20 To 9
Tiny Dancers Lyrics


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The way to go
It seems long
Moonlight shines on you
Its been so dark
For so long
And daylight hides from you

I can not be what I told you that I'd be

Yes you should have known when I broke your heart
That I am full of holes
life will pour through me

I cannot be what I told you that id be oh
That id be oh
That id be oh
That id be
I can not be what I told..

I guess my time has come to destroy your life
I guess what I can give
you know my race is won

I can not be what I told you that id be oh

That id be oh
That id be oh
That id be oh
That id be oh
That id be oh
That id be oh
(I can not be what I told you)




That id be oh
(I can not be what I told you)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Tiny Dancer's song "20 to 9" create a melancholic and introspective mood. The phrase "The way to go, it seems long" suggests that the singer is hesitant about embarking on a new path or making a big decision. The line "Moonlight shines on you, it's been so dark for so long" could be an acknowledgement that the singer's life or emotional state has been in turmoil for some time, but there is a glimmer of hope shining on them. The following line, "And daylight hides from you," deepens this sense of despair and the feeling that the singer is lost.


The chorus provides a resolution to the tension in the verses but in a bittersweet way. The line "I can not be what I told you that I'd be" could be an admission of fault or a confession of insecurity. The singer recognizes that they cannot fulfill the promises they have made to others or to themselves, amplifying their sadness and inadequacy. The other line in the chorus "Yes, you should have known when I broke your heart, that I am full of holes, life will pour through me" adds further insight into the singer's past regrets and failures. They acknowledge the pain they have caused to someone else, and how their own unresolved issues have contributed to their inability to commit fully to anything.


Line by Line Meaning

The way to go
Navigating through life can feel like a long and arduous journey


It seems long
The journey ahead may appear to be endless, with no end in sight


Moonlight shines on you
Despite the darkness, there are always moments of hope and light that can guide us forward


Its been so dark
Life can be filled with periods of struggle and despair that obscure the way ahead


For so long
These struggles may persist for what feels like an eternity, with no end in sight


And daylight hides from you
Even when the sun rises, it may not always bring clarity, as the path ahead may remain shrouded in mystery


I can not be what I told you that I'd be
I am unable to live up to the expectations that I set for myself and others


Yes you should have known when I broke your heart
My actions should have been a warning sign that I am not who I presented myself to be


That I am full of holes
My character has weaknesses and flaws that I cannot hide from those I love


life will pour through me
Despite my imperfections, I will still experience the full range of human emotions and experiences


I cannot be what I told you that id be oh
I am unable to fulfill the promises and expectations that I or others have set for me


I guess my time has come to destroy your life
I fear that my failures and shortcomings will have a negative impact on the people I care about


I guess what I can give
Despite my fears, I will try to offer what little I can to those around me


you know my race is won
I have already accomplished what I am capable of, and cannot do more than I already have


That id be oh
Despite my flaws and imperfections, I wish I could be the person I promised I would be


(I can not be what I told you)
I am aware of my limitations and unable to change them, which causes me deep sadness




Contributed by Isabella L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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