Day Tripper
the knees Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Got a good reason
For taking the easy way out
Got a good reason
For taking the easy way out now
She was a day tripper
One way ticket, yeah
It took me so long to find out
And I found out

She's a big teaser
She took me half the way there
She's a big teaser
She took me half the way there, now
She was a day tripper
One way ticket, yeah
It took me so long to find out
And I found out
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah

Tried to please her
She only played one night stand
Tried to please her
She only played one night stand, now
She was a day tripper
Sunday driver, yeah
It took me so long to find out
And I found out

Day tripper, day tripper, yeah

Day tripper, day tripper, yeah
Day tripper, day tripper, yeah

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Day Tripper by The Beatles are about a woman who is a “day tripper,” meaning she only wants a casual relationship and is not interested in anything long-term. The singer initially tries to please her, but realizes that he only ever plays a small role in her life when she wants it. He eventually recognizes that he is better off taking the easy way out and leaving her behind.

The song features a catchy guitar riff that repeats throughout the track. The lyrics are sung in a playful, upbeat manner that reflects the light-heartedness of the day tripper lifestyle. Despite the catchy melody, however, the song’s subject matter is considerably darker than it initially seems.

Overall, Day Tripper is a commentary on casual relationships that never progress beyond a superficial level. The singer recognizes that his day tripper partner will never be able to give him the kind of meaningful relationship he is looking for, and chooses to move on.

Line by Line Meaning

Got a good reason
There is a valid motive

For taking the easy way out
To choose a simpler path

For taking the easy way out now
Selecting a quicker and smoother option at present

She was a day tripper
She only traveled for recreation purposes

One way ticket, yeah
Single entry admission, sure

It took me so long to find out
It was a prolonged search to discover

And I found out
But ultimately I learned the truth

She's a big teaser
She's a significant flirt

She took me half the way there
She carried me most of the distance

She was a day tripper
She only traveled for recreation purposes

Sunday driver, yeah
Casual driver of a vehicle, yes