Old Hotel
Journey Through Memory: Vic Chesnutt's Reflections in 'Old Hotel'
Lyrics
I can see my old hotel
I have a clear view of my previous lodgings, my old hotel.
Down amongst the smells
The hotel is located amidst various odors or scents.
I'm up above that ancient city river
I am elevated above the ancient city river.
It's filtered by my lousy liver
The view is influenced or distorted by the condition of my unhealthy liver.
It's filtered by my wilted lily liver
The river view is further affected by my weakened and fragile liver.
I can see my old hotel
I can see my old hotel once again.
It ain't even a hotel
The building may not function as a traditional hotel anymore.
5am there came some sleet or hail
At 5 am, there was a mix of sleet or hail.
It was signal taps on the brave window
The sounds on the window resembled signal taps.
Solemn taps on the wavy window
The taps on the window had a solemn or serious quality.
I can see my old hotel
I have a view of my old hotel once more.
Hear those old touristy bells
There are sounds of old touristy bells.
Soon I'll be down the hill shopping
Soon, I will descend the hill for shopping.
Giddy like a tipsy Mary Poppins
I will be joyous and excited, akin to a slightly drunk Mary Poppins.
Giddy like a tipsy Mary Poppins
The joy and excitement are reiterated, comparing it to a tipsy Mary Poppins.
I can see my old hotel
I can see my old hotel once again.
It ain't even a hotel
The structure may no longer serve its original purpose as a hotel.
I'm scheduled to ride the rails
I am scheduled to travel by train.
If I wished to stay on this tower
If I decide to remain in this elevated position, things would become chaotic with just one more hour.
Things would derange given just another hour
Continuing to stay on the tower would lead to disorder or disturbance given a little more time.
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