It was late one night in Southern Texas
My dad was playin' in a rock and roll band
He took me along to a place called Cheetum Street
My bags were packed, I was ready to meet you for the first time
Oh, but a phone call woulda been nice

I guess you're stuck with what was given to you
And the world couldn't change my spirit
This will remain the same

You were young and livin' like you wanted to
I understand because I packed up and left just like you
At 17 you think you got the whole world in your hands
Ooh, in so many ways you did

I don't want to have you worry no more
Let's forgive and forget and finish what we started
So we can move on

I want you to know I really needed you then
And I can use you now
I talked to you by listening to all of those stupid songs
I would sit along side of the fence

Now you're doing fine and you're giggin' here and there
It's been nice to know you for the past few years
When you're living the same dream it's easy to read each other for sure
I wish it coulda turned out so different

I guess you're stuck with what was given to you
And the world couldn't change my spirit
This will remain forever

I don't want to have you worry no more
Let's forgive and forget and finish what we started
So we can move on


Lyrics submitted by CoyoteLongshot

Cheetum Street song meanings
Add Your Thoughts

3 Comments

sort form View by:
  • +1
    General Comment

    This is my personal favorite off the album. The wistful guitar and piano and emotional lyrics, with elements like female backup vocals a la Mouthful of Cavities, make this a very emotional and satisfying way to end the record.

    As far as what it means, it's obviously about when someone, maybe Travis, was younger and about to meet somebody very important for the first time(perhaps an estranged family member?) but it sounds like he got ditched. He still wants to make things right with this person it seems, though beyond that it's kind of vague.

    Oh, and one more thing, I'm pretty sure the song is referencing the Cheatham Street Warehouse in San Marcos, Texas, which is a popular live music venue.

    CoyoteLongshoton May 03, 2008   Link

Add your thoughts

Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.

Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!

More Featured Meanings

Album art
Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
"Fast car" is kind of a continuation of Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run." It has all the clawing your way to a better life, but in this case the protagonist never makes it with her love; in fact she is dragged back down by him. There is still an amazing amount of hope and will in the lyrics; and the lyrics themselve rank and easy five. If only music was stronger it would be one of those great radio songs that you hear once a week 20 years after it was released. The imagery is almost tear-jerking ("City lights lay out before us", "Speeds so fast felt like I was drunk"), and the idea of starting from nothing and just driving and working and denigrating yourself for a chance at being just above poverty, then losing in the end is just painful and inspiring at the same time.
Album art
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
Album art
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
Hayalperest
This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere. In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
Album art
Holiday
Bee Gees
@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday". I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
Album art
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.