Invisible
Warren Haynes Band Lyrics


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See these cans these worn out shoes
This old shopping cart full of rusty blues
It's plain as day
So why do I feel invisible?

Look at my face these weather worn miles
If you ain't gotta dime brother
Could you spare a smile?
Instead of looking right through me
Like I was invisible

Here's to dreaming an American dream
Here's to scheming an American scheme

See these bands they're black and blue
Seen a lot of dreams slip right on through
Like water just like water
Invisible invisible

See this child, she looks a lot like me
She says "daddy when I grow up I don't wanna be
I don't wanna be I don't wanna be
Invisible

Here's to singing an American song
Here's to righting an American
Wrong

See these people being cast away
Number's growing day by day
And if something don't change
You know we can't remain





Invisible invisible
Invisible invisible

Overall Meaning

The Warren Haynes Band's song "Invisible" touches upon the issue of poverty in America and the feeling of being invisible that comes with being poor. The song opens up with Warren Haynes singing about the cans, shoes, and shopping cart that he possesses, describing them as a representation of the rusty blues that plagues him. Despite his physical presence being plain as day, Haynes feels invisible, overshadowed by society's perception of him.


Haynes highlights the pain of being overlooked by others, particularly when he requests for a simple smile from a stranger in exchange for no cost, and they look right through him. The artist's lyrics also discuss the illusion of the American Dream, a concept that fails to include the financially challenged, pushing the concept of feeling invisible on the lower class. Haynes references the social problem of homelessness and the deprivation it employs on those unfortunate enough to suffer this fate. He sings about people being cast away day by day, and if something doesn't change, the socially neglected might continue to be invisible.


This song is a powerful critique of society's placing of status and wealth over the well-being of its citizens. Haynes uses music as a platform to draw attention to the plight of those struggling with poverty and the feeling of invisibility that accompanies it.


Line by Line Meaning

See these cans these worn out shoes
The singer is indicating their poor state of attire


This old shopping cart full of rusty blues
The singer is also highlighting their lack of material possessions


It's plain as day
The singer is suggesting that their appearance should indicate to others that they are in need of help


So why do I feel invisible?
Despite their dire situation being visible, the artist feels ignored by others


Look at my face these weather worn miles
The artist claims that a difficult life has left physical marks upon their face


If you ain't gotta dime brother
If the listener has no money


Could you spare a smile?
The singer is requesting friendliness instead of money


Instead of looking right through me
The artist is frustrated that they feel unseen by others


Like I was invisible
The artist feels as if their presence is not acknowledged


Here's to dreaming an American dream
The singer is toasting the idea of a better life


Here's to scheming an American scheme
The singer is toasting the ability to plan and execute this better life


See these bands they're black and blue
The artist references painful experiences and setbacks


Seen a lot of dreams slip right on through
The singer has had aspirations fall apart


Like water just like water
Dreams and goals have been fleeting, like precious water slipping through fingers


Invisible invisible
The singer is repeating that they feel unseen


See this child, she looks a lot like me
The artist is showing empathy for other people in a similar situation


She says "daddy when I grow up I don't wanna be
The artist is quoting a conversation with their child


I don't wanna be I don't wanna be
The child does not want to be ignored or invisible


Invisible
The singer is repeating what their child fears


Here's to singing an American song
The artist is toasting a more positive outlook


Here's to righting an American Wrong
The artist suggests the current situation is an issue that needs addressing


See these people being cast away
The artist is referencing others in a similar situation to themselves


Number's growing day by day
The singer suggests this situation is getting worse, not better


And if something don't change
The artist is highlighting the need for action


You know we can't remain
The singer suggests the current situation is not sustainable




Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: WARREN HAYNES

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Jeffrey Taylor

Around 4 minutes and 8 minutes Warren and the sax player are so together it sounds like one instrument.

TheHonudiver

Old tune from Warren's 1st solo album,Tales of Ordinary Madness, Early 90s. Mean album. Studio version of this will a9ng floor you. Great album.

Sergio Kodemo

Very good playing and should highlight the keyboards' arrangement here.

Charles Christine Poignon

J’aime beaucoup,super

Joe Tate

Ron Holloway on sax is from another planet!

steelermule

Bass kickin ass , saw him with Gregg Allman band Too !!!

jeff j

incredible

Rich Ruh

Warren Haynes is smoking in this jam versitle wander what wattage his prs amp is? Great music Rich columbus ohio

Adir Reiner

Jazz? Rock? Fank? Just warren haynes

jeff j

all wrapped up in one right

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