I Smell a Rat
Love's Betrayal: Unraveling the Deception in Patty Griffin's 'I Smell a Rat'
Lyrics
I think I smell a rat in my house, baby I believe you got just too late
The speaker suspects deceit or betrayal ("smelling a rat") and believes the person arrived too late to cover it up.
Aw, I smell a rat, I smell a rat in my house, honey, I think you walkin' 'round too late
Reiteration of suspicion ("smelling a rat") and the belief that the person is wandering around suspiciously late.
You know I need a rat in my house like this now, just like I need a hole in my head
Expresses the speaker's disbelief in needing further trouble ("a rat in my house") or problems.
You cry baby you afraid at night, you say you can't stay home all alone
The person expresses fear and reluctance to stay home alone at night.
Oh you said you afraid, afraid to stay home at night, you say you didn't want to be home alone
Reiterates the fear of being alone at home at night, indicating a desire not to be alone.
Oh, but I can smell a rat in the time I get back, and all, and all you do is gonna make me moan
The speaker suggests they can sense something wrong or deceitful even when away, leading to frustration and sorrow.
You got my backdoor wide open, baby you say you're supposed to be afraid
Metaphorically, the person's actions (leaving the backdoor open) seem reckless or careless despite claiming to be scared.
You got my backdoor wide open, and you tell me you're supposed to be afraid
Reiterates the inconsistency between leaving the backdoor open and claiming fear, highlighting a contradiction in their behavior.
You know the last time I slept with it opened, you know 'was so cold I almost lost my head
The speaker recalls a past incident when leaving the backdoor open caused discomfort or trouble ("so cold I almost lost my head").
Sometime I think you're foolin' me baby, and I do believe it's just drivin' me around
The speaker feels deceived at times and believes it's causing frustration and confusion.
Sometime I think you're foolin' me baby, honey I think you're just drivin' me around
Reiterates the suspicion of being misled and feeling manipulated by the person.
Why don't you leave me alone woman, you know I think there's another women I can go,
The speaker expresses a desire for the person to leave them alone, suggesting there might be another person they could turn to.
I can be found
Implies that the speaker could be found elsewhere if the current situation persists.
I think that you have it to explain. honey I'm not that hard to understand
The speaker feels the person has the capacity to explain themselves and the situation but hasn't done so.
Did you ever try to sit down and explain, I am not that hard to understand
Asking if the person has ever attempted to clarify things, indicating a desire for better communication.
You will be sleeping with the backdoor open, baby or with another man
Suggests a threat of infidelity or the possibility of the person sleeping with someone else due to their behavior.
You're so good, I don't believe I wanna leave you alone
Despite suspicion and frustration, the speaker finds it hard to leave the person due to their positive traits.
Oh you're so sweet to me, I don't believe, I can leave you alone
Expresses the sweetness or goodness of the person, making it difficult for the speaker to consider leaving them alone.
Stayin', and peepin' like you got a woman, and try to make me, all happy
Accusation that the person is acting as if they have someone else and trying to make the speaker happy despite suspicions.
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