In My Secret Place
The Magnetic Fields Lyrics


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Time swings like a wrecking ball into things
Youth fades as quickly as a hit parade
But as the days go by in the gray world outside
Days grow on colorful trees

In my secret place, in my secret place.

They'll sell you tickets for their carousel don't pay
They'll get your money either way
You can go up and go down you can go round and round
But there's a better fairground





In my secret place, in my secret place.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of The Magnetic Fields's song, "In My Secret Place", offer a glimpse into the artist's introspective thoughts on life and finding comfort in solitude. The first verse speaks about the passage of time and how youth fades away rapidly, leaving one with memories that evoke a sense of longing. The imagery of time swinging like a wrecking ball into things is a powerful metaphor for how things can change suddenly and irreversibly. However, in the midst of the grayness of the outside world, there is a glimmer of hope. The days may seem mundane and ordinary at first, but they gradually grow on colorful trees - a symbol of the artist's inner world where things are more vibrant and meaningful.


The chorus of "In My Secret Place" offers a contrast to the outside world. It warns against the superficialities that exist everywhere - the tickets to a carousel that don't offer much in return. The idea is that life is often a cycle of going up and down or going round and round, but there is a better fairground to be discovered. This fairground exists within oneself, in the artist's secret place. It's a place where one can find respite from the chaos and cruelty of the outside world and forge a deeper connection with oneself.


To sum it up, The Magnetic Field's song "In My Secret Place" is an introspective reflection on life and the human experience. It urges the listener to look inwards for comfort and meaning, rather than seeking external validation or temporary pleasures.


Line by Line Meaning

Time swings like a wrecking ball into things
Time has a destructive force that impacts everything it encounters.


Youth fades as quickly as a hit parade
Youthful energy and enthusiasm disappear as quickly and suddenly as a hit song's popularity.


But as the days go by in the gray world outside
The daily routine of the world outside can feel monotonous and dull.


Days grow on colorful trees
In contrast, the artist finds vibrancy and beauty in their own secret place of imagination.


They'll sell you tickets for their carousel don't pay
People may try to lure the artist into their own way of life, but the artist urges not to be fooled by them.


They'll get your money either way
The world outside will find a way to extract something from the singer, be it time, energy, or money.


You can go up and go down you can go round and round
The life offered by the world outside can feel repetitive and unfulfilling.


But there's a better fairground
The artist finds a better place for themselves.


In my secret place, in my secret place.
The artist finds sanctuary and joy in their own imaginary world.




Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS

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