Boston
Vampire Weekend Lyrics
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Mystical boys feelin' alright
Raggedy wisdom falls from my hands
The ladies of Cambridge know who I am
I've had dreams of Boston all of my life
Chinatown between the sounds of the night
Take... it
Take... it
Take... it
Graveyard bricks were falling in style
The Lady's the pharaoh, Charles is the Nile
That's the museum price you could pay
As the stones of your fathers stand there today
I've had dreams of Boston all of my life
Chinatown between the sounds of the night
But if you leave I just don't think I could take... it
Take... it
Take... it
Take... it
I've had dreams of Boston all of my life
Chinatown between the sounds of the night
'Cause when you left my room to go to the kitchen
I imagined that you were dead
A morbid streak runs through the whole of my family
But for you I could put it to rest
But if you leave I just don't think I could take... it
Take... it
Take... it
Take
... it
In "Boston," Vampire Weekend sings about the city of Boston and its neighborhoods, specifically Chestnut Park and Chinatown. The first verse describes a Saturday night in Chestnut Park, where the singer is surrounded by "mystical boys" and "raggedy wisdom." The ladies of Cambridge know who he is, suggesting that he has a reputation in the area. The second verse talks about a graveyard where the Lady and Charles (presumably referring to the statue of George Washington in the Public Garden and the nearby Charles River) are like royalty, while the stones of the fathers stand as a reminder of history. The chorus repeats the lines, "I've had dreams of Boston all of my life, Chinatown between the sounds of the night," suggesting a long-held fascination with the city. The final verse takes a darker turn, with the singer admitting to having a "morbid streak" in his family but also expressing a desire to put it to rest for the person he is addressing. The chorus repeats once more.
It's unclear exactly what the song is about or who the singer is addressing, but it seems to be a mix of nostalgia, fascination, and possibly even a sense of belonging. The singer feels at home in Boston but also recognizes its darker side. The references to specific neighborhoods and landmarks suggest a deep love for the city, while the final verse hints at a personal connection to it as well. Overall, the song paints a vivid picture of Boston and its unique vibe.
Line by Line Meaning
Chestnut Park on a Saturday night
I am in Chestnut Park on a Saturday night and enjoying myself.
Mystical boys feelin' alright
I am hanging out with some mystical boys and we are feeling good.
Raggedy wisdom falls from my hands
I have some wisdom to share, but it might not be perfectly put together.
The ladies of Cambridge know who I am
Women in Cambridge recognize me for who I am.
I've had dreams of Boston all of my life
Boston has been a big part of my thoughts and dreams for a long time.
Chinatown between the sounds of the night
I am particularly fond of Chinatown, especially at night.
But if you leave I just don't think I could take... it
If you leave me, I am not sure if I could handle it.
Graveyard bricks were falling in style
The view of the falling bricks in the graveyard is beautiful and stylish.
The Lady's the pharaoh, Charles is the Nile
The Lady represents power while Charles represents life.
That's the museum price you could pay
A high price could be paid to experience such beauty.
As the stones of your fathers stand there today
The stones and legacy of your ancestors can be seen still standing today.
'Cause when you left my room to go to the kitchen
I felt a sense of fear or worry when you left the room.
I imagined that you were dead
My mind may have gone to an extreme, imagining the worst-case scenario.
A morbid streak runs through the whole of my family
There is a dark side or tendency in my family that is present in me as well.
But for you I could put it to rest
Being with you can bring out a more positive side of me, and help me overcome this tendency.
Take... it
Still unsure if I could handle it if you were to leave.
Take... it
My feelings of uncertainty and fear continue.
Take... it
I am repeating myself, still unable to shake the feeling of unease at the thought of losing you.
Take... it
The fear that I won't be able to handle your leaving is all-consuming.
Contributed by Ian N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.