Shayla Lyrics

Lyric discussion by VWs 

Cover art for Shayla lyrics by Blondie

“Shayla” is absolutely one of the best tracks by Blondie.

Here's my interpretation.

"Shayla" tells the story of a very an ordinary depressed who first works a dull blue-collar life. After some years of this existence, she begins to meltdown. She impulsively quits her job in a search for that elusive happiness. She goes to a pretty, scenic-type area to ponder, but still finds no solace. ("Scenery is still outside of me; All alone trapped by its beauty...”)

She finally bottoms out ("Shayla turned to run away to leave in peace and end her stay; Years of fear were in her way...") and kills herself in an automobile accident. ("Cause on the freeway; Bright lights and thunder...")

Then, at the very moment she perished, a spirit lifts her out of her misery to a better life. ("Lost in space and down she came-Suddenly some subtle entity, some cosmic energy, brushed her like shadows…”)

Song Meaning

@VWs best and most interesting comment. Thank you!

@VWs Another song with an amazing lyric is "Double Take" from the NO EXIT album. Print out the lyrics and see how rather complex they are.