This American Life
Salvia Plath Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Those things
You don′t mean to say
I know you feel hurt
If it's true
Can you elaborate?
Oh it′s a shame that
You don't want to
No, you don't say
How you feel
Well I know the deal
You have to be open
To new things
To know what′s real
Oh it′s a shame that
You play those games
You don't want to
The lyrics to Salvia Plath's song This American Life are a reflection of the mixed emotions that arise from a lack of communication in a relationship. The beginning of the song details how hurtful words may be spoken, but the singer understands that it may have been unintentional. Despite this realization, the singer longs for a better understanding of the situation by asking for their partner to elaborate on their true feelings. The lyrics emphasize the importance of honesty and openness in order to truly know what's real in a relationship.
As the song continues, it becomes apparent that the lack of communication goes both ways. The singer notes that their partner doesn't say how they feel, and they have to be open to new experiences in order to understand what's real. This is coupled with the repeated phrase "oh it's a shame that you play those games, you don't want to." This could suggest that both individuals in the relationship are hesitant to speak their minds or be vulnerable, causing a stagnant and possibly toxic dynamic.
Overall, the lyrics of This American Life by Salvia Plath offer a poignant commentary on the importance of communication and honesty in relationships. It stresses the need for both individuals to be open and truthful with themselves and one another in order to achieve a fulfilling and genuine connection.
Line by Line Meaning
When you say
When you speak
Those things
About something hurtful
You don't mean to say
You didn't intend to hurt someone's feelings
I know you feel hurt
You are also feeling pain
If it's true
If you are being honest
Can you elaborate?
Can you provide more information?
Oh it's a shame that
It's unfortunate that
You play those games
You behave in a manipulative way
You don't want to
You don't intend to behave that way
No, you don't say
You don't communicate openly
How you feel
Your true emotions
Well I know the deal
I understand the situation
You have to be open
You must communicate honestly
To new things
To different ways of thinking
To know what's real
To understand the truth
Oh it's a shame that
It's unfortunate that
You play those games
You behave in a manipulative way
You don't want to
You don't intend to behave that way
Writer(s): Michael Collins
Contributed by Leah B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@tangerinesarebetterthanora7060
When you say
Those things
You don't mean to say
I know it'll hurt
If it's true
Can you elaborate
Such a shame that
You don't say
What you want to
Though you don't say
How you feel
I know the deal you have
Well I know the deal
You have to be open
To new things
To know what's real
Always a shame that
You play those games
You don't want to
@runningriver3479
One of the best albums ☀️
@tangerinesarebetterthanora7060
I feel like everybody can relate to this song on a deep level if they are honest with themselves.
@fai8006
Underrated
@mikeyleafy
This is so slept on
@barrydingman1184
It's like Frank Zappa wanted to make a record with Brian Wilson in 1966.
@R---n
That is crazy accurate.
@TVLuke15
For real, that's church
@avefiggy2128
jesus i love this so much
@davidvonhegedus8884
Reminiscent of Dr.Dog
@magrinchavoso97
haha varias relax nessa musica