Xanadu
The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She doesn't wanna lay in bed all day with you
She'll do anything you tell her not to do
She's gonna paint your white picket fence all black and blue
She won't drive into the Grand Canyon with you
She already knows you went and got her name tattooed
She's a lipstick anarchist
She doesn't wanna watch Twin Peaks again with you
She already saw the director's cut on Pay Per View
She's a lipstick anarchist
The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger's song "Xanadu" presents two opposing characters with different values, desires, and ideologies, while showcasing the dynamics of a dysfunctional relationship. The opening line expresses the male perspective, he doesn't want to move to Xanadu, which can be interpreted as a metaphorical representation of a faraway, unrealistic, or unattainable place. In contrast, the female perspective is conveyed through the second line, as she doesn't want to lay in bed all day with him. The phrase "lay in bed all day" signifies a sense of stagnation or lack of motivation, implying that the male character lacks ambition or direction.
The third line "She'll do anything you tell her not to do" reflects the rebellious nature of the female character, who defies the male expectations and goes against the norm. The line "She's gonna paint your white picket fence all black and blue" further emphasizes this, as she's willing to challenge the traditional domestic ideal represented by a white picket fence. According to the last two lines, the female character is aware of the male's obsession with her, as he gets her name tattooed, but she distances herself from this attachment by refusing to join him in extreme scenarios such as driving into the Grand Canyon. The repetition of the line "She's a lipstick anarchist" reinforces the idea of non-conformity and individualism, revealing the underlying tension between the two characters.
Line by Line Meaning
He doesn't wanna have to move to Xanadu
He is hesitant to start a new life elsewhere, possibly because he is content with his current situation.
She doesn't wanna lay in bed all day with you
She wants to be active and do things together, not just stay in bed all day.
She'll do anything you tell her not to do
She is independent and rebellious, and may purposely do the opposite of what is expected of her.
She's gonna paint your white picket fence all black and blue
She wants to challenge and disrupt traditional norms and expectations, even if it means causing some chaos.
She won't drive into the Grand Canyon with you
She may be afraid of taking risks and doing something dangerous, or simply has no interest in it.
She already knows you went and got her name tattooed
She is observant and aware of the actions of those around her, even if they are done secretly.
She's a lipstick anarchist
She wants to challenge and disrupt traditional norms and expectations pertaining to beauty and femininity.
She doesn't wanna bake a birthday cake for you
She may not want to conform to traditional gender roles or may find baking to be uninteresting or tedious.
She doesn't wanna watch Twin Peaks again with you
She may prefer to explore new things and experiences rather than repeat things she has already done.
She already saw the director's cut on Pay Per View
She is informed and knowledgeable about different versions and interpretations of things.
She's a lipstick anarchist
She wants to challenge and disrupt traditional norms and expectations pertaining to beauty and femininity.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: CHARLOTTE KEMP MUHL, SEAN ONO LENNON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind