The lyrics describe a relationship falling apart as one person moves away and the other anticipates the inevitable collapse of their house of cards built on shaky foundations.

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Meaning of "House Of Cards" by James Reyne


"House of Cards" by James Reyne delves into the fragility of relationships and the consequences of building something on an unstable ground. The metaphor of the house of cards, sticks, bricks, and stone represents the progression from something easily toppled to something sturdy. The lyrics describe a sense of foreboding as the speaker watches their partner leave, knowing that the foundation they built their relationship on is weak and will soon crumble. The reference to Chinese tricks and left field tricks highlights the unpredictability and deception present in the relationship. The repeated imagery of the big bad wolf blowing down the house illustrates the impending destruction and the inability to escape the consequences. Overall, the song captures the emotions of betrayal, anticipation of loss, and the inevitable collapse of something built on a shaky foundation.