Chicago
The Swear Lyrics


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You came down in Great Lakes
One more thrill to try
You crush those foreign heartbreaks
With six kinds of high
I can't take this other pill to sway me
If I take you on you just might sway me
Chicago Chicago you think you've escaped
But nothing changes from place to place
He says you have some great plan
To barter and sustain
You take him and you leave him
And it's all the same to me
I can't take this other pill to sway me
If I take you on you just might sway me
Chicago Chicago you think you've escaped
But nothing changes from place to place
I heard you lie that evening
No he'll never want me now
He takes you when you're broken
When you're beaten when you're down




Chicago Chicago you think you've escaped
But nothing changes from place to place

Overall Meaning

The Swear's song "Chicago" talks about a girl who comes to the city to try new things and escape from her past heartbreaks. She indulges in different types of highs to forget her pain, but the singer is skeptical about taking any more pills as she fears the girl's impact on her. The chorus talks about how the girl believes she has escaped her problems by coming to Chicago, but the singer suggests that nothing changes from place to place.


The second verse hints at the girl's plan to barter and sustain, indicating that she might have some ulterior motives. She takes a man and leaves him, and the singer is indifferent to her actions, suggesting that the girl's behavior is predictable. The line, "He takes you when you're broken, when you're beaten, when you're down," suggests that the girl seeks comfort in men when she feels vulnerable. The song ends with the girl lying about something, possibly her past, and the singer reiterates that nothing changes, even if you try to escape.


The song has a melancholic tone, and the lyrics speak of the trials of life and the futility of trying to run away from one's problems. The song also highlights the dangers of drug abuse and the impact it can have on those close to you.


Line by Line Meaning

You came down in Great Lakes
You arrived in the Great Lakes region, possibly seeking a new experience or adventure.


One more thrill to try
You are always searching for a new sensation or excitement.


You crush those foreign heartbreaks
You use drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism to numb the pain of past romantic relationships.


With six kinds of high
You have access to multiple types of drugs or alcohol to achieve the desired level of intoxication.


I can't take this other pill to sway me
I cannot take any more drugs or alcohol to influence my decisions or emotions.


If I take you on you just might sway me
If I allow you into my life, you may have a negative influence on my behavior and choices.


Chicago Chicago you think you've escaped
You believe that moving to Chicago will provide an escape from your problems, but this is not the case.


But nothing changes from place to place
Your issues and problems will follow you no matter where you go.


He says you have some great plan
Your partner believes you have a solid plan for your future.


To barter and sustain
Your plan involves making trades or deals to maintain your lifestyle.


You take him and you leave him
You use your partner when it suits you, but leave when you no longer need them.


And it's all the same to me
Your behavior does not affect me, as I am not personally involved in your romantic relationships.


I heard you lie that evening
I am aware that you made a dishonest statement that night.


No he'll never want me now
Your lie has caused potential romantic interests to lose interest in you.


He takes you when you're broken
Your partner only shows interest in you when you are vulnerable or in need of comfort.


When you're beaten when you're down
Your partner only wants to be with you when you are at your lowest point.




Contributed by Callie A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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