shortstraw started out in 2007 as a two-piece thrash folk band consisting of the enigma that is oliver nathan and what most would call 'sarcastic', alastair thomas. they played a few shows in and around melville, joburg before bringing in the guitar and keyboard skills of jay hartford and the basswork of the esteemed and handsome phil brierley. now a four-piece, slightly less folky outfit, shortstraw aim to hit the gigging circuit with guns blazing, so look out for a show near you... fuck that's boring. apologies. frankie says go fuck yourself.
Rapunzel
Shortstraw Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
Move slower than that afternoon
When I was with you
Oh, how we laughed
We got caught by the officer, but
We were only smoking weed so we thought he'd let it slide
Oh, how wrong we could be
If he's getting close give me the knife
If he's getting close give me the knife
Rapunzel
Rapunzel
If you carry on that way
You'll be leaving alone
If you carry on that way
You'll be leaving alone
If you carry on that way
You'll be leaving alone
If you carry on that way
You'll be leaving alone
The cars on the underpass
Got caught up in the aftermath
We heard about on the news
And we were driving close behind
But then we say the flashing lights
Coming up in the rear
If they're getting close give me the knife
If they're getting close give me the knife
Rapunzel
Rapunzel
If you carry on that way
You'll be leaving alone
If you carry on that way
You'll be leaving alone
If you carry on that way
You'll be leaving alone
If you carry on that way
You'll be leaving, you'll be leaving alone
You'll be leaving alone
You'll be leaving alone
If you carry on that way
You'll be leaving alone
If you carry on that way
You'll be leaving alone
If you carry on that way
You'll be leaving alone
If you carry on that way
You'll be leaving alone
The lyrics to "Rapunzel" by Shortstraw depict a nostalgic reflection on a past relationship, intertwined with a sense of rebellion and danger. The opening lines set the scene with imagery of cars on an overpass moving slowly, reminiscent of a leisurely afternoon spent with a lover. The singer fondly recalls moments of laughter shared with their partner, highlighting the joy and connection they once experienced.
The narrative then takes a darker turn as the lyrics reveal an encounter with law enforcement while smoking weed. The hope that the officer would overlook their actions is shattered when reality sets in, showcasing the naivety and consequences of their choices. The repeated plea for a knife if the officer gets too close suggests a sense of desperation and fear in the face of authority, adding a layer of tension to the storyline.
The mention of Rapunzel serves as a symbolic reference, perhaps alluding to a desire for escape or freedom from the constraints of society's norms and expectations. The repetition of the name reinforces a sense of urgency and a need to take decisive action in a moment of crisis. The warnings about leaving alone if one continues down a certain path hint at the potential isolation and consequences of reckless behavior.
The second half of the song introduces a shift in perspective, with the focus turning to the aftermath of a different incident involving the cars on the underpass. The juxtaposition of the carefree memories with the harsh reality of being caught up in the news highlights the fleeting nature of youth and the unforeseen consequences of one's actions. The repeated refrain of "If you carry on that way, you'll be leaving alone" serves as a cautionary reminder of the potential loneliness and isolation that can result from not heeding warning signs or making risky choices. The urgency conveyed in the lyrics and the references to flashing lights and driving close behind evoke a sense of tension and impending danger, ultimately driving home the message of accountability and self-awareness.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind