Step into the enchanting world of A Cautionary Tale, a spellbinding track from Laufey’s third album A Matter of Time, released on August 22, 2025. It’s about giving your all to someone who doesn’t value it, losing yourself in the process, and coming out wiser but scarred. The song’s vibe is melancholic and reflective, with a touch of bitterness and self-awareness that hits you right in the heart. Laufey paints herself as someone who loved too deeply, only to be betrayed and blamed, turning her into the “villain” in her lover’s story. It’s a warning to others about the dangers of losing yourself in love, delivered with her signature blend of vulnerability and sophistication. The orchestral, vintage-inspired sound makes it feel like a timeless story, perfect for anyone who’s ever been burned by love.
Unlike the romantic ache of Silver Lining or the bold Tough Luck from the same album, A Cautionary Tale balances playful storytelling with emotional depth, echoing the nostalgic charm of From the Start from Bewitched. As a standout in A Matter of Time’s fairy-tale-inspired journey, it showcases Laufey’s Grammy-winning knack for blending modern pop with Golden Age musical vibes. This song feels like a whispered fable under starlight—pure Laufey magic! Unravel A Cautionary Tale lyrics below, and let Laufey’s storytelling sweep you away.
Lyrics of A Cautionary Tale by Laufey
[Verse 1]
Oh, Heavens, Hear My Story, A Cautionary Tale
Of How I Came To Be Loved, And How It Came To Fail
A First Time For Lovers, A First Time In Agony
The Truths You Will Uncover Will Knock You On Your Knees
[Chorus]
I Gave It Too Much, I Gave Myself Up
I Lost Sight Of All My Dignity
I’ve Always Been Smart, My Chameleon Heart
Took Your Draining Personality And Gave It To Me
I Wanted To Please You, This Performance Of A Lifetime
My Heart To You Handed, You Took It For Granted
And Made Me The Villain All Alone
[Verse 2]
I Struggled Through The Winter
Found Cheat Codes To Your Soul
Was Born To Be A Giver
Destined To Pay The Toll
[Chorus]
I Gave It Too Much, I Gave Myself Up
I Lost Sight Of All My Dignity
I’ve Always Been Smart, My Chameleon Heart
Took Your Draining Personality And Gave It To Me
I Wanted To Please You, This Performance Of A Lifetime
My Heart To You Handed, You Took It For Granted
And Made Me The Villain
[Bridge]
Oh, Inside You, There’s A Guiltless Child Who Never Saw His Mother Smile
A Boy Who Had No Sense Of Home Believes He’s Better Off Alone
Who Coils Up In Jealousy To Mask His Insecurities
And I Can’t Fix You, God, I’ve Tried, The Hourglass, I Shattered Just In Time
[Outro]
I Gave It Too Much, I Gave Myself Up
I Lost Sight Of All My Dignity
One More Lover Fails, Cautionary Tales
Continue To Happen To Me
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