A winter's day
In a deep and dark December;
I am alone,
Gazing from my window to the streets below
On a freshly fallen silent shroud of snow.
I am a rock,
I am an island.

I've built walls,
A fortress deep and mighty,
That none may penetrate.
I have no need of friendship; friendship causes pain.
It's laughter and it's loving I disdain.
I am a rock,
I am an island.

Don't talk of love,
But I've heard the words before;
It's sleeping in my memory.
I won't disturb the slumber of feelings that have died.
If I never loved I never would have cried.
I am a rock,
I am an island.

I have my books
And my poetry to protect me;
I am shielded in my armor,
Hiding in my room, safe within my womb.
I touch no one and no one touches me.
I am a rock,
I am an island.

And a rock feels no pain;
And an island never cries.


Lyrics submitted by kevin

I Am A Rock song meanings
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  • -1
    General Comment

    All of what you said, regarding the situations that could lead to social withdrawal are correct and I think Paul meant this to be a song for all occasions when people feel this way. He has said in interviews that it troubles him that some (such as Wolfee) seem to consider this an ANTHEM for self-sufficiency and the nobleness and peace of solitude. He has said the song is about the fact that if we are not willing to suffer a little, to be vulnerable to one another, that we will be locked in our own prison and will be very lonely. He meant that to come across as a bad thing, not a good thing.

    Good metaphor (wolf/forest) for that line. He's looking to poetry, a method used to connect human beings spiritually/emotionally with words, as a shield against having to deal with people. Yummy comparison.

    I also think, Maninamac, that you ought to try composing your posts in a word processor first, then paste them to avoid the problem of multiple drafts being published online.

    CravenImageson October 26, 2012   Link

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