Strings of Nashville
Pavement Lyrics


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Don't be a toy on the back of a magazine, don't,
Don't be a toy, on the back of a magazine,
There's a caricature no one reads
I know you've got a lot of special things to do with me I'm through,
I know, it's alright, sing along.

Practice everything you preach you nun,
I got none today, expecting none tomorrow,
And tomorrow after that release the strings of Nashville,
And watch the songs expire.

And silence is danger, but its not required here, so why you scared?
I know, you got a lot of special things to do,




With me I'm through, I know, its alright.
Sing a song, get you through the night.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Pavement's song Strings of Nashville can be interpreted in various ways but its underlying themes revolve around not allowing oneself to be objectified or stereotyped, the importance of authenticity, and the power of music. The first verse warns against being reduced to a mere object or a caricature, which is a common occurrence in the media industry. The repetitive line "Don't be a toy on the back of a magazine" emphasizes the need to avoid being a mindless commodity with no substance. The singer acknowledges the special bond he has with someone but is resigned to moving on from it. The line "I know you've got a lot of special things to do with me I'm through" could mean that despite their connection, the singer is aware that their paths must diverge for personal growth.


The second verse seems to criticize religious hypocrisy, where the phrase "Practice everything you preach you nun, I got none today, expecting none tomorrow" implies that even the pious can fall short of their commitments. The line "release the strings of Nashville, and watch the songs expire" suggests that there is a need to let go of expectations or limitations that prevent creativity from flourishing. The singer recognizes that "silence is danger," indicating that suppressing true feelings and experiences could be detrimental to one's well-being. However, the lyrics conclude that music has the power to heal and uplift, as expressed in the line "Sing a song, get you through the night."


Overall, Strings of Nashville can be interpreted as a call to reject conformity and pursue authenticity while also emphasizing the cathartic value of music.


Line by Line Meaning

Don't be a toy on the back of a magazine, don't,
Do not be reduced to a mere object on a magazine cover, do not succumb.


Don't be a toy, on the back of a magazine,
Refuse to be commodified and exploited as a mere toy on a magazine backdrop.


There's a caricature no one reads
You are more than a two-dimensional caricature that no one genuinely cares to read or understand.


I know you've got a lot of special things to do with me I'm through,
I acknowledge that you have significant aspirations and dreams of partnering with me. However, I have given up on fulfilling them.


I know, it's alright, sing along.
It's okay, give in to your emotions and sing along to this song.


Practice everything you preach you nun,
Live out your beliefs in words and action, just like a nun.


I got none today, expecting none tomorrow,
I have nothing today and do not anticipate having anything tomorrow.


And tomorrow after that release the strings of Nashville,
After tomorrow and in the future, break free from the hold that Nashville's music industry has on you.


And watch the songs expire.
And see how the songs wither away and lose their magic in the absence of your creative energy and contribution.


And silence is danger, but its not required here, so why you scared?
Although silence can be perilous, it is not necessary in this situation. So why are you afraid?


I know, you got a lot of special things to do,
I recognize that you have a lot of unique tasks to accomplish.


With me I'm through, I know, its alright.
I am done with being your companion, but it is okay.


Sing a song, get you through the night.
Sing a tune to help you get through the night.




Lyrics © WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Written by: STEPHEN MALKMUS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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