Fifteen Keys
Uncle Tupelo Lyrics


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Watch it separate in two
Whatever the day wants it to
Finding out that the worst is true
Finding out that it can escape you

Slings and arrows completes the score
Always leaving, wanting more
And I try to throw it away
Silver spikes and mace

Displayed in your eyes
Fearlessness, cannot fathom;
What's on your mind?
Been there, no luck at all

Nothing left to lose
Been there, no luck at all
Nothing left to lose
I've been there

"Danger/Slow" says the sign ahead
Exhaust fumes, Thin Lizzy instead
Left all pressing cares along the road
Fifteen keys, but where do they go?

Slings and arrows completes the score
Always leaving, wanting more
And I try to throw it away
Strings that pull, strings that bend





This song and dance never ends

Overall Meaning

The first two lines of Uncle Tupelo's song "Fifteen Keys" describe a sense of detachment and unpredictability in life. The phrase "Watch it separate in two/ Whatever the day wants it to" suggests that life can have unexpected twists and turns, and that it can be difficult to keep up with. The next two lines- "Finding out that the worst is true/ Finding out that it can escape you"- hint at a sense of powerlessness and defeat in the face of life's challenges. The lyrics here suggest that sometimes life can feel bleak and hopeless, and that there are times when we feel like we're fighting a losing battle.


The next verse of the song uses more poetic language to explore the same themes. The phrase "Slings and arrows completes the score/ Always leaving, wanting more" suggests that life is like a play or a movie, complete with all of its highs and lows. The singer of the song seems to be trying to run away from this dramatic existence- "And I try to throw it away"- but the "silver spikes and mace" in the next line imply that it's not that easy to escape. The chorus of the song repeats a few lines that suggest a sense of frustration and desperation- "Been there, no luck at all/ Nothing left to lose/ I've been there."


Line by Line Meaning

Watch it separate in two
Things that used to be one are now divided into two.


Whatever the day wants it to
The events and circumstances of the day dictate what happens.


Finding out that the worst is true
Discovering that the most negative outcome is actually what has taken place.


Finding out that it can escape you
Realizing that something can evade your control or grasp.


Slings and arrows completes the score
Obstacles and setbacks contribute to the state of affairs.


Always leaving, wanting more
Constantly moving on and seeking additional experiences or possessions.


And I try to throw it away
Attempting to rid oneself of something unwanted.


Silver spikes and mace
Weapons that are used for self-defense or offense.


Displayed in your eyes
Evident from the look on your face or expression in your eyes.


Fearlessness, cannot fathom;
The inability to understand or comprehend how someone can be so brave or fearless.


What's on your mind?
Asking what someone is thinking about or contemplating.


Been there, no luck at all
Having attempted something before without success.


Nothing left to lose
There is no longer anything to risk or sacrifice.


I've been there
Confirming that the singer has experienced the situation being discussed.


"Danger/Slow" says the sign ahead
A sign that warns of potential peril or caution ahead.


Exhaust fumes, Thin Lizzy instead
Breathing in the smoke from a vehicle's exhaust while listening to music by Thin Lizzy.


Left all pressing cares along the road
Leaving behind all of the worries and stressors that were previously weighing down the artist.


Fifteen keys, but where do they go?
Posing the question of what the purpose of these keys is or where they may unlock.


Strings that pull, strings that bend
Referring to the influence that individuals and situations have over the direction of one's life.


This song and dance never ends
Expressing the idea that life's struggles and challenges will always continue.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JAY FARRAR

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

DaveAllenSpeaks

A good friend of mine took me to see these guys at the 930 club in DC back in 93 or 94 and I am forever grateful to him for that.This is one of my go to albums when I feel like I need some perspective or just an escape into melody and poetry with a little southern feel.

Reka Jellema

So pretty. Hits me in all my sweet spots. Steel guitar.

JollyJack Splendid

So so good!

trebleboostboy

i f'n dig this track....f'n right i do !!!!!

GotLotsaFaith

I've often wondered about the meaning of the title, "Fifteen Keys" ... And, throughout the track, I cannot help but to imagine a stolen car, possibly a Buick Skylark from the 1970's; a very edgy driver and co-pilot, hauling ass north on I95 with a trunk load full of uncut cocaine... Happy trails boys, and be careful ...

Sonic 289

Perhaps Farrar's finest. He might have matched this with ten songs to come. It is, for perhaps obvious reasons, overtaken by the likes of 'Windfall', but this song is his contribution to American country music. The use of the dobro on this track, Jesus. I have not heard its equal. Leave it to Farrar.