I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
Men with both roots and wings
they tie us down and ask us to leave
they are teachings unheard, they are bodies on smoke
Men with both roots and wings
at a singular voice we moan
our teachings mislead, our teachings like smoke
we sleep between the storm that was
and the storm which has to come
We've learnt to learn everywhere
and the very own nature has taught us to wait
difference does sound like sin ,equality reliefs
and that fame ryhmes with hate yet everything is fair
on the intervals of your death
misguided demons or forthcoming heroes
each one with an important name
nothing else than an important name.
Men with both roots and wings
at a certain time we are one
our litlle tricks, our innocence stubborn
Men with just little wings, men with just little minds
Men with just little eyes, men with just little deeds
sleeping between the storm that was
and the wind which fails to come [(and finally)]
blow us away.
they tie us down and ask us to leave
they are teachings unheard, they are bodies on smoke
Men with both roots and wings
at a singular voice we moan
our teachings mislead, our teachings like smoke
we sleep between the storm that was
and the storm which has to come
We've learnt to learn everywhere
and the very own nature has taught us to wait
difference does sound like sin ,equality reliefs
and that fame ryhmes with hate yet everything is fair
on the intervals of your death
misguided demons or forthcoming heroes
each one with an important name
nothing else than an important name.
Men with both roots and wings
at a certain time we are one
our litlle tricks, our innocence stubborn
Men with just little wings, men with just little minds
Men with just little eyes, men with just little deeds
sleeping between the storm that was
and the wind which fails to come [(and finally)]
blow us away.
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo
This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
Punchline
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran sings about missing his former partner and learning important life lessons in the process on “Punchline.” This track tells a story of battling to get rid of emotions for a former lover, whom he now realized might not have loved him the same way. He’s now caught between accepting that fact and learning life lessons from it and going back to beg her for another chance.
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
Probably my favorite tune on Sin/Pecado. Seems to be pretty deep. My guess is that it's describing the ephemeral nature of our being. The final chorus brings it home:
"sleeping between the storm that was and the wind which fails to come (and finally) blow us away."
There is also reference to how we as humans are a contradiction of terms (men with both roots and wings).
I could be totally off about this, of course. Doesn't change the fact that this song is ridiculously good!