Travis
Pipe Dreams Lyrics


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I read it all every word
And I still don't understand a thing
What had you heard
What had you heard, was it love
Was it take another walk in the dark
You'll never learn
I'd pray to God if there was heaven
But heaven seems so very far from here

And it all boils down to the same thing
Just a yin and a yang or a couple of pipe dreams
And it all boils down to the same old pain
Whether you win or you lose isn't gonna change a single thing

I stood in line and a thought crossed my mind
I had been dreaming but I didn't mind
I signed the line and the woman looked right through me
She didn't smile
I'd pray to God if there was heaven
But heaven seems so very far from here

And it all boils down to the same old thing
Just a yin and a yang or a couple of pipe dreams
And it all boils down to the same old pain
Whether you win or you lose isn't gonna change a single thing

I'd pray to God if there was heaven
But heaven seems so very far from here

And it all boils down to the same old thing
Just a yin and a yang or a couple of pipe dreams
And it all boils down to the same old pain
Whether you win or you lose isn't gonna change a single thing
And it all boils down to the same old fear
Just a link in a chain just a puppet on a string
And it all boils down to the same old fear
Whether you win or lose
Whether you win or lose




Whether you win or lose
Whether you win or lose

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Travis" by Pipe Dreams are introspective and contemplative, exploring the theme of uncertainty and the pursuit of happiness. The singer seems to be seeking answers, trying to make sense of the world and the events in life that happen without explanation. The first verse speaks to the confusion and frustration that can arise when trying to understand the motivations of others. Despite reading every word, the singer still does not understand what someone had heard, and wonders if it was love or "take another walk in the dark." The sense of futility in attempting to understand another person's inner world is heightened when the singer contemplates the distance between earthly existence and the idea of heaven.


The chorus hammers home the idea that life's ups and downs are just a cycle, and that there is no escaping the pain that is inherent in living. The metaphor of yin and yang is used to illustrate this idea, suggesting that no matter how much good there is, there will always be an equal amount of bad. The repetition of the phrase "same old" reinforces the idea that human beings are creatures of habit, and that no matter how much we strive for change, the outcome will ultimately be the same.


The second verse takes place in a different setting, where the singer is signing a line, possibly in reference to a legal document or a contract. The singer speaks of feeling like he is dreaming, perhaps suggesting that he is not fully present and engaged in the moment. The woman who looks through him might represent the feeling of being invisible or insignificant in the face of bureaucracy or authority.


Overall, the lyrics to "Travis" are poetic and thought-provoking, exploring universal themes that are relatable to many people.


Line by Line Meaning

I read it all every word
I carefully read every word that was written, but I still don't understand it.


And I still don't understand a thing
I am unable to comprehend anything despite reading everything.


What had you heard
What did you hear that has made you feel this way?


What had you heard, was it love
Did you hear something related to love that you are unable to understand?


Was it take another walk in the dark
Did someone suggest that you take another walk in the dark which might help you understand?


You'll never learn
You will never be able to comprehend.


I'd pray to God if there was heaven
If there was a place called heaven, I would pray to God for help.


But heaven seems so very far from here
However, the concept of heaven seems out of reach and unattainable.


And it all boils down to the same thing
Everything ultimately leads to the same result.


Just a yin and a yang or a couple of pipe dreams
It's either a balance of opposites or simply unrealistic hopes.


And it all boils down to the same old pain
All the outcomes result in the same pain.


Whether you win or you lose isn't gonna change a single thing
It doesn't matter if you win or lose as the result is the same.


I stood in line and a thought crossed my mind
While waiting in a line, a thought came to my mind.


I had been dreaming but I didn't mind
I was lost in thought, but I didn't care as it provided a temporary escape.


I signed the line and the woman looked right through me
The woman I interacted with didn't seem to acknowledge my presence.


She didn't smile
She didn't show any signs of happiness or approval.


And it all boils down to the same old fear
Ultimately, everything is rooted in the same old fear.


Just a link in a chain just a puppet on a string
We are all connected, but we are also manipulated by external forces.


Whether you win or lose
No matter the outcome.


Whether you win or lose
The result doesn't matter.


Whether you win or lose
The outcome will not change anything.




Contributed by Eli V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@antony9384

This entire album is perfect

@Claudia-il8zk

One of my favourites

@kinderstreet6006

couldn't more agree ! but i "forgot" the last time i put it( casette ) in where..😢😓😆😁😆

@renzoadriano13

Totally agreed 👏🏻

@jhill2704

💯💯💯

@aemkyu5771

20 years later … from a 19 y/o teenager learning the English language … I still remember the lyrics, and how much they resonated with me.

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@tonykeman

best song in the world

@KitsGravity

Mine too :)
One of the all time greats.
"I prayed to God there was heaven but heaven seemed so very far"
Best line of all time

@afilhadamadrugada

What a song !! Gives me goosebumps everytime i hear…
Masterpiece ❤️❤️❤️

@ZizouZamora

Probably my life's favorite album...it's just perfect.


I was in high school listening this CD every single day...the good old times :')

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