You Had Time
Reflections on Time and Choices: Ani DiFranco's 'You Had Time'
Lyrics
How can I go home
Expressing uncertainty about returning home with no significant experiences to share.
With nothing to say
Feeling a lack of words or stories to convey upon returning.
I know you're going to look at me that way
Anticipating a judgmental or questioning look from someone.
And say what did you do out there?
Expecting the question about actions and decisions made during the absence.
And what did you decide?
Wondering about the choices and conclusions reached during the time away.
You said you needed time
Recalling the partner's request for time and acknowledging it.
And you had time
Recognizing that time was granted for personal reflection or growth.
You are a china shop
Metaphorically describing the partner as delicate, while the narrator sees themselves as forceful.
And I am a bull
Acknowledging a contrasting dynamic between fragility and strength in the relationship.
You are really good food
Complimenting the partner as valuable, akin to good food.
And I am full
Feeling emotionally satiated and content.
I guess everything is timing
Reflecting on the importance of timing in various aspects of life.
I guess everything's been said
Suggesting that everything that needs to be said has been expressed.
So I am coming home with an empty head
Returning home with a mind seemingly devoid of new experiences or insights.
You'll say did they love you or what?
Envisioning a conversation about whether others appreciated the narrator.
I'll say they love what I do
Asserting that others appreciated the narrator's actions or work.
The only one who really loves me is you
Affirming that the primary source of love and understanding is the partner.
And you'll say girl you kick some butt
Envisioning the partner acknowledging the narrator's success or achievements.
And I'll say I don't really remember
Expressing a lack of clear memory about specific accomplishments.
But my fingers are sore
Physically strained, evidenced by sore fingers and voice.
And my voice is too
Continuing to experience physical discomfort from the efforts made.
You'll say it's really good to see you
Anticipating a warm welcome and expressing the joy of reuniting.
You'll say I missed you horribly
Expecting a strong expression of missing each other during the separation.
You'll say let me carry that
Imagining the partner offering assistance or support.
Give that to me
Requesting help or collaboration, symbolized by taking on burdens together.
And you will take the heavy stuff
Assigning responsibilities based on strengths and capabilities.
And you will drive the car
Sharing duties, with the partner taking charge of more challenging aspects.
And I'll look out the window and make jokes
Engaging in light-hearted banter and commentary on life's circumstances.
About the way things are
Commenting on the perceived state of affairs or situations.
How can I go home
Reiterating the challenge of returning home with little to share.
Nothing to say
Repeating the sense of having no significant experiences to convey.
I know you're going to look at me that way
Expecting a familiar judgmental look and the inevitable questioning.
And say what did you do out there
Anticipating the inquiry into actions taken and decisions made during the absence.
And what did you decide
Reiterating the partner's earlier need for time and the subsequent allowance of that time.
You said you needed time
Reminding that the partner granted the necessary time for personal reflection.
And you had time
Reaffirming the partner's understanding and acceptance of the need for time.
You had time
Emphasizing the ample time granted for personal growth and reflection.
You had time
Repeating the acknowledgment of the partner's patience and understanding.
You had time
Underlining the partner's continuous support and allowance of necessary time.
You had time
Concluding with the repeated emphasis on the partner's patience and understanding.
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