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.
Our fathers have been entangled in things
He's been squandering, he's been squandering
And we don't do a thing, 'cause we're busy and think
We're just wandering, we're just a-wandering like fools
His son is his prize, he tells a few lies
He's got his father's eyes, it's in his father's eyes
And he thinks in his mind that he's just getting by
But he's a compromise, he's just a compromising fool
And the stance that we take isn't much to bear
Yeah, we leave things to change on their time
And our failure to care for it leaves us blind
'til we're tired and we're crazed in the mind
Now he lies on his back, and they tell him it's that
It's just a heart attack, it's just a heart attack
Too late to return to the ones that you've earned
No they don't give it back, no they don't give it back to fools
And the stance that we take isn't much to bear
Yeah, we leave things to change on their time
And our failure to care for it leaves us blind
'til we're tired and we're crazed in the mind
I've been, I've been silent
He's been squandering, he's been squandering
And we don't do a thing, 'cause we're busy and think
We're just wandering, we're just a-wandering like fools
His son is his prize, he tells a few lies
He's got his father's eyes, it's in his father's eyes
And he thinks in his mind that he's just getting by
But he's a compromise, he's just a compromising fool
And the stance that we take isn't much to bear
Yeah, we leave things to change on their time
And our failure to care for it leaves us blind
'til we're tired and we're crazed in the mind
Now he lies on his back, and they tell him it's that
It's just a heart attack, it's just a heart attack
Too late to return to the ones that you've earned
No they don't give it back, no they don't give it back to fools
And the stance that we take isn't much to bear
Yeah, we leave things to change on their time
And our failure to care for it leaves us blind
'til we're tired and we're crazed in the mind
I've been, I've been silent
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excellent,excellent song. pretty sure its talkin about our failure as a generation to act to fix the worlds problems. also theres a criticism of our current government and our parents generation and theyre failure to fix the things they did
I think he's right, these lines are telling:
He's been squandering, he's been squandering (As in potential) We're just wandering, we're just a-wandering like fools (Without aim) But he's a compromise, he's just a compromising fool (Compromising ideals and your values so that you can "just get by")
And the stance that we take isn't much to bear Yeah, we leave things to change on their time And our failure to care for it leaves us blind 'til we're tired and we're crazed in the mind
This stanza is so obvious.
Now he lies on his back, and they tell him it's that It's just a heart attack, it's just a heart attack Too late to return to the ones that you've earned No they don't give it back, no they don't give it back to fools
Brings in the theme of mortality and alludes to wasted potential.
It could be about a single person, or it could be about generational politics, I lean towards the ladder.
Definitely agree 0BadFaith.<br /> <br /> It's about not knowing what we have until it's gone, not appreciating our loved ones until it's too late. Nobody ever thinks that their loved one will die, but someday it is their father lying on the couch having a heart attack. <br /> <br /> The irony of the "it's just a heart attack, it's just a heart attack" really gets me, as when you try to imagine it you realize it would probably be one of the most horrible moments you would ever experience in your life.<br /> <br /> I like this song because it has a message, as does everything the Dodos write: You should make a change and be more attentive in your friendships and family. We are "fools" when we don't treasure life for what it is and "just wander".
the very last part of this song gets me "i've been i've been silent" his voice, dayummmmm.
totally agreee. shiversdownmyspine.
I think there is a small mistake in the lyrics, on the 2nd to last line in the 3rd verse.
I'm pretty sure it should be
Too late to return to the ones that you've **hurt
Also elephant shell, He definitely says "leave things to change on their time" it makes perfect sense. Meric is saying we all take the path of least resistance, usually the apathetic and passive approach to the situation. Instead of taking action we would rather sit back and let things run their own course, or let a problem work itself out.
I highly recommend this song. These guys are going places.
It's just a heart attack, it's just a heart attack.
I've listened to this song many times. I'm still trying to figure it out.
Drufus may be right, but it could also just be about someones experience with their father. The third/last part is clear, but it's hard to tell what exactly it's referring to. Something to do with someone's father or something bigger that has to do with society?
latter*
Drufus and OBadFaith are correct. Not only is this a great song (my favourite part is the electric bridge), but its lyrics show how much Im gonna miss George W Bush.
I sincerely hope the latter part of that comment was a joke.