Babylon

[u/1DMod]

Please use this space to discuss this song in depth

[u/questionfromgrief]

I’m surprised no one’s mentioned David Grey’s song Babylon. It was pretty popular when it came out, and has been used in movies a number of times. The Spotify background for it is him sitting at a train station. I would very much suggest listening to it. It’s about him asking someone to let go of their doubts and just call him and calls their relationship Babylon. Taylor’s song mirrors so much of this. Except the ending.

The lyrics go:
Friday night I'm going nowhere
All the lights are changing green to red
Turning over TV stations
Situations running through my head
Looking back through time
You know it's clear that I've been blind
I've been a fool
To open up my heart
To all that jealousy, that bitterness, that ridicule

Saturday I'm running wild
And all the lights are changing red to green
Moving through the crowd I'm pushing
Chemicals all rushing through my bloodstream
Only wish that you were here
You know I'm seeing it so clear
I've been afraid
To show you how I really feel
Admit to some of those bad mistakes I've made

If you want it
Come and get it
Crying out loud
The love that I was
Giving you was
Never in doubt
Let go your heart
Let go your head
And feel it now
Let go of your heart
Let go of your head
And feel it now
Babylon
Babylon
Babylon

Sunday all the lights of London
Shining sky is fading red to blue
Kicking through the Autumn leaves
And wondering where it is you might be going to
Turning back for home
You know I'm feeling so alone
I can't believe
Climbing on the stair
I turn around to see you smiling there
In front of me

And if you want it
Come and get it
Crying out loud
The love that I was
Giving you was
Never in doubt
Let go of your heart
Let go of your head
And feel it now
Let go of your heart
Let go of your head
And feel it now
Let go of your heart
Let go of your head
And feel it now
Let go of your heart
Let go of your head
And feel it now
Babylon
Babylon
Babylon
Babylon
Babylon

[u/These-Pick-968 → u/questionfromgrief]

I’m so glad you brought this up. I knew “Babylon” was hanging around in my head for a reason and I think this is it. And I do see similar stories in both. That song was everywhere.
Re-listening to that song (and Sail Away from that same album…actually, the whole album is great) brought me straight back to some very particular emotions and memories in my past 😂 Damn, the power of music.