The Dealer

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[Edit: .]

For the person who identifies with the lyrics, it’s an admission of personal responsibility or ‘fault’. There is regret. The ‘cards’ were in their hands. They dealt the cards being the dealer – and that was only recognised perhaps in hindsight. The 'dealer' is on the side of the house, and they take their chances too.

The 'cards' I interpret to mean opportunity and control. There is more regret for not looking ‘a little ahead‘ – and hence developing wisdom – ‘the sun‘ – only in hindsight.

Of interest is ‘and my wine‘. I take wine to mean that which distracts or comforts. But who knows. Make of it what you will.

‘Run away‘ – means that a situation could have been avoided. Perhaps this relates to a significant relationship, where something could have been done differently.

But with little doubt ‘I was the mistress of my fate‘, is an acceptance with regret; of failure to take responsibility, or actions.

‘I gave it all out‘ – perhaps means at total investment of energy or time. But it seems wasted because with hindsight, running away may have been a better option.

‘If I’d really known you then…You’d a had to watch out…’ Possibly means a lack of understanding, which if better, could have lead to a more roaringly lovely relationship.

But there is a degree of doubt, in recognition that roles could have been different for a better outcome i.e. acceptance of role reversal – the ‘dancer‘ instead of the ‘player’. In other words, a different strategy altogether may have brought a more favourable result.

‘I’ll just almost hold you – You just almost stay here…‘ a final admission of loss (possibly) i.e. ‘almost‘. Imagination of what it would be like in the present if the 'cards' were dealt differently.

It's a powerful song, that would resonate with many people. It is good for stepping back and reflecting on where we've been, where we're going, and to be more circumspect about our choices.

Oh dear, I don't know what this song can be about. It's a pitty Stevie has never told about the meaning of it. I may only suspect that she's singing in it how rock'n'roll business destroyed her a little - she lived under big preasure and she was exausted and very angry because of that. She also was lost and could make a lot of wrong decisions that could not only hurt her but also the people she loved or was related to. And that all could make her be a harsh, tough person without any joy of life.