Your Way
Pauls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
"The answer is easy if you take it logically
I'd like to help you in your struggle to be free
There must be fifty ways to leave your lover"
She said, "It's really not my habit to intrude
Furthermore, I hope my meaning won't be lost or misconstrued
But I'll repeat myself at the risk of being crude
There must be fifty ways to leave your lover
You just slip out the back, Jack
Make a new plan, Stan
You don't need to be coy, Roy
Just get yourself free
Hop on the bus, Gus
You don't need to discuss much
Just drop off the key, Lee
And get yourself free
Ooh, slip out the back, Jack
Make a new plan, Stan
You don't need to be coy, Roy
You just listen to me
Hop on the bus, Gus
You don't need to discuss much
Just drop off the key, Lee
And get yourself free
She said, "It grieves me so to see you in such pain
I wish there was something I could do to make you smile again"
I said, "I appreciate that and would you please explain
About the fifty ways?"
She said, "Why don't we both just sleep on it tonight?
And I believe in the morning you'll begin to see the light"
And then she kissed me and I realized she probably was right
There must be fifty ways to leave your lover
Fifty ways to leave your lover
You just slip out the back, Jack
Make a new plan, Stan
You don't need to be coy, Roy
Just get yourself free
Oh, you hop on the bus, Gus
You don't need to discuss much
Just drop off the key, Lee
And get yourself free
Slip out the back, Jack
Make a new plan, Stan
You don't need to be coy, Roy
You just listen to me
Hop on the bus, Gus
You don't need to discuss much
Just drop off the key, Lee
And get yourself free
In "Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover," Paul Simon explores the concept of finding multiple ways to end a relationship. The song begins with a conversation between two individuals, where one person tries to offer advice and support to the other who seems to be struggling. The person suggests that the problem lies within the other person's mind and that the solution is easily attainable if approached logically. They express a desire to help the individual find freedom from their relationship, noting that there must be multiple ways to achieve this.
As the song progresses, the person lists various options for leaving a lover, each one introduced with a different name. The names, such as Jack, Stan, Roy, and Gus, could be symbolic of different approaches or personas one could adopt when seeking to end a relationship. The repetition of these names in the chorus emphasizes the idea that there are numerous ways to approach the situation.
Towards the end of the song, the person acknowledges the pain the other person is experiencing and expresses a desire to see them happy again. They suggest taking some time to reflect on the situation, hoping that in the morning, clarity will arise. With a kiss, the song concludes with the affirmation that indeed, there must be fifty ways to leave a lover.
Overall, "Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover" explores the different strategies and mindsets one could adopt when ending a relationship, suggesting that there is no one-size-fits-all approach and that everyone's situation is unique.
Line by Line Meaning
The problem is all inside your head
She suggests that the problem is not external but originates from the person's own thoughts and perspectives.
The answer is easy if you take it logically
By approaching the situation with logic and reason, finding a solution becomes simple and straightforward.
I'd like to help you in your struggle to be free
She expresses her willingness to support the person in their endeavor to break free from their current situation.
There must be fifty ways to leave your lover
She suggests that there are numerous strategies or approaches one can take to end a romantic relationship.
It's really not my habit to intrude
She clarifies that she does not usually interfere or impose her opinions on others.
Furthermore, I hope my meaning won't be lost or misconstrued
She adds that she desires her intent to be clearly understood without any confusion or misinterpretation.
But I'll repeat myself at the risk of being crude
Despite the possibility of sounding impolite or offensive, she is willing to reiterate her point.
You just slip out the back, Jack
One way to leave your lover is by quietly and discreetly exiting the relationship.
Make a new plan, Stan
Creating a fresh strategy or course of action can aid in ending the romantic connection.
You don't need to be coy, Roy
Being indirect or playing games is unnecessary when it comes to leaving your lover.
Just get yourself free
The ultimate goal is to liberate oneself from the relationship's constraints and find personal freedom.
Hop on the bus, Gus
Another method is to simply leave by boarding a bus or any means of transportation.
You don't need to discuss much
Having extensive conversations or debates is not essential in the process of ending the romantic involvement.
Just drop off the key, Lee
Returning the key to the lover and relinquishing access to shared spaces signifies the conclusion of the relationship.
And get yourself free
By taking these steps, the person will achieve their desired freedom.
It grieves me so to see you in such pain
She expresses deep sadness and compassion for witnessing the person's anguish.
I wish there was something I could do to make you smile again
She conveys her desire to bring happiness back into the person's life and alleviate their sorrow.
I appreciate that and would you please explain
The person acknowledges her sentiment and requests further explanation or clarification.
Why don't we both just sleep on it tonight?
She suggests that they both take some time to reflect and gain a fresh perspective by resting overnight.
And I believe in the morning you'll begin to see the light
She holds a confident belief that by the next morning, the person will gain understanding and clarity about their situation.
And then she kissed me and I realized she probably was right
Upon receiving her affectionate gesture, the person comprehends that her advice is likely correct.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Paul Simon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind