Isolation
1919 Lyrics


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The temperature is falling, the tide is coming in
fleeing a sinking ship, throw caution to the wind
the captain blind with alcohol steered straight into a glacier
in nationalist frenzy, shackled to a mast
And I hope your flag keeps you warm
you’ll be a lucky man - enjoy your isolation
thrashing with the drowning rats
a childhood memory – your wedding day (Mazel Tov), your high school graduation
flashes by in seconds – enjoy your isolation
A demagogue is gasping for air a mile deep
see how the mighty fall – even rabid wolves can weep
apostles clutch at dead wood now drifting on the surface
the others fled, so now what? God is dead




Sanctity in a familiar face, never escape from your cage
dressed head to toe in your colours, your windows and doors they stay closed

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to 1919's song "Isolation" convey a sense of disillusionment and critique towards the actions and mindset of those in power. The verse begins by describing a dire situation, where the temperature is dropping and the tide is rising, symbolizing impending disaster. The line "fleeing a sinking ship, throw caution to the wind" suggests that people are abandoning a doomed situation, disregarding any sense of caution. The next line reveals that the captain, blinded by alcohol, drove the ship directly into a glacier, further emphasizing the reckless decision-making.


The following lines introduce a nationalist frenzy and a metaphorical image of being shackled to a mast, indicating the captivation of individuals by extreme ideologies. The chorus then takes a sarcastic tone, expressing the hope that the flag they hold dear will keep them warm in their isolation. It implies that those who are blindly following divisive ideologies are ultimately isolated from the true realities and consequences of their actions.


The second verse shifts focus to a demagogue, someone who holds power through captivating rhetoric but is now gasping for air a mile deep, suggesting their downfall. The line "even rabid wolves can weep" points out that even the most aggressive and ruthless individuals can experience vulnerability and suffering. The verse continues by highlighting the desperation of followers, clutching at dead wood floating on the surface, showing their desperate search for meaning or guidance after their leader's demise. The verse concludes by questioning the role of God in this situation, hinting at the loss of faith or disillusionment.


The final line about being dressed in one's colors and keeping windows and doors closed portrays an image of someone trapped within their own beliefs and refusing to see beyond their own perspective. It could suggest a sense of stagnation and a lack of willingness to engage with the outside world, thus reinforcing the theme of isolation both physically and metaphorically.


Overall, "Isolation" by 1919 reflects a critical perspective towards the consequences of blind allegiance to extreme ideologies, highlighting the dangers of isolation and the importance of staying open-minded and connected to the realities beyond personal beliefs.


Line by Line Meaning

The temperature is falling, the tide is coming in
As things worsen, the situation is becoming more challenging


Fleeing a sinking ship, throw caution to the wind
Abandoning a failing endeavor without considering the consequences


The captain blind with alcohol steered straight into a glacier
The leader's intoxication led to a disastrous outcome


In nationalist frenzy, shackled to a mast
Caught up in a fervor of patriotism, restricted and bound


And I hope your flag keeps you warm
May your unwavering allegiance bring you comfort


You’ll be a lucky man - enjoy your isolation
Being separated may bring unexpected blessings


Thrashing with the drowning rats
Struggling alongside those in desperate situations


A childhood memory – your wedding day (Mazel Tov), your high school graduation
Reflecting on pivotal moments from the past


Flashes by in seconds – enjoy your isolation
Time passes quickly, savor the solitude


A demagogue is gasping for air a mile deep
A manipulative leader fighting for survival in a dire situation


See how the mighty fall – even rabid wolves can weep
Even the powerful can experience moments of vulnerability


Apostles clutch at dead wood now drifting on the surface
Former followers desperately hold on to futile support


The others fled, so now what? God is dead
With abandonment by their companions, faith is lost


Sanctity in a familiar face, never escape from your cage
Finding solace in familiarity, trapped within one's comfort zone


Dressed head to toe in your colours, your windows and doors they stay closed
Displaying allegiance, yet remaining isolated and closed off from the world




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Karl Donner, Mick Reed, Rio Goldhammer, Sam Evans

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@slavomirstevanovic4418

Fantastično! Pozdrav iz Srbije!

@Sarko_fago

Love this band

@bozbontins

enjoying my isolation!!

@jasonledyard3523

Very Alternative sounding rather than the goth or dark sounds that one would expect

@newkekarmyreee4788

Lords of the new church?

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