Woke up and for the first time the animals were gone
It's left this house empty now, not sure if I belong
Yesterday you asked me to write you a pleasant song
I'll do my best now but you've been gone now for so long

The window's open now and the winter settles in
We'll call it Christmas when the adverts begin
I love your depression and I love your double chin
I love most everything you bring to this offering

Oh, I know that I've left you
In places of despair
Oh, I know that I love you
So please throw down your hair

At night I dream without you
And hope I don't wake up
'Cause waking up without you
Is like drinking from an empty cup

Woke up and for the first time the animals were gone
Our clocks are ticking now so before our time is gone
We can get a house and some boxes on the lawn
We can make babies and accidental songs

I know I've been a liar and I know I've been a fool
I hope we didn't break it but I'm glad we broke the rules
My cave is deep now yet your light is shining through
I cover my eyes, still all I see is you

Oh, I know I've left you
In places of despair
Oh, I know that I love you
So please throw down your hair

At night I dream without you
And hope I don't wake up
'Cause waking up without you
Is like drinking from an empty cup


Lyrics submitted by andsoitisgirl

The Animals Were Gone Lyrics as written by Damien George Rice

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

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Animals Were Gone song meanings
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    General Comment

    This song is just a brilliant modern day love song. He realises that she's not perfect yet he loves her anyway- "I love your depression and I love your double chin". He has hurt her in the past ("I've left you in places of despair", "I know i've been a liar and I know i've been a fool") but loves her beneath this. "Please throw down your hair" refers to the fairytale of Rapunzel- he wants to save her from her current state of depression.

    SparksOfGoldon November 20, 2006   Link

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