Date w/IKEA
Pavement Lyrics


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The actress is always breaking things
The things you made and she took you for
And I'm so tired -- i'd be lying -- I hope the prarie buys you more
The fitness coast is growing near
The shores they don't stay blond this year
That's why the marble lawns stay clear and warm in time

I want to stay but my time is wasting
The magic lands call my name
They want to fire a missle launcher
But I know I need to stay

We all know that by staying here it'll be a good high this year
So what's the use to staying there if you've got no use for time
The fitness coast is growing near
The shores they don't stay blond all year
The continent moves with growing fears
It's all for expensive lawn

I want to stay but my time is wasting
The magic lawns call my name
I want to fire a missle launcher
But I know I need to stay

I know I need to stay
(And fight the day.)
I know I need to stay
(And fight the day.)
I know I need to stay
(And fight the day.)




I know I need to stay
(And fight the day.)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Pavement's song "Date W/Ikea" are somewhat ambiguous, but they seem to be about the desire to leave a relationship or situation that feels stagnant and unfulfilling. The first verse mentions an actress who is constantly breaking things, perhaps reflecting the feeling that the singer's partner is destructive or careless with the things he has worked hard to create. The line "the fitness coast is growing near" could be a reference to the trend of people moving to the West Coast to pursue a healthier lifestyle, or it could simply be a metaphor for the singer's desire to move on and find something new. The third verse mentions a "magic lawn" and a "missile launcher," which seem to represent opposing desires - the desire to escape and explore new horizons, versus the fear of leaving behind what is familiar and safe.


The chorus, with its repetition of "I know I need to stay and fight the day," reinforces the theme of feeling torn between two conflicting desires. The singer wants to leave, but is also aware that staying may be the more responsible choice. Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of restlessness and longing for change, but also a recognition that change may not come easily or without sacrifice.


Line by Line Meaning

The actress is always breaking things
The woman has a habit of breaking objects and possessions.


The things you made and she took you for
The actress has taken advantage of things that were created for her.


And I'm so tired -- i'd be lying -- I hope the prarie buys you more
The singer is exhausted from dealing with the actress and is insincerely wishing that she finds better luck elsewhere.


The fitness coast is growing near
The coastal area that emphasizes health and fitness is becoming more prominent in the region.


The shores they don't stay blond this year
The beaches are not as pristine and perfect as they have been in previous years.


That's why the marble lawns stay clear and warm in time
To compensate for the less-than-perfect shores, the marble lawns remain well-manicured and inviting.


I want to stay but my time is wasting
The singer desires to stay, but realizes that time is being lost.


The magic lands call my name
The desire to explore and travel to new, captivating places is strong within the artist.


They want to fire a missile launcher
There is an inclination towards destructive behavior or weaponry.


But I know I need to stay
Despite these tempting distractions, the artist knows that staying is necessary.


We all know that by staying here it'll be a good high this year
The singer acknowledges that staying put will result in a pleasant experience.


So what's the use to staying there if you've got no use for time
If there is no purpose or value in remaining in a certain place, why bother wasting time there?


The continent moves with growing fears
The landmass of the region is experiencing uneasy changes and trepidation is mounting as a result.


It's all for expensive lawn
All these factors, changes and uncertainties, are being endured and pushed through just for the sake of having and maintaining an ornate and costly lawn.


I know I need to stay (And fight the day.)
The singer knows that sticking around and facing the challenges of the day is crucial.


I know I need to stay (And fight the day.)
The artist repeats that he understands the importance of remaining and facing obstacles.


I know I need to stay (And fight the day.)
Again, the artist reiterates his need to stay and confront the day.


I know I need to stay (And fight the day.)
Once more, the singer emphasizes his determination to stay and tackle the day ahead.




Contributed by William V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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