If Love Is A Red Dress
Performed by Maria McKee. Produced and Mixed by Bruce Brody and Maria McKee. Written by Maria McKee. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Your eyes are dull
Once we were hungry
Now we are full
These ties that bind us
Can't beat these chains
If love is shelter
I'm gonna walk in the rain
You were my angel
Now you are real
So like a stranger
Colder than steel
The morning after
No one should brag
If love is a red dress
Well hang me in rags
Oh well, there goes the fairy tale
Lord, ain't it a shame
In all this comfort, i can't take the strain
If we played even
I'd be your queen
But someone was cheatin'
And it wasn't me
I played on the table
You held something back
If love is aces, gimme the jack
Maria McKee's song "If Love Is A Red Dress" is a melancholic ballad that depicts a failed romantic relationship. In the first verse, she sings about the emptiness in her heart and the lack of spark in her lover's eyes. The second line stresses how the couple has become content, and their fire has faded. The chorus follows with a symbolic reference to being trapped in a relationship that doesn't provide comfort but forces one to endure, even in a storm. The second verse dives deeper into the theme. McKee had previously thought of her lover as an angel, but now she seems them for what they are, a cold and distant stranger. The line 'Hang me in rags' is symbolic of how love leaves you exposed, even when the relationship ends. The third verse reveals that someone was being dishonest, and the singer was not the cheater despite their partner's attempts to gaslight them. The final line is a plea for the truth to be told.
Line by Line Meaning
My heart is empty
I am feeling lonely and sad.
Your eyes are dull
You seem disinterested and unemotional.
Once we were hungry
We used to have a strong desire for each other and our relationship.
Now we are full
We have lost that strong desire and are now content but unfulfilled.
These ties that bind us
Our connection to each other is strong and unbreakable.
Can't beat these chains
We are trapped in our relationship, unable to escape or break free.
If love is shelter
If love is supposed to provide safety and comfort,
I'm gonna walk in the rain
I will willingly subject myself to loneliness and emotional pain.
You were my angel
You were once my perfect partner, my savior and protector.
Now you are real
Now I see you for who you really are, flawed and imperfect.
So like a stranger
You seem unfamiliar and distant to me.
Colder than steel
You are emotionally unavailable and unyielding.
The morning after
The day after an eventful night.
No one should brag
We should not be proud or boastful about our actions or relationship.
If love is a red dress
If love represents passion and excitement,
Well hang me in rags
Then I am willing to accept a life of poverty and emotional deprivation.
Oh well, there goes the fairy tale
Our perfect, happy ending is not meant to be.
Lord, ain't it a shame
It's unfortunate and disappointing.
In all this comfort, i can't take the strain
Despite our material and emotional comfort, I am still unable to cope with the stress of our relationship.
If we played even
If we were on equal footing,
I'd be your queen
I would be in charge and have power over you.
But someone was cheatin'
But you were unfaithful.
And it wasn't me
And I was loyal and truthful.
I played on the table
I was honest and open about my feelings and intentions.
You held something back
You were not truthful or forthcoming about something important.
If love is aces, gimme the jack
If love is about power and control, then I am willing to take a lesser role.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: MARIA LOUISA MC KEE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Kevin Baxter
What a tune. Another gem from Maria. Love the 'live' sound. Showcases Maria's passionate performances.
Robbi
Great lyrics - love this original slant on an old theme!
Valbrun Nic
McKee is my fav artist forever
liquidmyrrh1165
"might think twice before I kneel baby cuz the angel on my shoulder flew the coupe like hell on wheels" Ha! Just ANOTHER great turn of phrase! Such good writing...not to mention her vocals and just everything she does. Sigh.
ptwonline
Wow! Great song. New to me. Thanks for uploading!
Creative Earthian
Maria is the best pieces of oh so many things condensed into one
franck levy
MARIA MCKEE A UNE DES PLUS BELLE VOIX DE TOUS LES TEMPS
MrRryd
Thanks, this one is new for me :-)