C
Wainwright Martha Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Emily tries, but misunderstands
She's often inclined to borrow somebodies dream till tomorrow

[Chorus: ]
There is no other day
Let's try it another way
You'll lose your mind and play
Free games for me
See Emily play

Soon after dark, Emily cries,
Gazing through trees, and sorrow hardly sound till tomorrow,

[Chorus: ]
(See Emily play)

Put on a grown, it touches the ground,
Float on a river forever and ever Emily

There is no other day
Let's try it another way
You'll lose your mind and play
Free games for me
See Emily play
Free games for me
See Emily play




Free games for me
See Emily play

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Martha Wainwright's "See Emily Play" depicts the struggles of Emily, who seems to have difficulties in understanding the world around her. She borrows other people's dreams because she cannot seem to find her own. The chorus that repeats throughout the song, "there is no other day, let's try it another way, you'll lose your mind and play free games for me, see Emily play," highlights the idea that Emily is encouraged to try something new and lose her mind. This may suggest that Emily is feeling trapped or limited in her current situation and needs to break free from it.


The second half of the song speaks of Emily crying while looking at trees, once again emphasizing her emotional state. However, the final lines, "put on a gown that touches the ground, float on a river forever and ever Emily," suggest a sense of peace or freedom for Emily. The idea of the gown touching the ground is often seen as a symbol of a connection to the earth, and floating on a river is a symbol of fluidity and movement. This could represent Emily finally finding her place and being at peace with herself.


Line by Line Meaning

Emily tries, but misunderstands
Emily attempts something, yet fails to comprehend its true meaning


She's often inclined to borrow somebodies dream till tomorrow
She takes someone else's aspirations and holds onto them, never making them her own


There is no other day
This moment in time is the only one that matters


Let's try it another way
Let's approach this situation in a different manner


You'll lose your mind and play
You will be overwhelmed by emotion and engage in reckless behavior


Free games for me
I will take advantage of your vulnerability for my own enjoyment


See Emily play
Observe the spectacle of someone who has lost control


Soon after dark, Emily cries
When night falls, Emily weeps


Gazing through trees, and sorrow hardly sound till tomorrow
She looks through branches, and her pain will not subside until the next day


Put on a grown, it touches the ground
Wear clothing that symbolizes maturity and responsibility


Float on a river forever and ever Emily
Drift through life without purpose or direction, Emily


Free games for me
I will continue to take advantage of your helplessness


See Emily play
Bear witness to the spectacle of someone who has lost control


Free games for me
My amusement is more valuable than your well-being


See Emily play
Watch as the chaos unfolds




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

@toycollections1745

Isn't she just the best. If even I was looking for someone to sing for my life I would chose Martha Wainwright

@bahgiggles

I love the way the light looks like a moon in the background as she is singing "i will shine"

@lisawilson3032

This was an ok duet with Rufus originally. She completely owns this. Flawless.

@MsFreddieFreddie

One of the most original voices around today .... love Martha!

@TheDavidroney

I wept when I first heard this piece. Now I rejoice in its simple splendour. Thank you CBC for this wonderful recording.

@JuliaBl

her voice and performance really matured since the first time i heard her, many years ago. this is so beautiful. 

@BillClintonn

Sorry to curse, but I just watched this video, and at the end of it found myself saying aloud, "Holy f#$k!" What a voice. And so much feeling. This is a gem of a performance. Thanks for posting it.

@johnsawyer7131

Martha voice invokes my deepest feelings deep inside my soul

@jacquemilon513

I don't understand -- why is the rest of the world not as in love with her as I am?!?!?!

@NatureEllaJ

❤ Brillant Martha Wainwright 🌹 👌

More Comments

More Versions