Is that supposed to be your poker face
Or was someone run over by a train
And you were minding your own business
But you're begging for forgiveness just the same

And it's running back and forth inside your mind
Just how that town defined you
Dressed you up, painted your face

And now you're leaving New York
For no better place

You're awake and trying not to be
Wrapped around your pillow like a prawn
And the nighttime's wrapped around you
Will be until it drops you on the dawn
From the C train to the shiny tower
Kicked around 'til happy hour found you
Where you can drink that smirk right off your face

And now you're leaving New York
For no better place

And here is your reflection
In a building uptown
A ghost inside some Madison Avenue display
Like water under bridges
You're slowly passing by
As you sail between the rooftops and the sky

And the bourbon sits inside me
Right now I'm a puppet in its sway
And it may be the whiskey talking
But the whiskey says I miss you every day

So I taxi to an all-night party
Park me in the corner in an old chair
Sip my drink and stare out into space

And now you're leaving New York
For no better place



Lyrics submitted by BlueAndStarry

No Better Place song meanings
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    General Comment

    This is one of my favorite songs of all time.

    "And it's running back and forth inside your mind, Just how that town defined you Dressed you up, painted on your face."

    That line is just amazing. Makes me think of where I grew up and how much it sucks that I never go back. I always think about how my hometown defines the way I am.

    and then "So I taxi to an all night party, Park me in the corner in an old chair, sip my drink and stare out into space"

    reminds me of visiting old friends at different colleges. I almost never do it anymore, because I drive so far to see them and realize that they have brand new friends I don't know, and I end up bored as hell.

    Fountains of Wayne always hits the spot somehow. I can't describe how, but their lyrics feel so relatable and charming. Great song.

    Amselon May 21, 2012   Link

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