Nashville" is an Amy Ray song, written about her experiences at
Vanderbilt U. As Emily said, "She didn't fit in." This song
originally appeared on "Color Me Grey," and then on "Blue Food."
Occasionally, it would feature a cool harmonica part by Sandy
Garfinkle. Emily, by the way, claims to hate playing this song,
which is pretty odd, considering it's still in their repetoire, and
likely will be on the next album. This particular version of the
lyrics is compiled from ten different versions, so it's really kind
of a "best of." Whatever I heard most often.
Nashville.
As I drive from your pearly gates
I realize that I just can't stay
All those mountains, they kept you locked inside
And hid the truth from my slotted eyes
I came to you with a half-open heart
Dreams upon my back - illusions of a brand new start
Nashville, can't I carry the load?
Is it my fault that I can't reap what I sow?
Nashville, did you give me half a chance
With your southern style, and your hidden dance away?
(Now you dance away, now you dance away)
All those voices, they whisper through my walls
They said I was falling fast, they say I'm losing it all
They say I'm running blind to love of my own
But I'll be walking proud - I save what I still own
I fell on my knees to kiss your land
But you are so far down
And I can't even see to stand in Nashville
You forgot the human race
You see with have a mind
What colors are the face?
Nashville, I'd like to know your fate
I'd like to stay a while
But I've seen your lowered states today
(I've seen them today, honey, I swear I've seen them today)
Now I'm leaving - I've got all these debts to pay
You know we all have our dues - I'll pay 'em some other place
I'd never ask that you pay me back
We all arrive with more - I left with less than I had
Your town is made for people passing through
A last chance for a cause I thought I knew
But, Nashville, you tell me what you're gonna do
With all your Southern style - it'll never pull you through
Nashville, I can't place no blame
But if you forget my face I'll never call your name again
(No, never again, never again)
I fell on my knees to kiss your land
But you are so far down
And I can't even see to stand in Nashville
You forgot the human race
You see with half a mind
What colors are the face?
Nashville, I'd like to know your fate
I'd like to stay a while
But I've seen your lowered states today
(I've seen them today, honey, I swear I've seen them today
I'm running away, I'm running away
I'm running, I'm running, I'm running away