I Don't Even Try
Love's Fade: Nostalgia and Heartbreak in John Hiatt's 'I Don't Even Try'
Lyrics
I thought I had your number - there must be some mistake
I believed I understood you, but there seems to be an error.
I dialed six - three - seven - eleven - eighty eight
I dialed a number, but it appears to be incorrect (63711888).
I got some geezer; said his girlfriend's on the town
I reached someone older who mentioned his girlfriend is out.
I said, "I've got the wrong number," and I slammed the phone down
Realizing the mistake, I disconnected the call abruptly.
Thought about it for a minute 'til the anger went away
Contemplated the situation until my anger subsided.
I figure every dog in town is gonna have his day
I assume everyone will face difficulties sooner or later.
Well, I could count the teardrops, or I could wonder why
Considered counting tears or pondering the reasons for the breakup.
Well I used to be your lover - now I don't even try
I was your lover, but now I don't even make an effort.
It was champagne parties and sweet love sins
Previously, there were extravagant parties and passionate moments.
Now it's warm beer at midnight and girlie magazines
Now reduced to cheap beer and adult magazines.
I stack the empty cans up like a freshman in school
Symbolically stacking empty cans like an inexperienced person.
It's the kind of thing you're into when you ain't nobody's fool
Engaging in such behaviors when feeling foolish or deceived.
Got my socks in the oven, something's growing in the sink
Indicating a messy, neglected living space.
I can't begin to face the day without a couple of drinks
Dependent on alcohol to face the day.
Ain't had a decent meal since you made me cry
Expressing a lack of proper nourishment since the emotional turmoil.
Well I used to be your lover - now I don't even try
I used to be your lover, but now I don't even try.
Memories, take a look at what you've done to me
Reflecting on the impact of memories on the speaker.
It's gettin' so all I do is watch TV
The speaker's life is consumed by watching television.
Can't even prove that I'm alive
Feeling a sense of existential emptiness or disconnection.
Well, I thought I had your number - there must be some mistake
Repeating the dialing process, suggesting a lingering hope.
I dialed six-three-seven-one-one-eight-eight
Again, dialing the same number, unwilling to accept the reality.
I got some geezer; said his girlfriend's on the town
Encountering the same person and situation as before.
I said, "I've got the wrong number," and I slammed the phone down
Reacting with frustration and denial, hanging up again.
But I know the number's right and you're his girl
Aware of the correct number and the fact that you are with someone else.
Though I wouldn't want to face it for the whole wide world
Reluctant to confront the painful truth in front of the world.
Don't come back baby, I think I'm gonna die
Expressing intense emotional pain and a desire not to reconcile.
Well I used to be your lover, now I don't even try
Reiterating the resignation from the past relationship.
I used to be your lover, now I don't even try
Summarizing the acknowledgment of the changed status in the relationship.
Comment