The Song That Never Was
Imogen Heap Lyrics
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Where's a manual when you need one?
The back of your hand, no good to you now.
Right angles,
It's all shaped wrong when it should be rolling.
You're pining every trick this box hasn't got.
It's alright...
didn't I tell you so?
It's alright.
It's all in the process.
It's alright.
You're all set to go.
So don't give me that look...
'cause I know you're up to it.
My favourite thing,
to walk out on the bridge and look back on Manhattan,
under sunset covers while the city lights up.
You'll find yours,
whoever, whatever, you need, it'll be here.
Guarenteed under these golden old streets.
It's alright...
'Cause I'm telling you so.
It's alright.
It's all in the process.
It's alright.
You're all set to go.
So don't give me that look...
'cause I know you're up to it.
Just one place.
Just one place,
to make amend.
Just one friend.
Just one friend,
that's all it takes.
It's alright.
Didn't I tell you so?
It's alright.
It's all in the process.
It's alright,
and you're all set to go.
so don't give me that look,..
'cause I know you're up to it.
The lyrics to Imogen Heap's song The Song That Never Was reflect on the challenges of creating something new and the frustration that comes with it. The first verse speaks to the feeling of being lost and uncertain, exemplified by the lines "Green to this. / Where's a manual when you need one? / The back of your hand, no good to you now." The singer feels like everything is foreign and there is no clear guide to follow. The lyrics also touch on the frustration of not being able to create what one envisions - everything is "shaped wrong when it should be rolling."
The chorus of the song provides an uplifting message to the creator, saying "It's alright... / It's all in the process. / You're all set to go. / So don't give me that look... / 'cause I know you're up to it." The singer reassures the creator that they are capable of succeeding and that the process itself is worthwhile.
In the final verse, the singer reflects on their own personal connection to creativity - their "favourite thing" is to look back on Manhattan at sunset. The lyrics encourage the listener to find their own place and their own source of inspiration. However, the song also emphasizes the importance of human connection in the creative process. Just one friend or collaborator can make all the difference when trying to create something new.
Line by Line Meaning
Green to this.
New to this situation
Where's a manual when you need one?
Looking for guidance
The back of your hand, no good to you now.
Feeling lost and helpless
Right angles,
Everything feels rigid and inflexible
It's all shaped wrong when it should be rolling.
Wishing things were more fluid and natural
You're pining every trick this box hasn't got.
Frustrated with limitations and seeking more options
It's alright...
Assurance that everything will be okay
didn't I tell you so?
Reminder that this was expected
It's all in the process.
Reassurance that progress is being made
You're all set to go.
Encouragement to move forward
So don't give me that look...
Don't be discouraged
'cause I know you're up to it.
Belief in your abilities
My favourite thing,
What brings joy and happiness
to walk out on the bridge and look back on Manhattan,
Enjoying the picturesque view of the city
under sunset covers while the city lights up.
Seeing the city's beauty during sunset
You'll find yours,
Assurance that you will find your own happiness
whoever, whatever, you need, it'll be here.
Whatever you're looking for can be found here
Guarenteed under these golden old streets.
Promise of fulfillment and satisfaction
Just one place.
The one singular location
Just one place,
Emphasis on a single location
to make amend.
Opportunity to make things right
Just one friend.
Only one friend needed for support
Just one friend,
Emphasis on the importance of having just one friend
that's all it takes.
The power of having even just one friend
Contributed by Adeline S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
tropicwave1
THE SONG THAT NEVER WAS
Imogen Heap
Album: B-Sides and Unreleased
[Verse 1]
Green to this, where's a manual when you need one?
The back of your hand, no good to you now
Right angles, it's all shaped wrong when it should be rolling
You're pining every trick this box hasn't got
[Chorus]
It's alright, didn't I tell you so?
It's alright, it's all in the process
It's alright, you're all set to go
So don't give me that look, cause I know you're up to it
[Verse 2]
My favorite thing
To walk out on the bridge and look back on Manhattan
Under sunset covers while the city lights up
You'll find yours, whoever, whatever you need, it'll be here
Guaranteed amongst these golden old streets
[Chorus]
It's alright, cause I'm telling you so
It's alright, it's all in the process
It's alright, you're all set to go
So don't give me that look, cause I know you're up to it
[Bridge]
Just one place (Just one place...)
Just one place (one place...)
To make amend (To make amend...)
Just one friend (one friend...)
Just one friend (Just one friend...)
That's all it takes (Just...)
[Chorus]
It's alright, didn't I tell you so?
It's alright, it's all in the process
It's alright, and you're all set to go
So don't give me that look, cause I know you're up to it
Lairyll Lue
This is the Heap-iest remix, and I mean it in a good way! :)
Puni Saurio
it could be easily confused with one of her songs, its as good as that.
This Is Unfair
She really is the most beautiful person to ever make music. <3 inspiring.
Matthew
I just stumbled upon this while listening to glittering clouds. I have to say I genuinely thought this was an immi song I haven't heard yet!!! Scrolling down and reading the comments realizing it's not was quite delightful. Really beautiful!!!
kali4good
For a while i thought this was immi's own version. You've captured the essence of an "imogen heap-ish" song. <3333 This is my favorite song at the moment.
Radek Joseph Jester
as someone said here before - this one is the most 'heapish' ;)
Isra
I keep on coming back to this version. Just BRILLIANT!
SuoBella
OH MY GOODNESS....THIS IS AMAZING!!!! Brilliant creation you've made here...it's perfect in every regard....cheers! So happy this has graced my ears :)
flowerboysandramyun
This is seriously the best one. It sounds so...HEAP :) is it possible that you could upload the HQ version to mediafire or something? It's really just...perfect.
Heli Juutinen
this is the best version of this. I had to read the comments to realise it wasn't the actual version. this totally sounds like Immi, you're amazing ♥