Like a Forest
Low Lyrics
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and still, like a lion
my knees are bended
we used to speak
a different language
i wasted my breath
on words soon forgotten
left unattended
they're moving their feet --
but nobody's dancing
ah, take your time
ah, take your time
how can I blame you
for all of the screaming
that I've had to turn to?
just in time
to go off in my hands
Low's song Like a Forest delves into loneliness, isolation and the inability to communicate. The opening line "black, like a forest" sets a somber and melancholic tone, painting an image of darkness and ambiguity. The simile "still, like a lion" juxtaposes contrasting elements, portraying the unresolved tension and inaction in the situation. The subsequent lines speak about bent knees and a different language, signifying a sense of submission and disconnection between the two parties in the conversation. The line "I wasted my breath on words soon forgotten" suggests a lack of meaning and purpose, highlighting the hopelessness of trying to communicate.
The following lines "left unattended, they're moving their feet - but nobody's dancing" reiterate the theme of the inability to connect, emphasizing the lack of a response or reaction to words being spoken. The repetition of "ah, take your time", acts as a plea to slow down and take a moment, indicating the urgency and desperation of the situation. The singer is slowly losing their grip, and there is a sense of overwhelming frustration present.
The final lines of the song "how can I blame you for all of the screaming that I've had to turn to? Just in time to go off in my hands" speak about the anguish and pain that the singer has been going through. They have been trying to communicate, but the other person has not been listening, resulting in the build-up of internal tension and an eventual outburst. The line "just in time to go off in my hands" is a powerful metaphor for the lyrics - a final plea for understanding and connection.
Line by Line Meaning
black, like a forest
The darkness is all around, surrounding me like a forest.
and still, like a lion
I'm trying to remain calm and composed like a lion, but I'm still and motionless.
my knees are bended
I'm feeling weak and vulnerable.
we used to speak
We used to communicate with each other.
a different language
But now, we understand each other differently or not at all.
i wasted my breath
I spoke without thinking, and it didn't matter.
on words soon forgotten
Those words didn't make any lasting impact.
left unattended
I didn't put in the effort to make things better.
they're moving their feet --
Others are dancing and enjoying themselves.
but nobody's dancing
I feel left out and alone, even in a crowd.
ah, take your time
I need to slow down and be patient.
ah, take your time
Repeat of the last line for emphasis.
how can I blame you
I can't fault you for everything that has gone wrong.
for all of the screaming
For all the times I've yelled or shouted in frustration and anger.
that I've had to turn to?
That I've resorted to because I didn't know what else to do.
just in time
As if it was meant to be, something happened at the right moment.
to go off in my hands
But it fell apart or failed when I tried to hold onto it.
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY
Written by: GEORGE ALAN SPARHAWK, MIMI J. PARKER, ZACHARY MICHELETTI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind