They don't know what they like so much about it
They just go for any shiny old bauble, and nobody sparkles like you
But I can't imagine it in better terms
Then naked, half-awake, about to shave and go to work

And I'm starting to think it could happen to me like it did to you
And I'm starting to actually feel it seep through the slick divide now
I don't crack the door too far for anyone who's pushing too hard on me

They don't know what they like so much about it
Maybe it goes on the other side of the hallway
The writing's so small from here
But I can't imagine it in better terms
Then naked, half-awake, about to shave and go to work

I won't decorate my love [Repeat: x4]


Lyrics submitted by iKickDogs

Nashville Lyrics as written by Phair

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

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Nashville song meanings
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8 Comments

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  • +1
    General Comment

    My favorite off Whip-Smart, I think it's a personal song about being comfortable with a relationship after the fantasy part is over: three months in when you realize the other person is a person, flawed and normal.

    stickchair67on January 28, 2005   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    This song is about Liz's plain, raw, love for someone. She sees him in his most vulnerable state: "naked, half awake, about to shave and go to work".

    She won't decorate her love, she takes the relationship for what it is instead of dressing it up. She loves him for the person he truly is.

    omigoshbritton September 28, 2006   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    I always thought this song was about the the success of Guyville and the reaction to it.

    "They don't know what they like so much about it."

    Liz on people's reaction to Guyville.

    "They just go for any shiny old bauble, and nobody sparkles like you"

    Liz being being the indie darling, critical acclaim.

    "But I can't imagine it in better terms than naked, half awake, about the shave and go to work."

    Liz's description of Guyville.

    "I won't decorate my love"

    Why Liz had such overt sexual lyrics on Guyville. Something rather rare then.

    I have no idea why it's called Nashville. Maybe it was written there?

    Bulgariaon February 26, 2008   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    "Maybe it goes on the other side of the hallway, the writing's so small from here." = A plaque, an award.

    The singer can't imagine it being different than it is right now for her, naked, half-awake, about to shave and go to work.

    It's called Nashville for a dream. People who go there to find fame as a singer.

    I think it's also about Liz's reaction to her own overnight success. She won't decorate her love. Make it something larger than it is. She sees it as something smaller and more intimate and personal than it became

    7daysatseaon March 09, 2008   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    Listen to the twanglike guitars and the chords... That's why it's called "Nashville".

    Iantuitionon December 03, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Your analyses are perfect :)

    Why the title 'Nashville' though?

    cgnjnyon February 20, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Real.

    AmoebaCheebaon February 22, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    this songs melody is amazing, like an Italian Aria! Of course she can't sing it like that but no matter. how often do you hear in contemporary music a melody flow for over a minute with no repetition at all... only the very first part almost repeats in the 2nd 5 seconds but she does raise the 3rd from a minor to a major. love it

    lawson1071on January 29, 2016   Link

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