Games
Ryan Adams; The Cardinals Lyrics
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Burning my house to the ground
High and mellow, oh how she rides me
Out in the meadow where the taxis don't ride
A million times quicker than the pain
Oh, games
A million times better than the pain
Nobody sends me but you
High and mellow, slow and steady
Out in the meadow with you
A million times quicker than the pain
Oh, games
A million times better than the pain
Oh, games
Games, games
The lyrics of "Games" by Ryan Adams & The Cardinals are open to interpretation but one interpretation can be that the song is about a relationship that is damaging and destructive like a fire on a sad estate, but the singer continues to play along because the highs are so high that they overshadow the lows. The song speaks to how we can willingly ignore red flags and jump into unhealthy relationships for the momentary pleasures, even if it's ultimately detrimental.
The use of metaphor is evident in the lines "High and mellow, oh how she rides me out in the meadow where the taxis don't ride" - This can be interpreted as a drug-induced high where the singer is taken to a different world, away from the normal life. "You ain't but a telegram nobody's sendin', nobody sends me but you" could be interpreted as a message which is never going to reach its intended audience. In the song, Ryan Adams and the Cardinals present the idea that the games we play in relationships are often better than the pain that ultimately comes with it, but that doesn't mean they aren't damaging in the long run.
Line by Line Meaning
You ain't but a fire on my sad estate
You are a destructive force in my life, burning down everything I have.
Burning my house to the ground
You are causing me to lose everything I have worked for.
High and mellow, oh how she rides me
You are unpredictable, taking me on an emotional rollercoaster.
Out in the meadow where the taxis don't ride
In a secluded place where we can escape from the stresses of the world.
A million times quicker than the pain
The temporary enjoyment from playing games with you outweighs the long-term pain.
Oh, games
The games we play are addictive and fulfilling, but ultimately damaging.
A million times better than the pain
Even though the games hurt us, they are still better than facing reality without each other.
You ain't but a telegram nobody's sendin'
You are insignificant and unwanted by everyone else except for me.
Nobody sends me but you
You are the only one who pays attention to me and gives me the attention I crave.
Slow and steady, high and mellow
Your games keep me at a safe distance, but also lure me in with the promise of excitement.
Out in the meadow with you
Our games take place in a peaceful setting where we can escape our troubles.
Games, games
We keep playing our games despite their negative impact, because we cannot resist the thrill they provide.
Lyrics Ā© BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: BRADLEY SMITH PEMBERTON, CATHERINE ANNE POPPER, JOHN PAUL BOWERSOCK, JONATHAN GRABOFF, RYAN ADAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Glenna
OMG! Ryan sings and plays with such passionš„
Nancy Sutton
Absolutely!!! He so tugs at your heart with his songwriting and voice!!! Melts on this one!
Troy Piekarski
That was a live recording!? Scary good! Love that song on disc, but wow...that performance was completely on another level! Whoever posted this video said it best, "if only this song could go on forever..." Amen
Greg Fisher
Thank YOU Ryan Adams and the Cardinals! What a song! High and mellow... supercool man.
James M
love this song. games in relationships suck, no time for that, life is too short
Nancy Sutton
So good it hurts!!!!
TheNewfairytale
Top Video einfach Wahnsinn der Mann
Bastard471
eye in the sky. you owe big.
Brandon Whitley
pause at 1:29. mark walburg
Ron Belin
My storyline