Tall Ships
Wolfmother Lyrics
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I see the books you read have left you feeling so unkind
Oh won't you show me your love
Oh won't you show me your love
I saw the ships come in that left you feeling big and tall
I wandered a thousand miles they left me on that ancient wall
Oh tell me where she goes
Oh tell me what she knows
Oh won't you show me your love
I saw the books you read, I saw the way you locked up your mind
With all the walls they built they left you feeling so unkind
Oh won't you show me your love
These lyrics from Wolfmother's song Tall Ships can be interpreted in different ways. One interpretation is that the song talks about the struggle of finding true love and feeling small and insignificant in the big picture of things. The first two lines talk about the disappointment that comes from looking up to the stars and reading books only to end up feeling lost and unloved. The chorus pleads for someone to show the author their love, signifying a search for a deeper connection with another person.
The second verse talks about ships that come and go, leaving behind the feeling of being big and tall. Similarly, the author has wandered a thousand miles and ended up on an ancient wall, hinting at a feeling of isolation and detachment. The last line of the chorus is changed to "tell me where she goes" this time, suggesting that the author is searching for a specific person to show them love.
Overall, these lyrics paint a picture of someone searching for love and connection in a world that can often feel overwhelming and lonely. The author is reaching out, asking someone to share their love with them and ease the pain of feeling small and alone.
Line by Line Meaning
I see the stars above have left you waiting for a sign
The lack of any indication from the universe or higher powers has resulted in your confusion and uncertainty about what to do next.
I see the books you read have left you feeling so unkind
The books you've read have instilled in you feelings of discontent, dissatisfaction, and unhappiness with your current situation or status quo.
Oh won't you show me your love
I implore you to demonstrate your affection towards me, either emotionally, physically or spiritually.
I saw the ships come in that left you feeling big and tall
You were filled with confidence, pride, and self-assurance due to the arrival of certain events or people in your life, which elevated your status or position.
I wandered a thousand miles they left me on that ancient wall
I travelled extensively and had numerous experiences, but eventually returned to the same place where I started, feeling isolated and disconnected from the world around me.
Oh tell me where she goes
Please inform me about the whereabouts of the woman in question, who I'm interested in or have a relationship with.
Oh tell me what she knows
Please share with me the knowledge, insights or secrets that the woman in question possesses, either to help me understand her better, or benefit myself in some way.
Oh won't you show me your love
I implore you to demonstrate your affection towards me, either emotionally, physically or spiritually.
I saw the books you read, I saw the way you locked up your mind
I've noticed the kind of literature or information you consume, as well as the reluctance or resistance you have towards new ideas, perspectives or concepts.
With all the walls they built they left you feeling so unkind
The societal norms, expectations or constraints imposed on you by external factors have resulted in feelings of frustration, bitterness, and cynicism within you.
Contributed by Kylie J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.