Great Expectations
The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger Lyrics
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Like a cabaret, you're better from afar
Don't keep us waiting for you
This is your big debut
If you forget your lines
They'll feed you to the lions
All eyes are on you
There is nothing
That you wouldn't do
But soon they'll want someone new
Be sure that you're right on time
For the big interview
In suits and tongue ties
They're counting on you
Cameras flash and you go blind
But you'll think you've seen the light
The stars in your eyes
Just cable satellites
Great expectations
All eyes are on you
There is nothing
That you wouldn't do
But soon they'll want someone new
And I like to be alone
(In a crowded room)
Unplug the telephone
(They're calling for you)
And watch the walls begin to waltz
What if we pulled back the crimson curtains
Would you be nothing more than
A mink without a skin
Great expectations
All eyes are on you
There is nothing
That you wouldn't do
But soon they'll want someone new
And I like to be alone
(In a crowded room)
Unplug the telephone
(They're calling for you)
And watch the walls begin to waltz
The song "Great Expectations" by The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger features a dreamy, atmospheric sound that is complemented by its insightful lyrics about the price of fame and how it can corrupt the soul. The opening lines about having a heart as dark as film noir and being better from afar suggest that the subject of the song is someone who is attractive and alluring on the surface, but carries a dark and perhaps dangerous energy within. This person is embarking on a big debut, likely in the entertainment industry, and the pressure is on to deliver a flawless performance. The metaphor of being fed to the lions if they forget their lines speaks to the cutthroat nature of show business, where failure is not an option.
As the chorus repeats the phrase "Great Expectations," it becomes clear that the subject is someone who is expected to be perfect and do anything to maintain their standing in the spotlight. The bridge features the band's signature harmonies as they suggest that sometimes it's better to retreat into solitude rather than face the pressures of the public eye. The final verse brings up the idea of being exposed if the curtains are pulled back, and questions whether the subject is truly unique or just a facade.
Overall, the song functions as a cautionary tale about the cost of fame and the importance of staying true to oneself. With its dreamy instrumentation and insightful lyrics, it's a standout track on the album.
Line by Line Meaning
Your heart is dark as film noir
Your emotions are as bleak as a classic noir film
Like a cabaret, you're better from afar
You present better at a distance like a cabaret performer on a distant stage
Don't keep us waiting for you
Don't be late and keep us waiting for your arrival
This is your big debut
This is your major entrance into the limelight
If you forget your lines
If you can't remember what you need to say
They'll feed you to the lions
You'll be harshly criticized and possibly expelled from the scene
Great expectations
There is a significant amount of pressure and anticipation
All eyes are on you
Everyone is paying attention to you
There is nothing
You're willing to take any risk
That you wouldn't do
To be successful and maintain your position
But soon they'll want someone new
Your time in the spotlight is short-lived and someone else will take your place
Be sure that you're right on time
Make sure you're punctual
For the big interview
For the significant meeting or opportunity
In suits and tongue ties
People in formal wear who are attempting to make a good impression
They're counting on you
They have high hopes for you
Cameras flash and you go blind
The overwhelming attention makes you feel dizzy and disoriented
But you'll think you've seen the light
But, you'll be convinced that you understand everything clearly
The stars in your eyes
The excitement and thrill of this opportunity is blinding you
Just cable satellites
It's all just a fleeting, temporary moment in time
And I like to be alone
I prefer solitude and isolation
(In a crowded room)
Unplug the telephone
Disconnect yourself from distractions
(They're calling for you)
And watch the walls begin to waltz
And observe how everything starts to move around you
What if we pulled back the crimson curtains
What would happen if we revealed the truth of what's behind the facade
Would you be nothing more than
Would you simply be
A mink without a skin
A person without their protective outer layer
Contributed by Levi T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.