Boomerang
T‐BONE BURNETT Lyrics
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She was eating sushi, he was on his knees
He tried to say he loved her but he could not win
She just fixed her lipstick and kept ignoring him
She was headed for a crash and it even hurt to laugh
'Cause it ended with a bang
When it all came back like a boomerang
She went to a party, where thieves and debutants
All talked in italics with so much nonchalance
He was on the outside, standing in the rain
He saw her through the window, he could not stand the pain
She was headed for a crash and it even hurt to laugh
'Cause it ended with a bang
When it all came back like a boomerang
When it all came back like a boomerang
She went up the staircase with a sleazy Mideast guest
Who could not help staring through her flimsy cocktail dress
He broke into the bedroom, they put him on the spot
He pulled off his pistol, they never heard the shots
They were headed for a crash and it even hurt to laugh
'Cause it ended with a bang
When it all came back like a boomerang
When it all came back like a boomerang
When it all came back like a boomerang
"Boomerang" by T-Bone Burnett is a song that tells a tragic story of a doomed relationship. The song follows a woman in New York City who is ignoring her partner's desperate attempts to express his love for her. The man watches helplessly as she descends into a reckless lifestyle, attending parties with thieves and debutants. The couple's relationship eventually comes to a violent end when a man breaks into their bedroom with a gun.
The song's title, "Boomerang," serves as a metaphor for the consequences of the characters' actions. The man's love for the woman is compared to a Boomerang, a traditional Australian weapon that returns to the user after being thrown. Just like a boomerang, the man's love for the woman comes back to him with a violent force, ending their relationship.
The lyrics of "Boomerang" are written in a narrative style, painting a vivid picture of the characters and their environment. The song tells a story of love and loss that is tragic but relatable to many. T-Bone Burnett's haunting voice and the simple, yet effective, instrumental arrangement perfectly capture the mood of the song, making this one of his most memorable tracks.
Line by Line Meaning
Up in New York City, 'neath the bamboo trees
The scene takes place in New York City, where there are bamboo trees. It sets the stage for what's to come.
She was eating sushi, he was on his knees
She was eating sushi, while he was on his knees, trying to profess his love for her.
He tried to say he loved her but he could not win
Despite his efforts, he couldn't win her over with his declaration of love.
She just fixed her lipstick and kept ignoring him
She was unresponsive and continued to fix her lipstick while he was trying to win her affection.
She was headed for a crash and it even hurt to laugh
She was heading for a downfall, and even laughing was painful knowing it would end badly.
'Cause it ended with a bang
The situation ended in a dramatic and impactful way.
When it all came back like a boomerang
All the consequences of the situation came back and hit them like a boomerang.
She went to a party, where thieves and debutants
She attended a party where there were both criminals and high society people.
All talked in italics with so much nonchalance
The people at the party spoke in a way that showed they were not concerned about anything.
He was on the outside, standing in the rain
He was an outsider, felt out of place, and was literally standing outside in the rain.
He saw her through the window, he could not stand the pain
He saw her inside the party, and it was painful to see her with someone else.
She went up the staircase with a sleazy Mideast guest
She went upstairs with an unsavory guest from the Middle East.
Who could not help staring through her flimsy cocktail dress
The guest couldn't help but stare at her revealing dress.
He broke into the bedroom, they put him on the spot
The guest broke into the bedroom and was caught in a compromising situation.
He pulled off his pistol, they never heard the shots
He pulled out a gun, but the shots were never heard.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Alpha Male Records LLC Publishing
Written by: BURNETT, MANSFIELD, SOLES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
hi desert esk8
Shit yes, my friend. This album is the best - I first got into T-Bone when I was working in a record store.. I picked up this record on a trip to Texas and it instantly became one of my favorites.
PRIVATEAYEIEYE
One of the best "Sun" style recordings in modern times! The best LP Dylan never made! ...and where else will you find Billy Swan showing his wild side?
fj45lvr
classic...one of my top albums of all time
Amanda Thompson
I never tire of this track. Not even after 1000 listens.
Jackie Aprile Jr
a great track. thanks for uploading.
Shaun Kelly
The lead song from one of the truly underrated LP’s of 1980, T-Bone Burnett’s Truth Decay, “Boomerang” should have catapulted the veteran singer-songwriter-producer to Top 10 status, but sadly, the single fell flat at the time. A single in the best Sun Records tradition, guitarist Billy Swan rocks here while T-Bone’s vocals sound as if Bob Dylan had just inhaled helium. The bridge here contains one of the great hooks of 1980. Do yourself a favor and rock on to this nugget.
David Dove
Once again I'm shocked at the views. Thank you whfs in the d.c. area, for turning us on to the best alternative music of the times. One of my all time favs..
Just Steve
Iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii'm Weasel. Gonna play some rock and roll!
JoanWasQuizzical1
@PRIVATEAYEIEYE "The best LP Dylan never made" exactly. Saw him in some dive club in Manhattan Beach in support of this album, one of the best shows I've ever seen.