Lynne's first recording for Epic was a duet with George Jones, "If I Could Bottle This Up", which became a top-50 hit in 1988. In 2000 she won a Grammy award for "Best New Artist", despite the fact that she had been recording and releasing records for more than ten years
With Tears, Lies, and Alibis the follow-up to 2008's Just A Little Lovin' and the first release on her own label, Everso Records, Shelby Lynne affirms her position as a visionary, iconoclastic artist who deftly weaves country, soul, rock, blues, pop and folk influences to forge her own unique style. Like Identity Crisis (2003) and Suit Yourself (2005), this sparse, unguarded collection was produced by Lynne, who evokes a live-in-the-studio vibe from a stellar group of musicians. Born in Quantico, VA, she grew up in Jackson, AL and headed to Nashville at an early age. At 18, Lynne s demos landed her an appearance on TNN s Nashville Now series, which led to a Top 50 duet ( "If I Could Bottle This Up" ) with George Jones and a record deal. Following the release of the critically acclaimed I Am Shelby Lynne in 2000, she won the GRAMMY® for Best New Artist. She made her acting debut in 2005, playing Johnny Cash's mother in the Fox Searchlight motion picture Walk the Line.
Old Times Sake
Shelby Lynne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Take a look around tell me what you see
Here I stand like an open book
Is there something here you might have overlooked
'Cause it would be a shame if you should leave
And find that freedom ain't what you thought it would be
The years we had were not all badIn fact I know the good outweighed the bad
Now you say that you've grown tired
You want to be by yourself a while
It would be a shame if you should go
And find that freedom was a long time ago
I know that you can't stand the chains that bind you
They just keep on drivin' us apart
You could go where I could never find you
But could you go far enough to get away from your heart
So one more time, for ol' times sake
Come and lay your head upon my chest
Please don't throw this moment away
We can forget the bad and take the best
If you don't have nothing left to say
Let me hold you one more time for ol' times sake
If you don't have nothing left to say
Let me hold you one more time for ol' times sake
Shelby Lynne's song Old Times Sake describes a couple who are on the brink of separation. The singer in the song is trying to convince their partner to reconsider their decision to leave by asking them to take a closer look. The singer acknowledges that there were good times in the relationship and that leaving might lead to disappointment as freedom may not be what the partner had hoped for. The song makes the point that sometimes we overlook the good in our relationships and we should evaluate what we are leaving behind before making any hasty decisions. The chorus of the song highlights the desire to hold onto something even if it is just for the sake of the memories.
Line by Line Meaning
Before you go walk out on me
Before you leave, take a good look at what you might be leaving behind.
Take a look around tell me what you see
Acknowledge and appreciate all that we have and share together.
Here I stand like an open book
I am completely vulnerable and transparent before you, without any hidden secrets.
Is there something here you might have overlooked
Perhaps there is something important that you may have missed, let us take a moment to assess it together.
'Cause it would be a shame if you should leave
If you walk away now, there is a significant chance that you may regret it.
And find that freedom ain't what you thought it would be
The grass is not always greener on the other side, and you may find that freedom is not everything you thought it would be.
The years we had were not all bad
Despite our current situation, we have shared some beautiful moments together.
In fact I know the good outweighed the bad
The positive times we shared far exceed the negative ones.
Now you say that you've grown tired
You feel weariness and fatigue towards our relationship.
You want to be by yourself a while
You feel the need to take some time apart for self-discovery and individual growth.
It would be a shame if you should go
Our relationship is meaningful, and it would be a pity if you chose to leave it behind.
And find that freedom was a long time ago
The freedom you seek may have been present a long time ago, and may no longer be within reach.
I know that you can't stand the chains that bind you
I am aware that you feel restricted and limited by our relationship.
They just keep on drivin' us apart
Despite our love, the issues we face will continually drive us apart.
You could go where I could never find you
You could physically leave my presence and become unreachable.
But could you go far enough to get away from your heart
Are you able to leave your emotions behind and fully detach from our relationship?
So one more time, for ol' times sake
Let's reminisce and relive a happy moment from our past.
Come and lay your head upon my chest
Take the time to physically connect and find solace in each other's embrace.
Please don't throw this moment away
Do not let this opportunity to reconnect and discover what is important to us as a couple slip away.
We can forget the bad and take the best
Let us focus on the amazing and wonderful memories we have shared together and look past the negative experiences.
If you don't have nothing left to say
If there is nothing else you need to express or communicate.
Let me hold you one more time for ol' times sake
Let's take this moment to reconnect and remember our shared love and happiness.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: TONY JOE WHITE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind