Carmen
Paula Cole Lyrics


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Carmen I don't know I don't know I don't know if I can go back
Carmen I'll never be never be never be the same again
Carmen
Carmen
Carmen
Carmen
Carmen
Carmen
The way you set the table
The way you lean to tell me something soft
The way I can see into you
The way you tell me I talk too much about myself
It's true I talk too much about myself
But right now all I want to talk about is you now
Carmen I don't know I don't know I don't know if I can go back
Carmen I'll never be never be never be the same again
Carmen
Carmen
Carmen
Carmen
Carmen
Carmen
I love the way you think
Is it biological or all the acid
You've eaten
Just take me into your body
I want to be drunk I want to be high
I want to be drunk I want to be high on you
Carmen, I don't know I don't know I don't know if I can go back
Carmen I'll never be never be never be the same again
Carmen
Carmen
Carmen
Carmen
Carmen
Carmen
I don't know I don't know I don't know
I don't know I don't know I don't know
If I can go go go go go go go go back home
I don't know I don't know I don't know




I don't know I don't know I don't know
If I can be seen again

Overall Meaning

The song "Carmen" by Paula Cole is about a woman named Carmen who the singer is deeply infatuated with. The song highlights the way Carmen approaches life - and specifically, the way she interacts with others. She is seemingly confident and alluring, setting the table in a way that draws others in and leaning in to share something intimate. However, despite this, the singer also picks up on Carmen's vulnerability, and notes that she appears to hide some of her emotions. Ultimately, the singer is left conflicted - unsure if they can return to their previous life after meeting someone like Carmen, and recognizing that they will never be the same after this encounter.


The repeated "Carmen" throughout the song serves to emphasize the impact that this woman has had on the singer. The way that she sets the table and leans in to share something intimate is romanticized, as it shows how she has a way of making others feel special and loved. The singer, in contrast, recognizes that they often talk too much about themselves and want to focus solely on Carmen.


Overall, "Carmen" is a song about a transformative encounter that awakens the singer to the possibility of something greater than their current reality, and leaves them conflicted about whether they can go back to their old ways.


Line by Line Meaning

Carmen I don't know I don't know I don't know if I can go back
The singer is unsure if she can return to her previous state after interacting with Carmen.


Carmen I'll never be never be never be the same again
The singer has gone through a transformative experience after encountering Carmen and can never go back to her old self.


Carmen
The singer repeats Carmen's name as a way of emphasizing how much this person has affected her.


The way you set the table
The singer admires the way Carmen pays attention to small details, such as how she sets the table.


The way you lean to tell me something soft
Carmen has a gentle and caring way of communicating with the singer.


The way I can see into you
The singer feels a deep connection with Carmen and can understand her on a profound level.


The way you tell me I talk too much about myself
Carmen has pointed out to the singer that she tends to focus too much on herself in conversations.


It's true I talk too much about myself
The singer acknowledges that she has a tendency to be self-centered in her interactions with others.


But right now all I want to talk about is you now
Despite her self-centered tendencies, the singer is currently preoccupied with discussing Carmen and their relationship.


I love the way you think
The singer admires Carmen's intellect and the way she approaches life.


Is it biological or all the acid / You've eaten
The singer is curious about what makes Carmen's mind work the way it does and wonders if it's due to her biology or past experiences.


Just take me into your body
The singer desires a physical and emotional connection with Carmen.


I want to be drunk I want to be high / I want to be drunk I want to be high on you
The singer wants to experience an intense emotional high with Carmen, similar to the sensations of being intoxicated.


I don't know I don't know I don't know / If I can go go go go go go go go back home
The singer is unsure if she can return to her previous life after experiencing such a profound connection with Carmen.


I don't know I don't know I don't know / If I can be seen again
The singer isn't sure if she can face Carmen again after having such intense feelings for her.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: PAULA COLE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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