Just a Sinner
Redemption in a World of Shadows: Just a Sinner by Carly Simon
Lyrics
Today I was gonna conquer the world,
Expressing determination and ambition to achieve great things.
Go on ahead and make a stand.
Encouraging action and taking a firm stance.
Today I saw an old friend a dyin'
Reflecting on encountering a dying old friend.
And as he lay there no one lent a hand,
Observing the lack of assistance for the suffering friend.
I'm gonna call you up,
Anticipating a call to someone significant.
You'll forsake the one you love,
Expecting the person to forsake their current love.
Though I've left you many times before
Acknowledging a history of leaving without commitment.
You are just a sinner.
Labeling the person as a sinner, possibly implying flaws.
I was the one who understands,
Claiming to be the understanding one in the relationship.
You were my one and only man.
Highlighting the person as the sole romantic partner.
I was lost, now I'm the winner.
Transitioning from a state of being lost to being a winner.
You stand there waitin' by the shore,
Describing the person waiting by the shore for the speaker.
But I don't come that way no more,
Indicating a change in the speaker's approach or path.
Because you are just a sinner.
Reiterating the characterization of the person as a sinner.
Today I was gonna hold out my hand,
Expressing the intention to offer help or support.
Reach up for that light and let it shine.
Striving for personal growth and enlightenment.
Today I have no light to guide me
Feeling abandoned and lacking guidance.
Feelin' like the one they left behind,
Experiencing a sense of being left behind by others.
So I called you up,
Initiating contact with the significant person again.
You left your love and took me away,
Noting the person's willingness to abandon their love.
Though I've left you many times before
Reiterating the history of leaving without commitment.
You are just a sinner.
Reaffirming the characterization of the person as a sinner.
I am the only one, you see,
Claiming exclusivity in the relationship.
You were the only one for me,
Affirming the uniqueness of the person in the speaker's life.
I was lost, now I'm the winner.
Transforming from a state of being lost to victorious.
You'll keep the candle burning bright,
Expecting the person to keep the flame of love alive.
But I won't be home tonight,
Indicating the speaker's absence despite the burning candle.
Because you are just a sinner.
Reiterating the characterization of the person as a sinner.
Today I was gonna conquer the world,
Repeating the theme of conquering the world and making a stand.
Go on ahead and make a stand.
Encouraging action and determination as before.
Today I saw an old friend a dyin',
Recalling the encounter with the dying old friend.
And as he lay there, no one lent a hand.
Observing the lack of assistance for the suffering friend once again.
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