i think the first part is describing the different ways in which humans deal with problems or turmoil. that could be any thing, from war on a large scale to a small war within themselves, either way, we all react differently-
"some saw the sun"-- some see hope (light at the end of the tunnel, positive thinking)
"some saw the smoke"-- negitive thinking, giving up
"some heard the gun"-- running from your problems (hearing a gunshot at the begining of a race telling you when to run)
"some bent the bow"-- wanting to fight (bow and arrow, clearly)
"sometimes the wire must tense for the note"-- a beautiful metaphor for any struggle in life, the wire on a musical instrument pulled too tight will snap, too loose and it won't play, slides around, but pulled just right and tense, it makes the note you want, I think anyone can relate to that feeling.
"caught in the fire say oh we're about to explode"-- that overwhelming feeling you sometimes get when you realize all the incredible mysteries of the world and humans and your soul place in it.
"carry your world I'll carry your world" -- of course a reference to the Greek mythology Atlas carrying the world, it's heavy on his shoulders. when you become aware and wise about the world, you are finally ready to carry the weight of it, bittersweet, and to carry someone else's, is to carry their weight as well as your own, the ultimate sacrifice and love.
the second verse I believe is referencing the people that are in their own world per say, they are far away, living in a fantasy (gold, dragons, etc) for some, to escape the reality of their world is the only way they can carry its weight.
"show me the way lord because oh I'm about to explode"-- again, overwhelmed, realizing a new wisdom of the world around them and the world within themself.
I know it was written for the movie, I just also happen to think Coldplay did an excellent job in writing lyrics that can be taken out of that context as well and interpreted in a way that is relatable to so many people.
i think the first part is describing the different ways in which humans deal with problems or turmoil. that could be any thing, from war on a large scale to a small war within themselves, either way, we all react differently- "some saw the sun"-- some see hope (light at the end of the tunnel, positive thinking)
"some saw the smoke"-- negitive thinking, giving up
"some heard the gun"-- running from your problems (hearing a gunshot at the begining of a race telling you when to run)
"some bent the bow"-- wanting to fight (bow and arrow, clearly)
"sometimes the wire must tense for the note"-- a beautiful metaphor for any struggle in life, the wire on a musical instrument pulled too tight will snap, too loose and it won't play, slides around, but pulled just right and tense, it makes the note you want, I think anyone can relate to that feeling.
"caught in the fire say oh we're about to explode"-- that overwhelming feeling you sometimes get when you realize all the incredible mysteries of the world and humans and your soul place in it.
"carry your world I'll carry your world" -- of course a reference to the Greek mythology Atlas carrying the world, it's heavy on his shoulders. when you become aware and wise about the world, you are finally ready to carry the weight of it, bittersweet, and to carry someone else's, is to carry their weight as well as your own, the ultimate sacrifice and love.
the second verse I believe is referencing the people that are in their own world per say, they are far away, living in a fantasy (gold, dragons, etc) for some, to escape the reality of their world is the only way they can carry its weight.
"show me the way lord because oh I'm about to explode"-- again, overwhelmed, realizing a new wisdom of the world around them and the world within themself.
I know it was written for the movie, I just also happen to think Coldplay did an excellent job in writing lyrics that can be taken out of that context as well and interpreted in a way that is relatable to so many people.
beautiful song