The Golden Age
13 ENGINES Lyrics
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But that was long ago
There were swimming holes and the Vaudeville
They gave way to this
And here we are today
If what you say has a grain of truth
The age of rust is soon
Please, it's not a thing just to bring you down
It's just a passing phase
But who'll believe your piano played itself
A long forgotten air
[CHORUS ]
The Golden Age, it'll never fade away
Today just don't seem the same
The Golden Age, it'll never fade away
If you were there
There will always be someone telling you
That these are wicked times
Rainy days come down just to make you think
Of all the shades of grey
No one knew that you liked to paint
Until they cleaned your room
[CHORUS]
The lyrics for 13 ENGINES's song The Golden Age are poetic and somewhat ambiguous, but they seem to be referencing the passing of time and the changes that come with it. The first two lines suggest that the "Golden Age" is a thing of the past and has been replaced by the "silver" age, which signifies change and progression. The reference to "swimming holes and the Vaudeville" implies a certain nostalgia for a simpler, more innocent time, while the line "they gave way to this" suggests a sense of regret or disappointment about where society has ended up.
The third line talks about how "bronze turned itself slowly into iron", which could refer to how society has become more industrialized and technology-focused. The last line of the verse, "If what you say has a grain of truth/ The age of rust is soon", could be interpreted to mean that if things continue as they are, society will eventually decay and fall apart.
The chorus of the song repeats the refrain "The Golden Age, it'll never fade away", suggesting that even though things are different now, there will always be a sense of nostalgia for the past. The second verse touches on themes of isolation and loneliness, with the line "No one knew that you liked to paint/ Until they cleaned your room". The song ends on a somewhat melancholy note, with the final repetition of the chorus reinforcing the idea that even though the Golden Age is gone, it will never truly fade away completely.
Line by Line Meaning
So the Golden Age passed away to silver
The period of time characterized by prosperity and progress shifted towards a less impressive state.
But that was long ago
This shift happened a while back.
There were swimming holes and the Vaudeville
Past times were much simpler and more enjoyable.
They gave way to this
Current times are much less desirable.
Bronze turned itself slowly into iron
An era full of creativity and beauty evolved into a cold and mechanical one.
And here we are today
This is the present state of affairs.
If what you say has a grain of truth
If the rumors you're spreading have some credibility.
The age of rust is soon
The time of decline is looming.
Please, it's not a thing just to bring you down
This observation is not shared to discourage or criticize.
It's just a passing phase
Things will eventually get better.
But who'll believe your piano played itself
It's hard to convince people of things that sound implausible.
A long forgotten air
A tune that has been lost to the ages.
[CHORUS]
Refrain emphasizing the enduring legacy of the Golden Age.
The Golden Age, it'll never fade away
The memory and significance of better times will always linger.
Today just don't seem the same
Current times lack the luster of the past.
If you were there
If you had experienced the Golden Age.
There will always be someone telling you
Someone will always try to convince you.
That these are wicked times
The current era is cursed with suffering and injustice.
Rainy days come down just to make you think
Sad moments force you to contemplate and reflect.
Of all the shades of grey
All the nuances and complexities of life.
No one knew that you liked to paint
Your true character and interests may go unrecognized until after you're gone.
Until they cleaned your room
Only discovered after your personal space is sanitized.
[CHORUS]
Refrain emphasizing the enduring legacy of the Golden Age.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: DIX, ROBBINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
MrLordwoodbine
Fantastic track.
Eugene Mlynczyk MW
One of the great Toronto bands of the 90s … Thirteen Engines vs … Rheostatics :)