands
Grasping onto the hands of our grandmother
Let them adore you, Carmen, Carmen
Allow others to admire and appreciate you, Carmen
Look at all the trouble that you made
Reflect on the impact and challenges you have caused
Carved your initials in this island
You left a lasting mark on this place
But the Weetabix don't taste the same
But things are not as they once were
And we're all talking to our phones
And now, we communicate mostly through our phones
But you reigned over a family tree
But you took charge of our family heritage
And I'll carefully carry the seeds
And I will protect and nurture our family's legacy
Carmen, Carmen, Carmen, Carmen
Carmen, Carmen, Carmen, Carmen
I'm still, I'm still, oh
I am still here, I remain
Only place I wanna stand
The only place I desire to be
Carmen, Carmen, Carmen, mm
Carmen, Carmen, Carmen, mm
Carmen, Carmen, I'm still
Carmen, Carmen, I am still
I will
I will
Carmen, Carmen
Carmen, Carmen
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Olivia Dean, Matt Hales
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Victoria Lamas
First time on a plane, 18, you came
You found a door and held it open
No way to know how to make a home
In someone else's motherland
You transplanted a family tree
And a part of it grew into me
You're stronger than I'll ever be
Never got a jubilee
I'll throw it for you, Carmen
Carmen, I will
The only place I wanna stand
Holding on to grandma's hands
Let them adore you, Carmen
Carmen, I will
Carmen, Carmen
Look at all the trouble that you made
Carved your initials in this island
But the Weetabix don't taste the same
And we're all talking to our phones
But you reigned over a family tree
And I'll carefully carry the seeds
You're stronger than I'll ever be
Never got a jubilee
I'll throw it for you, Carmen
Carmen, I will
The only place I wanna stand
Holding on to grandma's hands
Let them adore you, Carmen
Carmen, I will
Carmen, Carmen, Carmen, I will
You're stronger than I'll ever be
Never got a jubilee
I'll throw it for you, Carmen
Carmen, I will
The only place I wanna stand
Holding on to grandma's hands
Let them adore you, Carmen
Carmen, I will
Carmen, Carmen, I'm still
Carmen, I will
Carmen, Carmen
I'm still, I'm still, oh
Stronger than I'll ever be
Carmen, Carmen, I will
Only place I wanna stand
Carmen, Carmen, I will
Carmen, Carmen, I'm still
Carmen, I will
Carmen, Carmen
I'm still, I'm still, oh
Percy Deftonhell
This is the first time i can say im in love with every song of an Artist, i hope olivia bring a concert in Perú someday.
Brooklyn Williams
I’ve been listening to this song on Spotify all day! It’s so sweet and adorable! Reminiscing about the memories I cherish of my grandma ✨
Steven Bradly
I lost my Mum a long time ago but I still have both Grandmas
Steven Bradly
My Mum's Mum will be 101 in late November
Sherville Clarke-Lewis
Wow let me tell you, your writing is impeccable, absolutely brilliant! When I read the lyrics to Carmen it involuntarily rendered a tear from my eye. I appreciate you, thank you for being brave enough to share your gift with the world.
Burner Account
my fav song on the album. She's super amazing
marie elizabeth
forever blown away by you miss olivia this is so beautiful
Christian Sarkar
Roots, shoots, branches, leaves, fruit - we are one family. Well done, OD!
Júlia Marques
this is so so lovely. thank you for reminiscing through this and allowing us to reminisce with you <3
Franck
What a fresh beautiful discovery of music you are miss Dean ❤❤❤