We Used to Wait
Arcade Fire Lyrics

I used to write
I used to take time to express myself through writing

I used to write letters
I used to put my thoughts and feelings on paper and send them to people

I used to sign my name
I used to take ownership of my words by putting my name on them

I used to sleep at night
I used to have a peaceful mind and sleep soundly

Before the flashing lights settled deep in my brain
Before the constant stimulation of technology distracted me and affected me mentally

But by the time we met
By the time we crossed paths

The times had already changed
Society had already undergone a transformation

So I never wrote a letter
I stopped expressing myself through writing

I never took my true heart
I never shared my genuine feelings or emotions

I never wrote it down
I stopped recording my experiences or thoughts in a tangible way

So when the lights cut out
When technology fails or stops working

I was lost standing in the wilderness downtown
I found myself directionless and alone in an urban environment

Now our lives are changing fast
Our society and daily existence are evolving rapidly

Hope that something pure can last
Desire for a lasting, authentic experience or relationship

It seems strange
I find it curious

How we used to wait for letters to arrive
It's interesting how we used to anticipate and rely on physical correspondence

But what's stranger still
Even more puzzling is

Is how something so small can keep you alive
It's remarkable how even a small connection or message can provide hope and sustenance

We used to wait
We used to have patience

We used to waste hours just walkin' around
We used to pass time aimlessly

All those wasted lives in the wilderness downtown
All the unfulfilling or devoid experiences that people have in urban areas

Sometimes it never came (we used to wait)
Sometimes we never received that which we were waiting for

Still moving through the pain
Continuing to live with and endure emotional discomfort or hardship

I'm gonna write a letter to my true love
I will express my feelings in written form to my genuine romantic partner

I'm gonna sign my name
I will take responsibility for and be proud of my words

Like a patient on a table
Just as someone undergoing medical treatment must go through pain to heal

I wanna walk again
I desire a renewed sense of freedom and clarity

Gonna move through the pain
I will undergo suffering in order to grow and develop

We used to wait for it
We used to have patience for a desired outcome

Now we're screaming
Now we are demanding or pleading

Sing the chorus again
Repeat the message of the song's main theme

Wait for it
Have patience for something desired

Wait for it
Have patience for something desired

Wait for it
Have patience for something desired