| Editors – Smokers Outside the Hospital Doors Lyrics | 18 years ago |
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Wow, I had no idea there could be so many varied interpretations to the song, but after re-reading the lyrics a few times, I can see how people interpret the way they feel, and nothing wrong with that. The lyrics are definitely metaphors and imagery not to be taken literally. If you take it literally, there is no real connection from a story perspective if you follow line to line *exactly*. Here's my take after listening to the song a few times... even when I heard the song for the first time, I thought of a relationship ending, but my thoughts are a bit more detailed as to why now. I definitely agree with the perspective that it relates to regrets, pain and hurt feelings about a relationship that has ended, knowing it was handled in a very bad way (immaturely, feelings hurt seriously), and just wishing they could start it all again like it never happened (wishful thinking that they know can't happen). They know that they are both different people from the experience, learning hard lessons (broken parts), they would like to have a re-try at the relationship but know it's not possible because the hurt feelings are so internalized that the feelings can't change. Still they think about trying to repair it ('i can't believe you if i can't hear you' -- it also shows the confusion of being in that mental state at the time of a break-up... continued caring for the other person despite it being a break-up, but still heartbroken from the results) They learned their mistakes (unfortunately too late), they even can now observe others making the same mistakes (smokers outside hospital doors), but unfortunately they couldn't see their problems on their own). So often it's easier for us to judge other people than to judge ourselves in the same situations. Great song. I like that the song is upbeat to inspire hope for correcting the errors of their ways to do better in the next relationship. |
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| The National – Fake Empire Lyrics | 18 years ago |
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Brilliant song! Here's a thought about the meaning. I wonder if this song is about finding a new love. There's a purity in the feeling of happiness when you initially fall in love, that 'honeymoon period', when you're like children - 'making pies', 'lemonade', 'tiptoe through the city', 'bluebirds', not worrying about what others think about your public displays ('do our gay ballet on ice'). You know the real world is out there and approaching (when honeymoon period is over, also your 'real' regular lives which are not as much fun as what you're experiencing when together). You're on such a natural high, you try to postpone the inevitability, try to ignore it ('no thinking for a little while') . 'Half-awake in a fake empire' could mean that you want to and try to have some control your life (your 'empire') but you know it's only partly true. You're trying to lie to yourself that you can stay in this happiness though you know you can't (you're 'half awake'). Seems to fit in a lot of ways, also in the emotional tension which does seem to leave a sense of optimism from the piano, drums, guitar and finally trumpet in the ending that the inevitable is okay, just enjoy the ride while it lasts. What do you think? |
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