"Fannin Street" is a song by Scarlett Johansson, originally written by Tom Waits. The lyrics depict a cautionary tale about a crooked street in Houston, Texas called Fannin Street. The protagonist regrets ever venturing down this path and wishes they had heeded the warnings from someone else. The song portrays a sense of ruin and regret as the protagonist reflects on their journey down Fannin Street. They express a wish that they had listened to the advice given to them and avoided this destructive path altogether. The lyrics emphasize the feeling of being lost and never being able to find their way back once they have gone down Fannin Street. Throughout the song, there is a motif of temptation and allure. The desire for materialistic pleasures, represented by the "glitter and the roar," led the protagonist to make regrettable choices. They acknowledge the addictive nature of vices like alcohol and gambling, which ultimately contributed to their downfall. The lyrics also touch on the theme of leaving one's past behind and the longing for escape. The protagonist reminisces about a time when they were young and only dreamed of getting away from their street and their house. However, in their pursuit of something more, they ended up on Fannin Street, where their life took a negative turn. Overall, "Fannin Street" conveys a message of caution and warns against succumbing to vices and temptations that can lead to ruin and regret. It serves as a reminder to be mindful of the choices we make and the paths we take in life.
