"Bobby Goldsboro's song "Lisa Was" tells the story of a woman named Lisa who is described as being a beautiful and enchanting presence in the narrator's life. She is depicted as someone who brings joy and happiness, symbolizing the magic and positivity in the world. The lyrics suggest that Lisa was only present for a short period of time in the narrator's life. Despite this, she made a deep and lasting impact on him. Lisa is portrayed as someone who understands and empathizes with people's struggles. She is depicted as someone who sees the hidden pain behind empty faces and feels the sorrows of others, particularly the gypsies who have faced persecution. When Lisa expresses her love for someone, it is genuine and sincere. Her love is described as being pure and true. However, the lyrics also emphasize that Lisa's presence is fleeting. She is a momentary occurrence, staying in the narrator's life for only a while before disappearing. The song highlights the futility and senselessness of conflicts and wars, as symbolized by the mention of "too many armies." Lisa's presence and disappearance juxtapose the beauty and love she represents with the harsh reality of the world. The chorus repeats the notion that although Lisa's presence was temporary, she had a profound impact on the narrator's life. Her absence is deeply felt, and the longing for her lingers on. Overall, the song conveys a bittersweet nostalgia for a memorable encounter with someone who brought light and love into the narrator's life, despite the fleeting nature of their relationship."
