Lights Of Endangered Species Lyrics

Lyric discussion by angelsnlions 

Cover art for Lights Of Endangered Species lyrics by Matthew Good

I think this person in the star dress is not merely a woman, but rather a momunment - the Statue of Liberty anyone? There are just so many connections.

-The line: "saw a magician cut you in half so bloodless", speaks of when David Copperfield made the statue dissapear in 1983.

-There is mention of a harbour -New York Harbour

-Her star dress may be a symbol for the american flag

-"Stand up and decide, to set something, anything on fire" - She holds a torch

All in all, I think its obvious that the song is about this futile war the Amercian people have been fighting for so long. Their "sons and daughters" are dying in the name of liberty - a liberty that doesn't really exist, or care if they make it back in one piece. Good is waiting for the day when the people will stand up and take back all the ideals which this statue stands for - to reignite her torch so to speak. Of course, that's my interpretation.

My Interpretation

Ideals? Her torch was symbolic of lighting the way for immigrants who wanted a free and better life in the U.S. There was not much more to the gift the French gave the citizens of the U.S. And currently people can still come to this country legally (and unfortunately illegally). We are still the land of opportunity.

I understand that she represents immigration. But it is also a symbol for enlightenment, freedom, justice, equality etc.

You said "futile war" but did not describe what "war" you meant. I may have read too much into your meaning; I thought you meant the actual wars we have fought (which would have little to do with the statue)