Where Were You
Unanswered Echoes: Vic Chesnutt's Cry for Connection
Lyrics
Where were you two years ago when I was locked out there at the barn
The speaker questions someone's absence during a difficult time two years prior.
When some certain Athens sacred monster was doing me in the charm
Refers to a person in Athens who had a significant negative impact on the speaker.
We could've been chatting heart to heart on that front porch with a view
Imagining a missed opportunity for a deep conversation in a scenic setting.
Where were you girl when I needed you
Expresses the speaker's longing for support and companionship during that time.
Where were you two weeks ago, a week again after your promise
Asking about the person's absence despite a recent promise made by them.
I was in your place of employment crying in my humus
The speaker felt emotionally vulnerable and upset in a place where the person worked.
Somebody in there said "boy you're looking bad"
Someone noticed the speaker's distress, indicating a visible decline in their well-being.
And I said "you know that is nothing new"
The speaker acknowledges that feeling bad is not a new experience for them.
Where were you girl when I needed you
Reiterating the need for support and presence during difficult times.
Were you in that second story well lighted place
Speculating where the person might have been in a well-lit, comfortable place.
Up against it's occupant artist in his personal space
Suggesting a potential romantic involvement or closeness with an artist.
I know that has been known to happen but I though all of that was through
The speaker thought that such situations were over or resolved.
Where were you girl when I needed you
Expressing disappointment at the absence of support during a trying time.
Where were you last Monday when I was overwrought
Questioning the person's absence during another moment of emotional distress.
I was watching the bright bug lamp flicker
Describing the speaker's state of mind while observing a flickering light.
You were doing up the dim dim 40-watt
Suggesting the person was occupied with mundane tasks like changing a lightbulb.
I was alone with Pepe Lopez
The speaker was feeling lonely and drinking alone.
I just couldn't do the schmooze
Unable to engage in socializing due to emotional turmoil.
Where were you girl when I needed you
Expressing the need for companionship and support during lonely moments.
Where are you this Sunday morning I'm in shaky health
Referencing the present moment and the speaker's fragile health.
I am in the back yard leaking on the spot where you proclaimed yourself
Recalling a significant past moment when the person made a declaration.
You are hungry wanting breakfast and my heart is in a stew
Describing a situation where the speaker is emotionally drained and the person is seeking breakfast.
Where were you girl when I needed you
Expressing disappointment at the person's absence during a time of emotional need.
Comment