Don't Ask for the Water
Ryan Adams Lyrics

I hate this old place
The singer dislikes the environment they are in

And what it represents
The singer has negative feelings towards the symbolic meaning behind the place

And I hate who I was
The singer dislikes who they used to be

And who I ended up since
The artist is unhappy with their current self

But if you learned how to swim in case you'd drowned
Despite feeling negative, the artist suggests learning to adapt in difficult situations

Don't ask her for the water
The singer advises against seeking assistance from a particular person

Cause shell swallow you down
The aforementioned person will consume and overcome those seeking help

And she's ten miles of peace
The person in question is often viewed as composed and peaceful

And the hardest of nights
Despite appearing at ease, the person is capable of enduring difficult times

And her belfry's got arch
The person has a prominent and impressive location or structure

But her rooftops all right
However, there may be hidden or overlooked issues

But down here in the sewer
The artist presents themselves as being in a less desirable position

I'm smelling a rat
The singer senses that something is not right

Don't ask her for the Whiskey
The singer continues to discourage seeking help from the person

Cause her waters all that
The previously mentioned person's assistance is both the only option and potentially dangerous

And what horses we rode
The artist references a time of fond memories

Through what somber fields
Despite these memories, they were experienced in a bleak atmosphere

With our lovers at war
Those closest to the singer were not on pleasant terms

And the dust on their heels
The people the singer cared about were leaving or distancing themselves

And the infidels screamed its all but a lie
Others have criticized the artist's thoughts and experiences

Don't ask her for the water
The previous warning is reiterated

Cause shell teach you to cry
Seeking help from the person may result in emotional pain and vulnerability

And her weapon of choice is a red patterned dress
The person presents themselves in a way that is both alluring and dangerous

And a sac full of stones
The person is prepared with the tools necessary to inflict harm

With her hands on her chest
The person seems poised and self-assured

And a book full of quotes
The person has a wealth of knowledge and wisdom

And a tight fastened lip
The person is unlikely to reveal too much or expose themselves

Don't ask her for the water
The listener is once again advised against asking the person for help

Cause you'll sink like a ship
Attempting to seek help from the person may have disastrous consequences

Don't ask her for the water
The final warning to steer clear of the person is reiterated

Cause you'll sink like a ship
The potential danger of seeking help is underscored