It's not the road we used to know
They tore some buildings down
The traffic's like a pack of dogs

There's fewer trees, windows, fleas
There's concrete on the lawn
There's people here but you are gone

And I find still swimming through time
Afraid some days I've reached the shore

"Make yourself free"
Man said back to me
Now my heart is like an open door

And the road finally gave me back
But I don't think I'll unpack
Because I'm not sure if I live here any more

It's not my weight that makes me faint
or the sugar in my blood
but the way these strangers stand so close

They say my name like a guessing game
"Is that really you?"
No, I don't think it ever was

In the spring
When the world's turning green
I only think about the fall
The frets on the board
My progression of chords
Oh, how I want this to resolve

And the road finally gave me back
But I don't think I'll unpack
Because I'm not sure if I live here any more

Now the road finally gave me back
But I don't think I'll unpack

Because I'm not sure if I live here
No, I'm not sure if I live here
No, I'm not sure if I live here
Anymore


Lyrics submitted by lovebite_, edited by Tara180h, solvent_d

Tourist Trap Lyrics as written by Oberst

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

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Tourist Trap song meanings
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    General Comment

    This is a beautiful song. But I think that about any of his songs, don't I?

    Well, my favorite part is definately the part: "They say my name like a guessing game "Is that really you?" No, I don't think it ever was"

    It just is so simple and complex at the same time. He makes such grand meaning from a seemingly simple phrase. Its beautiful. and it matches how I feel so much. He's describing how people always thought they knew him, and he's the only one who really knew himself. Or maybe, like the first comment suggests, he is talking about his fans, which could be quite possible. It does seem to match. Either way, its perfect.

    DreamGeniuson July 22, 2008   Link

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