Peace Signs
Sharon Van Etten Lyrics
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I was somewhat afraid I was something
Peace Signs
I told you I could no longer see
I was right in the fire I was on my knees
Peace Signs
Take it back I felt no longer used
I had nothing to do I was so you
Peace sign I was already you
Peace sign I was already you
Peace sign I was already you
No lie I was no longer wrong
I had questions in mind why you were strong
Hit back it was already too
Hit back it was already soon
Hit back it was already too...
I still dream that I think of you
In the calm of the night and I don't know what to do
Peace Signs
When I woke up I was already me
And I am not afraid I am something
Peace Signs
The opening lines of Sharon Van Etten's song, Peace Signs, provide a sense of dissociation and fear as she wakes up to find that she is already herself, indicating that she had lost a sense of herself and her identity. She then proceeds to mention "Peace Signs" which seem to act as a metaphorical representation of her desire to find peace in her own life, despite feeling overwhelmed or lost. The repetition of the phrase throughout the song could also represent a way for her to convince herself that she is on the right path, that she is already at peace or that she needs to keep searching for peace.
The second stanza delves deeper into the concept of identity as she mentions being "on my knees" which can be interpreted as feeling helpless or hopeless. The phrase "I was already you" indicates that she may have been trying to please or become someone else's idea of who she should be. However, the repeated refrain of "Peace Signs" throughout the song suggests that despite feeling lost or trapped, Sharon is continually striving for inner peace.
The final stanza is a reflection of how Sharon is finding peace within herself; she is no longer afraid and is content with who she is. The song is a journey from fear and despair to acceptance and inner peace as she realizes that the "Peace Signs" were always within her.
Line by Line Meaning
I woke up I was already me
I realized that I am who I am as soon as I opened my eyes.
I was somewhat afraid I was something
I had a fear that I was someone else than what I thought I was.
Peace Signs
A sign of peace to all chaos in the world.
I told you I could no longer see
I informed you that I no longer had the ability to see things as they were.
I was right in the fire I was on my knees
I was trapped in a difficult situation and begging for help.
Take it back I felt no longer used
I pleaded for someone to take back what they said or did to me, as I felt worthless.
I had nothing to do I was so you
I had nothing going on in my life, I was just living for someone else.
Peace sign I was already you
I had become so much like you that I was almost indistinguishable.
No lie I was no longer wrong
I spoke the truth and no longer felt like I was at fault.
I had questions in mind why you were strong
I was curious as to why you had such a strong hold on me and my thoughts.
Hit back it was already too
I tried to retaliate, but it was already too late to make a difference.
Hit back it was already soon
I wanted to fight back, and it would be happening soon.
I still dream that I think of you
Even in my dreams, I am still consumed with thoughts of you.
In the calm of the night and I don't know what to do
During the peaceful night, I am unsure of what action to take.
And I am not afraid I am something
I am no longer afraid and I know that I am someone.
Peace Signs
A sign of peace to all chaos in the world.
Contributed by Riley R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Anika says "hi"
on A Crime
Sharon, if you ever read this ... thank you.