Bygones
Sara Watkins Lyrics
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But I can pull you under
Bound to you in bygones
You took it to the limit
And glimpsed all that you'd been missing
Found yourself a secret
I'm all around you
I'll always be here
Shut your mouth, shut your mouth
No one wants to know
Hide back in your house
Will it ever be safe
Since your prey has become predator
Will you be safe
So take it to your grave
All the way covered up inside you
Take it to your grave
The song Bygones by Sara Watkins is a reflection on a past relationship that still haunts the singer. There is a sense of being tied to the past and unable to let go, with the imagery of being bound to the person in "bygones." The singer also hints at a sense of danger in the relationship, with the lines "will it ever be safe" and "since your prey has become predator." There is a feeling of being trapped and needing to keep secrets hidden, as seen in the final lines "take it to your grave."
The chorus of the song provides some comfort to the singer, with the assertion that even though the past is haunting her, she will always be there. The repetition of "shut your mouth, shut your mouth" highlights the fear of being exposed and the need to hide away.
Overall, Bygones is a haunting reflection on a past relationship that still has a hold on the singer. There is a sense of being trapped and haunted by the past, but also a feeling of comfort in the knowledge that the past cannot be escaped.
Line by Line Meaning
As faint as a phantom
I am not easy to see or find, but I have a strong and lasting impact on you.
But I can pull you under
Despite my quiet presence, I have a strong hold on you and can affect you deeply.
Bound to you in bygones
We are connected by the past and the memories we share. We cannot escape them, but we can learn from them.
You took it to the limit
You pushed yourself to your edge and beyond.
And glimpsed all that you'd been missing
You saw what you had not seen before and realized what you had been missing out on.
Found yourself a secret
You discovered something about yourself that you had not known before. It is something private and important to you.
Feel me in the air
My presence is all around you. Even if you cannot see or touch me, you know I am there.
I'm all around you
I am pervasive and inescapable.
I'll always be here
I will never truly leave you. Even if we are physically apart, I will always be with you in some way.
Shut your mouth, shut your mouth
Stop talking and keep your thoughts to yourself. No one wants to hear what you have to say.
No one wants to know
You are not interesting or important enough to catch anyone's attention or curiosity.
Hide back in your house
Retreat to the safety and familiarity of your home. Do not venture out into the world or take any risks.
Will it ever be safe
Can you ever truly feel secure or at ease, given the unpredictable and dangerous nature of the world?
Since your prey has become predator
The roles have reversed, and the one who was once vulnerable and hunted is now the one doing the hunting and causing harm.
Will you be safe
Can you protect yourself and avoid becoming a victim in this dangerous world?
So take it to your grave
Keep this secret with you until the end of your life. It is too personal and important to be shared with anyone else.
All the way covered up inside you
This secret is buried deep within you and will never be revealed to anyone else.
Take it to your grave
This secret is yours to keep forever, and you will take it with you to the end of your life.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: SARA WATKINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind