These days we go to waste like wine/
That’s turned to turpentine…

In Brandi Carlile’s “Turpentine”, the narrator is looking at childhood photographs and reminiscing about how things used to be better—specifically between her and a sibling. The memories brought about from the pictures are bittersweet; she sees how close and happy they were back then. How have things turned so wrong? Their relationship is not completely irreparable, but it is getting there.

She says she’d like to make amends as they are both getting older. Time is running out–and perhaps her patience is too.

Carlile describes their relationship “like wine that’s turned to turpentine”. Wine is great and useful; and if properly cared for it has many uses that can bring happiness. If left unattended it turns to a less precious material: turpentine, a varnish. There are cheaper ways to varnish your floors than by letting your good wine ruin.
She is asking that her sibling let her in—so that they can be close like they once were.

Carlile and the band sound great. The sound is a mixture of folk and modern country music that most music lovers will adore. She sings the song sadly and at times exasperated. Shouldn’t it be easy to get on with your siblings? Sometimes it’s not, and we can hear the frustration in her voice.

If you like this song, check out her version of “The Chain” that she performs in The Highwomen. Also, “Ghost” by the Indigo Girls is a song that sounds like it influenced Carlile’s sound.

Turpentine Lyrics

I watch you grow away from me in photographs,
And memories like spies;
And salt betrays my eyes again.
I started losing sleep and gaining weight,
And wishing I was was ten again,
So I could be your friend again.

These days we go to waste like wine,
That’s turned to turpentine.
It’s six AM and I’m all messed up,
I didn’t mean to waste your time.
So I’ll fall back in line,
But I’m warning you we’re growing up.

I heard you found some pretty words to say,
You found your little game to play,
And there’s no one allowed in.
Then just when we believe we could be great,
Reality it permeates,
And conquers from within again.

These days we go to waste like wine,
That’s turned to turpentine.
It’s six a.m and I’m all messed up,
I didn’t mean to waste your time.
So I’ll fall back in line,
But I’m warning you we’re growing up.

We’re OK I know we’re OK.
These days we go to waste like wine,
That’s turned to turpentine,
It’s six AM and I’m all messed up.
I didn’t mean to waste your time,
So I’ll fall back in line,
But I’m warning you we’re growing up.

Source: Thegreatestsongs.com
Songwriters: Brandi M. Carlile