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.
Left for dead, when you struck me down
another one, crushed under your crown
But my heart still beats from underground
In this abyss, my technique becomes sound
[Chorus]
What kind of man do you think I am
Unfold, diabolical plan
What kind of man do you think I am
Ashes to ashes and dust to dust
But I return like the prodigal son
And I will rise again in time, cause
I am champion
Rise again
I've been biding my time, just watching and waiting
To strike from the darkness, when you are most lax
Your reign ends here
A nameless one that will bring your doom
My return is now in full bloom
A ghost from the past, who has to come back to
reclaim his place with a mask on his face
[Chorus]
Strike in the night and you leave like a dream
You cannot kill what you cannot see
A legend from far away will come to ask the question,
"Who is the Champion?"
Champion, where will he lead from here
another one, crushed under your crown
But my heart still beats from underground
In this abyss, my technique becomes sound
[Chorus]
What kind of man do you think I am
Unfold, diabolical plan
What kind of man do you think I am
Ashes to ashes and dust to dust
But I return like the prodigal son
And I will rise again in time, cause
I am champion
Rise again
I've been biding my time, just watching and waiting
To strike from the darkness, when you are most lax
Your reign ends here
A nameless one that will bring your doom
My return is now in full bloom
A ghost from the past, who has to come back to
reclaim his place with a mask on his face
[Chorus]
Strike in the night and you leave like a dream
You cannot kill what you cannot see
A legend from far away will come to ask the question,
"Who is the Champion?"
Champion, where will he lead from here
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,
Magical
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced by Aaron Dessner.
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.
Midnight
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Midnight” is a song about finding a love that is so true that it provides a calming feeling through every storm. Ed Sheeran reflects on his good fortunes in landing someone with such peace and support and speaks of not fearing the dark days because he knows they’ll all end in the safety nets of her arms.
“Well, good morning there / What a way to start the day / With everything laid bare,” Ed Sheeran sings in the first verse, enthusiastic to be waking up beside his woman. He apologizes for missing her calls in the second verse and promises to return them because for him, speaking to her is the most important thing. “Well, I get lost inside my head / In this chaos, you’re my calm / And I will find my feet again / ‘Cause еven the worst days of my life will always еnd / At midnight in your arms,” sings Ed Sheeran in the chorus, revelling in his good luck.