Lyrics
Take his word if you want it
Be cautious about believing what he says
That burnt-out bird song
Refers to a song that has lost its beauty or meaning
I'm not the one who's gonna talk you round
Not willing to persuade or convince you
Knows how to sing to your instincts
Understands how to appeal to your instincts
That charm and snake oil
Refers to deceptive charm and misleading promises
The little high before he brings you down
Describes a temporary feeling of euphoria before a letdown
Doesn't matter how many words I waste
Emphasizes the insignificance of the speaker's words
Banging on like a trebuchet
Using many words ineffectively, similar to a trebuchet (siege engine)
Pretty clear there's been a change of plan
Suggests a change in the original plan or agreement
Whatever you say
Agreement or acknowledgment of what you say
Just let the sun set over the slipway
Symbolic imagery of the day ending, possibly representing a relationship
As the last boat comes down
The final boat arriving, signaling an end
Always knew we were close to an ending
A realization that the end is near
But I just couldn't work it out
Difficulty in understanding or accepting the impending end
I know you think he's some kind of real thing
Belief in the person's authenticity
The kind of truth you wanna find
The truth one desires to discover
But if you just needed someone pretending
Suggests the person is only pretending
I could have told you better lies
The speaker could have provided more convincing lies if needed
Don't say you believe it
Expressing doubt or disbelief
Don't bet it all on the big smile
Caution against trusting a charming smile
The presentation
The act of presenting or showcasing, possibly deceptive
You're not the only one to turn your head
Others have also been deceived or influenced
He's got you caught at the turnstile
Trapped or influenced without invitation
With no invitation
Describes a situation with no formal invitation
Watching the dust cloud vanish up ahead
Observing the consequences of a hasty decision or action
Doesn't matter how many words I waste
Repetition of the futility of the speaker's words
Banging on like a trebuchet
Intensely expressing with futile effort, similar to a trebuchet
Pretty clear there's been a change of plan
Reiterating a change in plans or circumstances
Whatever you say
Confirmation or agreement with what you say
Doesn't matter how many words I waste
Continued emphasis on the ineffectiveness of the speaker's words
Head banging like a trebuchet
Intense head-banging, possibly reflecting frustration
Pretty clear there's been a change of plan
Reiteration of a change in plans or circumstances
Whatever you say
Confirmation or agreement with what you say
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