In my wonder I can weigh the loss that we all suffered
felt in headaches from the knowing heroes lives uncovered
to be seen as they had always been
nothing but a boring shade of blue
from the knowing that I'll never sing in tune
like the rest of you
like the truth that beautiful
could be wealthy spelt another way
said to us in words that linger
words that swear we'll make it through the day

let die our spoiled architect boroughs
let die our finger-printed window sorrows
let us address our wakes by name
say "I'd have the strength to face you, day,
if not for all the broken things in my life."

I found the need to stay alive,
reason enough to pay to mind
that all of this could mean the world
or be such a fucking waste of time

Overall Meaning

The first verse of Attack in Black's song "Broken Things" reflects on the pain and loss suffered from the heroes whose lives were uncovered. The singer is situated in a state of wonder, from where they can weigh the gravity of the impact that has affected all of us. The losses and pain are intense enough to cause headaches, and the heroes that we thought were perfect are now seen to be boring and flawed, much like everyone else. The singer mourns their inability to sing in tune like everyone else and is saddened by the thought that beauty can only be associated with wealth. However, the singer finds solace in the words that linger and give hope that we will make it through the day.

The second verse of the song talks about letting die our spoilt architect boroughs and finger-printed window sorrows. This line perhaps refers to the urban decay that has taken over our cities, and the despair that comes from it. The singer recognises the brokenness in their life, making them unable to face the day confidently, and yet they find the strength to stay alive. The reason to stay alive is critical, and the singer is willing to pay attention to their life, even if it means the possibility of it all being a waste of time.

Line by Line Meaning

In my wonder I can weigh the loss that we all suffered
When I contemplate the extent of the damage we've collectively endured

felt in headaches from the knowing heroes lives uncovered
I sense a physical pain in my head as I comprehend the revelation of our heroes' true nature

to be seen as they had always been
They were never the mythical figures we imagined them to be

nothing but a boring shade of blue
They are ordinary people with all their human flaws and limitations

from the knowing that I'll never sing in tune like the rest of you
I realize I lack the skills and talents that others possess

like the truth that beautiful could be wealthy spelt another way
I discover that there are alternative definitions of success and happiness

said to us in words that linger
These messages continue to resonate in our minds

words that swear we'll make it through the day
Despite the challenges we face, we are assured we will survive

let die our spoiled architect boroughs
We must abandon our self-centered and frivolous ambitions

let die our finger-printed window sorrows
We must let go of past regrets and disappointments

let us address our wakes by name
We need to confront our problems directly

say "I'd have the strength to face you, day, if not for all the broken things in my life."
We acknowledge that our struggles have weakened us, preventing us from facing each day's challenges with full force

I found the need to stay alive,
I realize that the mere desire to survive is enough to keep going

reason enough to pay to mind
I understand that I need to stay alert and attentive to my surroundings and my emotions

that all of this could mean the world
All of our experiences and emotions have the potential to shape our perspective and the world around us

or be such a fucking waste of time
Alternatively, they could amount to nothing and leave us feeling empty

Contributed by Eva T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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