I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
When lights go down, I see no reason
For you to cry, we've been through this before
In every time, in every season
God knows I've tried
So please don't ask for more
Can't you see it in my eyes?
That this might be our last goodbye
Carrie
Carrie
Things they change my friend, whoa oh
Carrie
Carrie
Maybe we'll meet again
Somewhere, again
I read your mind with no intentions
Of being unkind, I wish I could explain
It all takes time
Whole lot of patience
If it's a crime, how come I feel no pain?
Can't you see it in my eyes?
That this might be our last goodbye
(Oh ho ho)
Carrie
Carrie
Oh, things they change my friend
Whoa oh
Carrie
Carrie
Maybe we'll meet again
Oh
Can't you see it in my eyes?
That this might be our last goodbye
(Oh ho ho)
Oh
Carrie
Carrie
Oh, things they change
Carrie, Carrie, Carrie (Oh ho ho)
Carrie
Carrie
Maybe we'll meet again
Oh, somewhere again
When lights go down
For you to cry, we've been through this before
In every time, in every season
God knows I've tried
So please don't ask for more
Can't you see it in my eyes?
That this might be our last goodbye
Carrie
Carrie
Things they change my friend, whoa oh
Carrie
Carrie
Maybe we'll meet again
Somewhere, again
I read your mind with no intentions
Of being unkind, I wish I could explain
It all takes time
Whole lot of patience
If it's a crime, how come I feel no pain?
Can't you see it in my eyes?
That this might be our last goodbye
(Oh ho ho)
Carrie
Carrie
Oh, things they change my friend
Whoa oh
Carrie
Carrie
Maybe we'll meet again
Oh
Can't you see it in my eyes?
That this might be our last goodbye
(Oh ho ho)
Oh
Carrie
Carrie
Oh, things they change
Carrie, Carrie, Carrie (Oh ho ho)
Carrie
Carrie
Maybe we'll meet again
Oh, somewhere again
When lights go down
Carrie Lyrics as written by Gunnar Michaeli Joey Tempest
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Tunecore
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
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.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.
This is one of the saddest songs ever. Still, it's so beautiful, with smoky vocals. Sometimes one of my friends used to sing this to me because my name is Carrie. Good times.
This was one of my all-time 80s rock songs. Europe was such a wonderful group and the lyrics and music are excellent. I've always thought the lyrics almost had a science fiction tint at the end with the "I read your mind with no intentions of being unikind...I wish I could explain. It all takes time and a whole lot of patience. If It's a crime, how come I feel no pain." Very interesting.
One of my top five fav songs of the 80s, and definately of all time.
it's about letting go, and how it's hard without hurting the other person
This song is rocket fuel for my mid-life crisis.<br /> <br /> It was January 1982 and I was 19 years old. I had a girlfriend named Carrie who really liked me. I really liked her as well and had never felt more comfortable with a person in my life. Although we had not known each other for more than 2 months, she gave me a bracelet for Christmas that had her name on it so that I would remember her when I went out of town to my university 4 hours away. Then, I did a horrible thing. In a moment of a rushed bad decision to hang out with a new girl at school, and at this new girls insistent alcohol-induced behest, I wrote her to tell her I was breaking up with her - just like that. I remember the letter I got back from her and showed it to this "new" girl (who ended up lasting me 3 months as she moved on to another one of my fraternity brothers!). I remember this new girl freaking out when she read the letter because she said ":this girl is suicidal!" By then I thought it was all too late. This was in the days before email, so it took forever to send and receive letters. Flash forward to 2014. I still feel guilty and don't want her to hate me. This song now brings me to tears (although I must state that I am very very happy with my life as it is now and i would not change a thing).
This song is rocket fuel for my mid-life crisis.<br /> <br /> It was January 1982 and I was 19 years old. I had a girlfriend named Carrie who really liked me. I really liked her as well and had never felt more comfortable with a person in my life. Although we had not known each other for more than 2 months, she gave me a bracelet for Christmas that had her name on it so that I would remember her when I went out of town to my university 4 hours away. Then, I did a horrible thing. In a moment of a rushed bad decision to hang out with a new girl at school, and at this new girls insistent alcohol-induced behest, I wrote her to tell her I was breaking up with her - just like that. I remember the letter I got back from her and showed it to this "new" girl (who ended up lasting me 3 months as she moved on to another one of my fraternity brothers!). I remember this new girl freaking out when she read the letter because she said ":this girl is suicidal!" By then I thought it was all too late. This was in the days before email, so it took forever to send and receive letters. Flash forward to 2014. I still feel guilty and don't want her to hate me. This song now brings me to tears (although I must state that I am very very happy with my life as it is now and i would not change a thing).
And on top of this - this song has really heavy, kick-ass guitar solo.
Its about how hard it is to say goodbye, but also being optimistic about the future "maybe we'll meet ... again.... somewhere.... again".... Meaning it's over but maybe it doesn't have to be over forever. This song is a definite classic that will live on forever!
when i was a kid, probably 4 or 5 i loved this band...even years later, i still play the album i made my mum buy for me when i was 10...
@Kez Hope you're well!
I believe this song is referring to someone overdosing. "We've been through this before" , "can't you see it in my eyes that this might be our last goodbye" and "If it's a crime, how come I feel no pain" being the lyrics that made me come to that conclusion. Love this song. Was always one of my favorites.
When I was younger, I wanted my name to be Carrie. Europe is my favorite band of all time, and this is one my favorite songs. I miss Europe.
Wow. I just heard this song for the first time, and it is really intense. I think the meaning is clear...although I think the line about mind-reading bears further examination. I think he's saying that he can see a train wreck coming, that's just my opinion.
The emotion in this song is overwhelming...wow...really sad. But he knows he has to leave her.
yes i still remember the first time i heard Carrie i was so drawn in to it made me wish i was Carrie then and i have to say to hear this song live wow....
This is one of the most beautiful ballads that I have ever heard.