Transliterator
DeVotchKa Lyrics
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They stretch before you come inside
There's room enough, she's generous
Come on, come up, while we're still young
You want to love your life from a prison?
Of all this uninvited altruism
The homemade weapons you're fashioning
Are hellbent on doing us both in
You never mean what you say
Why don't you say what you mean?
I never get anywhere
I get the space in between
Beautifully mutilated
Instantly antiquated
I will admit I almost always underestimate it
You better mean what you say
Why don't you say what you mean?
I never get anywhere
I get the space in between
Beautifully mutilated
Instantly antiquated
I will admit I almost always underestimate it
Let's begin at the beginning
Let us revisit the past
Like when the houselights are dimming
Like silver screen photograph
It makes a beautiful sound
When nobody else is around
It has a wonderful way
Of eating up entire days
We'll go swimming in libations
Forgive unexplained lacerations
The otherworldly manifestations
I could live in the breath you're wasting
You never mean what you say
Why don't you say what you mean?
I never get anywhere
I get the space in between
Beautifully mutilated
Instantly antiquated
I will admit I almost always underestimate it
You never mean what you say
Why don't you say what you mean?
I never get anywhere
I get the space in between
Beautifully mutilated
Instantly antiquated
I will admit I almost always underestimate it
You better mean what you say
Why don't you say what you mean?
I never get anywhere
I get the space in between here
We go over again beautifully mutilated
Instantly antiquated let's wash our hands
Of everything
I will admit I almost always underestimate it
You don't owe them anything
No, you don't owe them anything
No, you don't owe them anything
You never mean what you say
Why don't you say what you mean?
I never get anywhere
I get the space in between
Beautifully mutilated
Instantly antiquated
I will admit I almost always underestimate it
You never mean what you say
Why don't you say what you mean?
I never get anywhere
I get the space in between
Beautifully mutilated
Instantly antiquated
I will admit I almost always underestimate it
The song "Transliterator" by DeVotchKa talks about the concept of living life to the fullest and breaking free from societal norms and expectations. The lyrics touch on the idea that the future is waiting and there is enough room for everyone to live their lives as they please. However, the song talks about the struggles of doing so, as there are always homemade weapons being fashioned to bring people down. The lyrics go on to say that people often don't say what they mean, and this can lead to miscommunication and a lack of progress. The singer admits that they often underestimate the power of their actions and thoughts.
The song encourages listeners to revisit the past to find inspiration and beauty in their lives. It suggests going swimming in libations, forgiving unexplained lacerations, and embracing otherworldly manifestations. The lyrics also touch on the idea of not owing anything to anyone, implying that people are free to live their lives on their own terms.
Overall, "Transliterator" is a song about seizing the moment, being true to oneself, and embracing life's complexities.
Line by Line Meaning
Lady future's arms are lily white
The future seems pure, welcoming, and bright
They stretch before you come inside
The future holds endless opportunities and potential
There's room enough, she's generous
The future can accommodate all and is kind
Come on, come up, while we're still young
Let's seize the moment and make the most of our youth in pursuit of happiness
You want to love your life from a prison?
Are you content living a confined and limited life?
Of all this uninvited altruism
Of all this unwelcome selflessness
The homemade weapons you're fashioning
The negative thoughts and actions you produce
Are hellbent on doing us both in
Will destroy us both in the end
You never mean what you say
You lack honesty and sincerity
Why don't you say what you mean?
Communicate your true intentions
I never get anywhere
I don't make progress
I get the space in between
I am stuck in a state of limbo and indecision
Beautifully mutilated
Tragically flawed, yet still appealing
Instantly antiquated
Obsolete and outdated in mere moments
I will admit I almost always underestimate it
I often don't fully grasp or appreciate the situation
Let's begin at the beginning
Let's start over and revisit the past
Let us revisit the past
Let's look at our history again
Like when the houselights are dimming
Like the end of a movie theater screening
Like silver screen photograph
A nostalgic and picturesque memory
It makes a beautiful sound
It is stunning and impressive
When nobody else is around
When there is no one else to interrupt
It has a wonderful way
It possesses a fantastic quality
Of eating up entire days
Of consuming a vast amount of time
We'll go swimming in libations
We will indulge in alcoholic drinks
Forgive unexplained lacerations
Overlook and move on from any hurt or harm
The otherworldly manifestations
Supernatural occurrences and phenomena
I could live in the breath you're wasting
I value and cherish every moment we spend together
You don't owe them anything
You have no obligation to anyone else
No, you don't owe them anything
No, you are not indebted to anyone else
You better mean what you say
You need to be sincere and genuine
You don't owe them anything
You are free to be true to yourself and not cater to others
Let's wash our hands of everything
Let's forget and move past our troubles and mistakes
I will admit I almost always underestimate it
I often don't fully comprehend or value what's in front of me
Contributed by Camden H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.