2x2
*Umphrey's McGee Lyrics

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One lies in waiting for
One mind who wants for more
Four arms plain for one goal
Two more will make one whole, but when?

And it comes on slow
And it folds all you know
Yet it seems so far

When all is gained or lost
What will measure mine?
Could I leave it now
When so tired am I
What is suffering?

Eight arms slave for one goal
Two more will make one whole

We have questions of control
Could I be bought or sold today?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Umphrey's McGee's "2x2" seems to express the struggle to maintain identity and control within oneself while being a part of a larger group. The opening lines ("One lies in waiting for/ One mind who wants for more") suggest that while one might be ready to move forward, another part of oneself is hesitant and desires something more. The repeated motif of "Four arms plain for one goal" and the later lines "Eight arms slave for one goal/ Two more will make one whole" seem to suggest that this inner battle is also reflected in a larger group that one is a part of - perhaps a band or a community.

The chorus of "2x2" further emphasizes the difficulties of balancing one's individuality with being part of a larger entity. The lines "And it comes on slow/ And it folds all you know/ Yet it seems so far" indicate that this tension can be overwhelming and cause one to feel lost or disconnected from oneself. The last lines of the song ("Could I be bought or sold today?") introduce the idea that the struggle for control extends beyond the personal level and into the realm of being influenced by external forces.

Overall, "2x2" seems to explore the complexities of identity and control when one is part of a larger group. The tension between individuality and conformity is a common theme in many aspects of life and can be difficult to navigate.

Line by Line Meaning

One lies in waiting for
Someone or something is waiting for something to happen

One mind who wants for more
One person is craving or longing for something greater

Four arms plain for one goal
Four individuals are united in pursuit of a shared objective

Two more will make one whole, but when?
Two additional participants are required for the group to achieve completeness, but the timing of their arrival is unclear

And it comes on slow
Something is gradually approaching or developing

And it folds all you know
This development or change deconstructs everything you previously understood

Yet it seems so far
Despite the gradual approach, the end result still feels distant or unattainable

When all is gained or lost
When everything is either won or lost

What will measure mine?
What will gauge my personal success or failure?

Could I leave it now
Am I capable of abandoning this pursuit in the present moment?

When so tired am I
When I am so exhausted

What is suffering?
What is the true nature of pain or hardship?

Eight arms slave for one goal
Eight individuals are working tirelessly to achieve a single objective

Two more will make one whole
Two additional participants are required for the group's efforts to reach fruition

We have questions of control
We are uncertain about whether we are truly at the helm of our destiny

Could I be bought or sold today?
Are my values malleable or up for sale at this moment in time?

Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BRENDAN H BAYLISS, JOEL N CUMMINS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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