Nothing makes you writhe
Nothing makes you move as far down the wire
A sudden gesture
Bruise your faith into right
Read yourself into history
Re-write your dementia
Revision, revision, revision
Revision, revisions, revision...
Co-sign my letter, co-sign my letter, co-sign my letter...

(Ray-vision...)

(Repeat 2X)
(These shadows take care of us
They cover us up in the shade
You turn away... turn away)

We come from the ocean, and into the sky we're gonna move

If it's nothing but a sign
Bleed onto your shoes, man (Repeat 3X)

What's defined as right
A simple nature
What's understood de-evolved
From nothing to nowhere
Please your numbers
Stay your numb friends
Plead to no one
Stay in nowhere

These shadows take care of us
They cover us up in the shade
Into the sky we're gonna move
These shadows take care of us
They cover us up in the shade
Into the sky we're gonna move

If it's nothing but a sign
Bleed onto your shoes, man (Repeat 3X)

(Repeat 2x)
These shadows take care of us
They cover us up in the shade
Into the sky we're gonna move
These shadows take care of us
They cover us up in the shade
Into the sky we're gonna move

Ray vision
Ray vision

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Pinback's song "From Nothing To Nowhere" are difficult to interpret as they are abstract and open to multiple interpretations. The opening lines suggest that the singer is driven by a force that is pulling them forward, causing them to writhe and move down the wire. This force could be interpreted as a feeling of restlessness, anxiety or the chaos of life. The sudden gesture that bruises their faith into right could be a reference to a painful experience, possibly a betrayal, that changes their perception of the world. The line "Read yourself into history, re-write your dementia" suggests that the singer is trying to find meaning in their life or to make sense of a confusing or traumatic past.

The chorus, "These shadows take care of us, they cover us up in the shade, into the sky we're gonna move", could be interpreted as a metaphor for the transcendent or spiritual experience of being lifted above the mundane aspects of life. The line "Bleed onto your shoes, man" may refer to the idea of leaving one's mark on the world through one's actions, even if it means sacrificing oneself or enduring suffering. The closing lines, "what's defined as right, a simple nature, what's understood de-evolved, from nothing to nowhere" suggest that the singer is questioning the nature of reality and morality.

Line by Line Meaning

Nothing makes you writhe
The lack of something causes discomfort, uneasiness or restlessness.

Nothing makes you move as far down the wire
There is no motivation to go further, to stretch beyond one's current limitations or to step out of one's comfort zone.

A sudden gesture
An unexpected action, a display of emotion, or movement that can take someone by surprise.

Bruise your faith into right
Challenge your beliefs or values to ensure that they are morally just and true.

Read yourself into history
Learn from past experiences, events, and people to shape your present and future.

Re-write your dementia
Challenge the status quo, question what society considers 'normal,' and imagine new possibilities.

Revision, revision, revision
Continuously review, evaluate, and improve oneself and one's work to achieve excellence and growth.

Co-sign my letter, co-sign my letter, co-sign my letter...
Seeking validation, support, or endorsement from someone else.

We come from the ocean, and into the sky we're gonna move
Life is a journey that starts in a humble beginning and ends in a glorious triumph.

If it's nothing but a sign Bleed onto your shoes, man (Repeat 3X)
Even if something seems insignificant, pay attention to it and let it affect you in a profound way.

What's defined as right A simple nature
What is considered correct is often the most basic, common sense approach.

What's understood de-evolved From nothing to nowhere
What is comprehended tends to break down or degenerate to a lesser state or position.

Please your numbers
Conform to society's expectations and fit into the group.

Stay your numb friends
Distance oneself from people who are emotionally detached or unaware.

Plead to no one Stay in nowhere
Feeling helpless, hopeless, or trapped, without anyone to turn to for help.

These shadows take care of us They cover us up in the shade
Metaphorical shadows provide protection or shelter from harsh realities.

You turn away... turn away
Rejecting or ignoring something.

Ray vision
Obscure or ambiguous term with unclear meaning.

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