Guitars & Cadillacs
Sydney Devine Lyrics


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Girl you taught me how to hurt real bad and cry myself to sleep
And showed me how this town can shatter dreams
Another lesson 'bout a naive fool who came to Babylon
And found out that the pie don't taste so sweet

Now it's guitars and Cadillacs and Hillbilly music
Lonely, lonely streets that I call home
Yeah, my guitars and Cadillacs and Hillbilly music
The only thing that keeps me hangin' on

Ain't no glamour in this tinseled land of lost and wasted lives
Painful scars are all that's left of me
I want to thank you girl for teachin' me brand new ways to be cruel
If I can find my mind now I'll just leave

Now it's guitars and Cadillacs and Hillbilly music
Lonely, lonely streets that I call home
Yeah, my guitars and Cadillacs and Hillbilly music
The only thing that keeps me hangin' on

Now it's guitars and Cadillacs and Hillbilly music
Lonely lonely streets that I call home
Yeah, my guitars and Cadillacs and Hillbilly music
The only thing that keeps me hangin' on

It's the only thing that keeps me hanging on
The only thing that keeps me hangin' on

Overall Meaning

In Sydney Devine's song "Guitars & Cadillacs," the lyrics convey the story of a person who has been deeply hurt and betrayed by someone they trusted. The first verse establishes the painful lessons they have learned, as the person they loved taught them how to feel immense pain and sorrow, leading them to cry themselves to sleep. They also realize that the town they live in can shatter dreams and disappoint expectations. The reference to Babylon suggests a metaphorical comparison to a place of temptation and disillusionment. They learn that life is not as sweet as they once believed.


The chorus repeats the phrase "guitars and Cadillacs and Hillbilly music," which serves as a contrasting element to their lonely existence. The guitars and Cadillacs symbolize a country or hillbilly lifestyle filled with country music, which becomes their solace and escape. Despite the loneliness and the painful scars left behind, the singer finds comfort in the music that speaks to their soul, the only thing that keeps them hanging on.


In the second verse, the singer describes the harsh reality of the world they inhabit, where there is no glamour but rather a land of lost and wasted lives. They acknowledge the scars they carry, a reminder of the pain and cruelty they have experienced. While expressing gratitude to the person who taught them these "brand new ways to be cruel," they also express a desire to leave and find their own peace of mind.


Overall, the lyrics of "Guitars & Cadillacs" delve into the theme of heartbreak and resilience, demonstrating how music can serve as an emotional lifeline in times of pain and loneliness. It highlights the power of country music as a comfort and therapy for those who have been through difficult experiences.


Line by Line Meaning

Girl you taught me how to hurt real bad and cry myself to sleep
You, girl, showed me the depths of emotional pain and how to find solace in tears.


And showed me how this town can shatter dreams
You also revealed to me how this place can crush aspirations and break dreams.


Another lesson 'bout a naive fool who came to Babylon
I, as a foolish and inexperienced person, learned another harsh lesson after coming to this city.


And found out that the pie don't taste so sweet
I discovered that the rewards and pleasures of life here are not as satisfying as they may seem.


Ain't no glamour in this tinseled land of lost and wasted lives
There is no true allure or attractiveness in this superficial and illusionary world full of aimless and wasted existences.


Painful scars are all that's left of me
All that remains of me are painful emotional wounds and lasting marks from the hardships I've endured.


I want to thank you girl for teachin' me brand new ways to be cruel
I express my gratitude to you, girl, for enlightening me with innovative methods to inflict emotional pain and cruelty on others.


If I can find my mind now I'll just leave
If I can regain my sanity and clarity, I'll simply depart from this place.


Now it's guitars and Cadillacs and Hillbilly music
Currently, my sources of comfort and identity are guitars, Cadillacs, and the genuine music of the rural folk.


Lonely, lonely streets that I call home
These desolate streets, where I feel isolated and disconnected, have become my dwelling place.


Yeah, my guitars and Cadillacs and Hillbilly music
Yes, my guitars, Cadillacs, and the heartfelt Hillbilly music are the only things that provide solace and keep me going.


The only thing that keeps me hangin' on
These are the sole factors that give me the strength to persevere and continue living.


It's the only thing that keeps me hanging on
It is the single aspect that prevents me from giving up and continuing to hold on.


The only thing that keeps me hangin' on
Once again, the only element that sustains my determination and resilience.




Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Yoakam

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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