RAC is also an electronic project created by Richard Benson, which released a few projects via Warp Records in the mid 90s.
Tourist
RAC Lyrics
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Outside the cafe is where the thirty pluses meet.
And talk about the weather,
And things that you should see.
Am I the tourist on your street?
All day every other day,
(All day every other day)
Outside the coffee shop is what 20 somethings play.
And laugh about TV.
Am I the tourist?
Am I the tourist your street?
'Cause when it comes to conversation,
He always plays it safe.
And if he's always in the open,
He always plays it cool.
Am I another passer by?
Outside your apartment on another Tuesday night.
You sleep a little better,
When somethings on TV.
Am I the tourist on your street?
All the time we hang around.
(All day every other day)
Give bad directions to the kids from out of town.
And now we are strangers,
The kind that never meet.
So I'm the tourist on your street.
'Cause when it comes to conversation,
He always plays it safe.
And if he's always in the open,
He always plays it cool.
So what are you up to these days?
And what are you up to now?
My other friends have all moved out of town.
Are we strangers forever?
Or are we strangers for now?
'Cause when it comes to conversation,
He always plays it safe.
But if he's always in the open,
He always plays it cool.
In RAC's song Tourist, the singer starts by questioning whether they are seen as a tourist on someone else's street. They observe people gathering at a cafe or a coffee shop, talking about mundane things like weather and television shows. The singer is unsure of where they stand in this scenario, whether they are a regular part of the group or just an outsider passing through. They wonder if they are just another passerby, someone who can't quite fit in with the crowd.
As the song progresses, the singer realizes that they are indeed a tourist on this street. They hang around all the time, giving bad directions to confused tourists. Yet despite being a regular presence, they feel like they are still a stranger to the people around them. They wonder if they will always be strangers, or if someday they will become closer with those they see every day.
The song is about feeling like an outsider in a place where you should feel at home. It's about the struggle to connect with others and the insecurity that can come with that. The singer is searching for a sense of belonging, but they are also afraid of being rejected or not being good enough to fit in.
Line by Line Meaning
Am I the tourist on your street?
I'm not from around here, do you see me as an outsider?
Outside the cafe is where the thirty pluses meet.
Adults gather here to socialize and maybe have a coffee.
And talk about the weather, And things that you should see.
They have simple conversations about small talk subjects and tourist attractions.
All day every other day, Outside the coffee shop is what 20 somethings play.
Young people hang out at the coffee shop and discuss whatever comes to mind.
And talk about whatever, And laugh about TV.
They have casual conversations and make fun of TV shows they watch.
'Cause when it comes to conversation, He always plays it safe.
The singer notices that he is not very open in discussion and avoids controversial topics.
And if he's always in the open, He always plays it cool.
Even if he tries to participate in more adventurous discussions, he remains calm and unemotional.
Am I another passer by? Outside your apartment on another Tuesday night.
The singer wonders if he is just another unfamiliar face that happens to be near the listener's home.
You sleep a little better, When somethings on TV.
Watching TV gives comfort and helps fall asleep better.
All the time we hang around. Give bad directions to the kids from out of town.
The singer and his friends spend their time in the area and sometimes misdirect visitors.
And now we are strangers, The kind that never meet.
Despite being around frequently, they do not have any real relationship with the listener or other locals.
So what are you up to these days? And what are you up to now?
The singer is trying to make conversation and catch up with the listener's life.
My other friends have all moved out of town.
The singer is acknowledging that people move out frequently, resulting in his loneliness.
Are we strangers forever? Or are we strangers for now?
The singer is questioning if they will ever have a real connection with the listener or if they are just temporary acquaintances.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: DAVID THOMAS MONKS, ANDRE ALLEN ANJOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind