Black flies on the windowsill
That we are
That we are
That we are to know
Winter stole summer's thrill
And the river's cracked and cold

See the sky is no man's land
A darkened plume to stay
Hope here needs a humble hand
Not a fox found in your place

And no man is an island, this I know
But can't you see? Oh
Maybe you were the ocean when I was just a stone

Black flies on the windowsill
That we are
That we are
That we are to hold
Comfort came against my will
And every story must grow old

Still, I'll be a traveler
A gypsy's reins to face
But the road is wearier
With that fool found in your place

And no man is an island, this I know
But can't you see? Oh
Maybe you were the ocean when I was just a stone

No man is an island, this I know
But can't you see?
Maybe you were the ocean when I was just a stone

So here we are

And I don't wanna beg your pardon
And I don't wanna ask you why
But if I was to go my own way
Would I have to pass you by?

Oh, I don't wanna beg your pardon
And I don't wanna ask you why
But if I was to go my own way
Would I have to pass you by?


Lyrics submitted by Dasgupta, edited by M4TTY

Black Flies Lyrics as written by Benjamin John Howard

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

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Black Flies song meanings
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  • +1
    My Interpretation

    black flies on the windowsill

    I imagined flies being trapped in a home and then dying as they try to exit through the window, but the glass holds them back. These flies are Ben and his friend.

    No man is an island maybe you were the ocean and I was just a stone -

    He doesn't want to be alone but he feels pressure and discomfort from the relationship

    burningwaffleson June 05, 2013   Link

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