Originated from a surf rock group called the Crossfires, the Turtles delved into many genres such as breezy pop, psychedelic music, and folk rock. A precursor to the bubblegum pop of the late 60s and early 70s as well as a foil to the more self-consciously hip and "serious" acts of the era, the Turtles produced at least a dozen memorable, radio-friendly chart singles. Yet they remain best known for 1967's "Happy Together", which was their only chart-topping single.
The Turtles wound down their career in 1970.
The two prominent singers - Howard Kaylan ("Eddie") and Mark Volman ("Flo" a.k.a. "Phlorescent Leech") - collaborated with Frank Zappa for a short but very intensive period of one and a half years (between 1970-72) and were the cornerstone of what was known to be the Zappa "Vaudeville" band; two of the most famous achievements of that period being the albums Fillmore East – June 1971 and 200 Motels, the soundtrack of the film by the same name.
06. Outside Chance
The Turtles Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But it won't be easy
Stone walls surround me
I'm surprised that you even found me
Chorus:
And you don't stand an outside chance
(you don't stand an outside chance)
But you can try
Whatever you do girl
You know that you can't get trough girl
Can't bring me down
Hang me up or even hang around
I know you think you'll get me
I'm only flesh and bone
But you may as well forget me
'cause my heart is stone
you better leave me alone
stand an outside chance
The Turtles' song Outside Chance is a cautionary tale to anyone who thinks they can woo the unattainable. The singer warns the listener that they may attempt to please them, but it will be futile. The singer is guarded by stone walls, which symbolize their emotional barriers. They are surprised that the listener found them, indicating that they were not actively seeking a relationship. The chorus reiterates the singer's lack of interest in a relationship with the listener, stating that they don't stand an outside chance. However, the singer acknowledges that the listener can still try if they wish.
The second verse of the song continues the theme of the singer's emotional unavailability. They declare that whatever the listener does, they won't be able to get through to them. The singer is not susceptible to being brought down or manipulated, and they warn the listener not even to try. In the bridge, the singer acknowledges that the listener may feel confident that they can eventually win them over because they are only flesh and bone. However, the singer's heart is made of stone, and the listener will have to leave them alone.
Line by Line Meaning
You can try to please me
Attempting to appeal to my desires and interests is within your prerogative
But it won't be easy
However, it is unlikely that your efforts will be successful
Stone walls surround me
I have erected emotional barriers that prevent others from truly knowing or affecting me
I'm surprised that you even found me
I am shocked that you were able to locate me in spite of my protective measures
And you don't stand an outside chance
Your chances of succeeding with me are very slim, if not nonexistent
(you don't stand an outside chance)
You don't stand an outside chance
You have virtually no hope of gaining my affection or winning me over
But you can try
Nevertheless, you are welcome to attempt to do so
Whatever you do girl
Regardless of your actions, emotions, or intentions, dear
You know that you can't get through girl
You should be aware that you will not be able to reach my heart, my defenses are too high
Can't bring me down
You cannot diminish my position, state of mind, or emotional constitution
Hang me up or even hang around
You cannot keep me waiting or waste my time by idling in your endeavors
I know you think you'll get me
You are under the impression that you will eventually win my affections
I'm only flesh and bone
While I am a physical being, my emotions and spirit are not easily won over or influenced
But you may as well forget me
You should accept that you will not be able to gain my trust, love, or attention
'cause my heart is stone
My emotions are calloused and unable to be swayed
you better leave me alone
It would be wise for you to discontinue pursuing me
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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