Washington
The Magnetic Fields Lyrics


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W-A-S-H-I-N-G-T-O-N, baby, D.C.
W-A-S-H-I-N-G-T-O-N, baby, D.C.

Washington, D.C.
It's paradise to me
It's not because it is the grand old seat
Of precious freedom and democracy
No, no, no
It's not the greenery turning gold in fall
The scenery circling the Mall
It's just that's where my baby lives
That's all

Washington D.C.
It's the greatest place to be
It's not the cherries everywhere in bloom
It's not the way they put folks on the moon
No, no, no
It's not the spectacles and pageantry
The thousand things you've got to see
It's just that's where my baby waits for me

W-A-S-H-I-N-G-T-O-N, baby, D.C.
W-A-S-H-I-N-G-T-O-N, baby, D.C.

Washington, D.C.
It fits me to a T
It's not the people doing something real
It's not the way the springtime makes you feel
No, no, no
It ain't no famous name on a golden plaque
That makes me ride that railroad track




It's my baby's kiss that keeps me coming back
It's my baby's kiss that keeps me coming back

Overall Meaning

The Magnetic Fields' song "Washington D.C." speaks to the idea that love can create an emotional attachment to a place beyond its surface-level attractions. The song describes Washington D.C. as "paradise" not because of its historic landmarks or political significance, but simply because the singer's lover resides there. The lyrics express this sentiment by stating that it's not the greenery, cherries in bloom, or spectacles of the city that make it great; rather, it's the fact that the singer's lover is waiting for them there.


The use of repetition in the chorus reinforces this idea, with the spelling out of Washington D.C. serving as a way to emphasize the importance of the place to the singer. This emphasis on a personal connection to a place rather than its objective attractions is a unique way of expressing the depth of one's love for a person and the impact that love can have on even the most mundane aspects of life.


Overall, "Washington D.C." is a heartfelt tribute to the power of love and the way in which it can transform our perceptions of the world around us.


Line by Line Meaning

W-A-S-H-I-N-G-T-O-N, baby, D.C.
Repeating the spelling of Washington D.C. to emphasize the significance of the location


Washington, D.C. It's paradise to me It's not because it is the grand old seat Of precious freedom and democracy No, no, no
Washington D.C. is the perfect place for me, but not because it's known as the center of democracy and freedom


It's not the greenery turning gold in fall The scenery circling the Mall It's just that's where my baby lives That's all
The beauty of fall in Washington D.C. or the iconic view of the Mall don't matter as much as the fact that my loved one lives there


Washington D.C. It's the greatest place to be It's not the cherries everywhere in bloom It's not the way they put folks on the moon No, no, no
Washington D.C. is the best place, but not because of the blooming cherry trees or the historical moon landing there


It's not the spectacles and pageantry The thousand things you've got to see It's just that's where my baby waits for me
Even with all the attractions and sights of Washington D.C., the reason it's the greatest is that my sweetheart is waiting for me there


W-A-S-H-I-N-G-T-O-N, baby, D.C. W-A-S-H-I-N-G-T-O-N, baby, D.C.
Repeating the spelling of Washington D.C. again, perhaps symbolizing the weight of the location on the singer's heart


Washington, D.C. It fits me to a T It's not the people doing something real It's not the way the springtime makes you feel No, no, no
Washington D.C. suits me perfectly, regardless of the people or the springtime atmosphere


It ain't no famous name on a golden plaque That makes me ride that railroad track It's my baby's kiss that keeps me coming back
The artist's motivation to visit Washington D.C. is not due to any famous landmarks or monuments, but simply the desire to be with their partner




Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Stephin Raymond Merritt

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@CryBabyBat

W-A-S-H-I-N-G-T-O-N, baby, D.C.
W-A-S-H-I-N-G-T-O-N, baby, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
It's paradise to me
It's not because it is the grand old seat
Of precious freedom and democracy
No, no, no
It's not the greenery turning gold in fall
The scenery circling the Mall
It's just that's where my baby lives
That's all
Washington D.C.
It's the greatest place to be
It's not the cherries everywhere in bloom
It's not the way they put folks on the moon
No, no, no
It's not the spectacles and pageantry
The thousand things you've got to see
It's just that's where my baby waits for me
W-A-S-H-I-N-G-T-O-N, baby, D.C.
W-A-S-H-I-N-G-T-O-N, baby, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
It fits me to a T
It's not the people doing something real
It's not the way the springtime makes you feel
No, no, no
It ain't no famous name on a golden plaque
That makes me ride that railroad track
It's my baby's kiss that keeps me coming back
It's my baby's kiss that keeps me coming back



All comments from YouTube:

@charlesmurtaugh3771

People don't talk enough about how good this song is, they should mention it to each other every morning over breakfast.

@farooqz.5444

This is a song I heard from an ipod my dad gave me more than a decade ago ago, when I was little. Hearing it again brings so much back and I really can't explain how much I appreciate this song. I hope others find that too, whatever it is for them

@danjsy

Great tune, and was lucky enough to hear it live back in the day.  Such funny lyrics, the whole album is a work of genius.

@mikestockman951

Funny?

@bigstar66

it's cheesy as fuck bro, on purpose

@philliesclips7348

The song they play at Citizens Bank Park during the Nationals Lineups

@joshuagamboaii741

I know, Dan Baker trolls these Nats with this record whenever they’re visiting the Philadelphia Phillies. Nice piece of memo. But also, Jerome Hruska was rolling over to his grave when the Nats were introduced with this record.

@Naruto726502

Song is so true, yet at times a lie. Love the main singer's voice. Great song.

@etherealcatholic5711

Southern accents were common in Washington D.C. until the early 1960's.

@chapmanzon6762

by friend nathan showed me this.....i'm glad he did.

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