Story Behind The Song
A NAIVE HILL COUNTRY WOMAN LAMENTS HER LOST YOUTH AND REGRETS THE LOVE SHE GAVE AWAY WITH NOTHING IN RETURN.
Song Description
SHE WEARS A LONG COTTON DRESS, AND PINS HER HAIR UP LIKE HER GRANDMA USED TO DO.
YOU CAN SEE SHE WAS ONCE BEAUTIFUL, BUT SORROW AND DISAPPOINTMENT HAVE LEFT DEEP SCARS ON HER HEART.
| Song Length |
3:38 |
Genre |
Folk - Americana, Blues - Rural |
| Tempo |
Slow (71 - 90) |
Lead Vocal |
Female Vocal |
| Mood |
Heartbreaking, Miserable |
Subject |
Motels, Change |
| Similar Artists |
Amy Grant, Bonnie Raitt |
Language |
English |
| Era |
1980 - 1989 |
| |
Lyrics
DOLORES: Is This What I Paid For?
Words & Music: ©1981-2013 Powers McElhone, ASCAP
Is this what I paid for?
Is this what I bought with all my dreams?
A penny-bright illusion. with nothin' like it seems
...Nothin' like it seems
For Love's a Mad Magician with a hundred wicked schemes
Is this what I prayed for?
....Ever since I was a girl
A heart that's wrapped around a hurt, like a cold, white pearl
...Like a cold, white pearl
And eyes too wise and knowing 'cause they know the cold, hard world
When I was young
I loved the world and all its stars
Well, I was young,
Then Love, he came a-hunting
And brought my spirit down
Is this what I paid for?
Is this what I got for my sweet youth?
An ache that starts deep down inside and hurts like the naked truth
...Like the naked truth
For Love can turn like wine can turn and taste of bitter brew
INSTRUMENTAL
When I was young
I loved the world and all its stars
God, I was young
Then Love, he came a-hunting
And brought my spirit down
Is this what I paid for?
Is this what I bought with all those years?
A heart as hard as granite rock and eyes that don't make tears
...Eyes that don't make tears
A pocket full of bitter words that no one wants to hear
© 1981-2012 Benchmark Standards, ASCAP