Chelsea Hotel No. 2
Chelsea Hotel Memories: Love, Rebellion, and the Ugly Beauty of Music
Lyrics
I remember you well in the Chelsea Hotel
The singer recalls remembering someone in the Chelsea Hotel.
You were talkin' so brave and so sweet
The person being remembered was speaking confidently and affectionately.
Givin' me head on the unmade bed
Implies intimate activity on an unmade bed.
While the limousines wait in the street
While this intimate moment occurs, luxury cars wait outside.
Those were the reason an' that was New York
Refers to the past as a motive for being in New York City.
We were runnin' for the money and the flesh
Suggests a pursuit of wealth and physical desires.
And that was called love for the workers in song
Describes this pursuit as love, perhaps for artists or laborers.
Probably still is for those of them left
Suggests that this type of love might still exist for those who remain.
Ah, but you got away, didn't you, baby?
Remarks on the departure of the person being remembered.
You just turned your back on the crowd
They left without acknowledging the attention or audience.
You got away, I never once heard you say
The person departed without expressing a need for the singer.
I need you, I don't need you
Highlights the back-and-forth nature of their relationship, expressing uncertainty and conflicting emotions.
I need you, I don't need you
-And all of that jiving around
-I remember you well in Chelsea Hotel
Recalls another moment of remembering this person at the Chelsea Hotel.
You were famous, your heart was a legend
Portrays the person as famous with a legendary heart.
You told me again you preferred handsome men
They expressed a preference for handsome men but indicated an exception for the singer.
But for me you would make an exception
Shows solidarity with the singer, acknowledging societal pressure regarding beauty standards.
And clenching your fist for the ones like us
The person clenches their fist for those oppressed by beauty standards.
Who are oppressed by the figures of beauty
They acknowledge their own lack of conventional beauty but take solace in music.
You fixed yourself, you said: Well, never mind
Despite their appearance, they find value in themselves due to their connection to music.
We are ugly but we have the music
Reflects the departure of the person from the crowd.
And you got away, didn't you, baby?
Similar to line 9, highlighting the person's departure.
You just turned your back on the crowd
They left without acknowledging the audience or their need for anyone.
You got away, I never once heard you say
Reiterates their departure without expressing need for the singer.
I need you, I don't need you
Repeats the conflicting emotions and uncertainty in the relationship.
I need you, I don't need you
-And all of that jiving around
-I don't mean to suggest that I loved you the best
The singer acknowledges not being the person's best love or favorite.
I can't keep track of each fallen robin
Expresses an inability to keep track of past relationships.
I remember you well in Chelsea Hotel
Recalls remembering the person yet again at the Chelsea Hotel.
That's all, I don't even think of you that often
States that the person is not frequently on the singer's mind anymore.
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