Traces
The Classics IV Lyrics
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Tickets torn in half, memories in bits and pieces
Traces of love, long ago, that didn't work out right
Traces of love.
Ribbons from her hair, souvenirs of days together
The ring she used to wear, pages from an old love letter
Traces of love, long ago, that didn't work out right
I close my eyes and say a prayer
That in her heart, she'll find, a trace of love still there,
Somewhere, oh.
Traces of hope, in the night, that she'll come back and dry
These, traces of tears, from my eyes.
Oh oh oh oh
The song "Traces" is a nostalgic ballad that speaks about the remnants of a past relationship. The opening lines describe faded photographs, tickets and memories that are now covered with lines and creases, indicating that the love they once shared has long since passed. The chorus repeats the phrase "Traces of love" twice, to emphasize its significance as the last remaining evidence of what was once a beautiful relationship. The second verse describes additional items such as ribbons from her hair, souvenirs of days together, and pages from an old love letter. The singer is holding onto these fragments of a discarded love story and his heart yearns for his lover's return. He prays for her return and reveals that although he's been crying, he still hopes that she still loves him.
The theme of the song is longing, and the accompanying melody emphasizes that sentiment. By singing softly, the singer seems to convey the deep sense of loss and pain he feels. The melody is not overly complex, and the use of harmonies and guitars provide a nostalgic and sorrowful ambiance to the song. The lyrics capture the mood of someone who hasn't quite healed from a heartbreak and is holding on to the big and small reminders that keep the memory of his past love alive. These little memorabilia hold emotional value and act as an anchor for the singer.
Line by Line Meaning
Faded photographs, covered now with lines and creases
Images of our past, now worn and aged from time's abuses
Tickets torn in half, memories in bits and pieces
Reminiscences of our romance, now fragmented in my heart dishevelled
Traces of love, long ago, that didn't work out right
Whispers of our affection which once flourished, but ultimately fizzled and died
Traces of love.
The little remnants of our love that still linger endlessly
Ribbons from her hair, souvenirs of days together
My dear's hair adornments, memorabilia of the moments we spent entwined
The ring she used to wear, pages from an old love letter
The ring she once wore, and old pages from a letter I never wanted to forget
Traces of love, long ago, that didn't work out right
The faint outlines of our bond that broke, leaving us to amble in the night
Traces of love, with me tonight.
The signs of our affections, still present in the world tonight
I close my eyes and say a prayer
I shutter my eyes and in my heart I say a hopeful prayer
That in her heart, she'll find, a trace of love still there,
That in her heart she will discover a remnant of our love still present there
Somewhere, oh.
Anywhere, any place at all, just so love may be rekindled so
Traces of hope, in the night, that she'll come back and dry
Glimmers of hope in the lightless hour that my love will return and my tears will dry
These, traces of tears, from my eyes.
The tears that remain because of my love's absence and my deep heart sighs
Oh oh oh oh
The beat of my heart that continues to glow
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BUDDY BUIE, EMORY GORDY, EMORY LEE GORDY, J COBB, J R COBB
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@rickurvina1625
I'm 66 years young and I still love the music of the 60's and
@finance485
Just hit 66 and couldn't agree more!
@debrarosas5367
67 today and my feelings still ache when I hear & watch the video. So pure & honest...soothes me in today’s world. 🎶❤️
@utlot9785
Hi Debra. I know what you are saying. I am 7 years older than you are, and I still cling to these songs of when life was so simple, music was clean with a message that could be understand. Boy and girl love songs were many
@509Heavydrop
I was in 6th Grade in 1969, & I even understood & Grooved to these songs then w/ my Transistor radio, while a lot of the older cats in the neighborhood were being drafted for Vietnam Memories 🇺🇸 Stay Blessed you all 🔥💥🍾🍷🤣
@drebaswing5079
So smooth
@stephenironmonger348
I hear ya 66yr old
@bobbrogley1033
Freshman in college when this came out. Beautiful song, brings back memories.
@gloriasuarez8953
I'm 65 yrs old and still listening to this music brings back memories when I was young best music ever
@Kelly-nm4kw
Hello Gloria, How are you doing?