In an interview with www.spinner.com, Sudol shared how she came up with the name "(I) had a bunch of books open on a table, "a fine frenzy" jumped off a page of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' [Shakespeare] and it was just right, though every now and then I wonder if it's a bit ... flowery."
Sudol developed the sound of A Fine Frenzy - hypnotic piano arrangements under classic American melody fused into irresistible, atmospheric songs with the power to reach around the world.
The second album, Bomb in a Birdcage, was released on 8 September 2009. A third album, Pines, was released in 2012.
A Fine Frenzy official site - www.afinefrenzy.com
14. Borrowed Time
A Fine Frenzy Lyrics
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In the winter sun
Holding fast this freezing branch
Is home to us
[Chorus]
Step, step right over the line
And onto borrowed time
Waiting to divide to divide
Counting stars and passing cars
On the interstate
The end is near I feel it dear,
But I am not afraid
[Chorus]
But you say you're getting tired
You're tired and so am I
When you follow from behind
[Chorus]
But you say you're getting tired
You're tired and so am I
When you follow from behind
In "Borrowed Time," A Fine Frenzy explores the concept of living on borrowed time in two distinct ways. The first is the physical embodiment of this idea, where the last leaves on a branch cling on to the tree during the winter season. The lyrics describe the leaves as being "thick as thieves," showing their resilience in the face of harsh weather conditions. This metaphor represents the idea that we too can be strong and persistent in the face of adversity, much like these leaves holding on for dear life. The second way she explores this concept is through the passage of time as we move along the interstate, counting stars and cars. The end may be near, but there is no fear, as she is not wasting her time waiting for it to come, but rather living life to the fullest.
The chorus emphasizes the concept of living life to the fullest, encouraging listeners to step right over the line and onto borrowed time, as it is not waiting to die but rather waiting to live life to the fullest. She encourages listeners to stop waiting for some predetermined end and to start living their lives one day at a time. The repetition of "waiting to divide" emphasizes the idea that we must take our lives into our own hands and make the most of each day, as we never know how much time we may have left.
Line by Line Meaning
Thick as thieves the last of leaves
The few remaining leaves are tightly holding on to each other
In the winter sun
Under the sunlight of the winter season
Holding fast this freezing branch
The leaves are holding tight to the branch that is cold and still
Is home to us
Provides us shelter and comfort in this gloomy season
Step, step right over the line
Crossing the line that separates life from death
And onto borrowed time
Living every moment like it's the last, because we don't know when our time is up
When it's life, not waiting to die
Life should be lived joyfully and fully, not just waiting for it to end
Waiting to divide to divide
Unclear meaning, perhaps referring to the idea of choosing a path or dividing time into different sections
Counting stars and passing cars
Observing the world around us, even the little things like stars and cars passing by
On the interstate
Driving on a busy road with a sense of urgency
The end is near I feel it dear,
A sense of impending doom or an end to something important
But I am not afraid
Despite feeling the end is near, the artist is brave and unafraid
You're tired and so am I
Both the singer and the addressed person are tired and worn out from life's hardships
When you follow from behind
The addressed person is following the singer, perhaps relying on them for guidance or support
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ALISON SUDOL, ANTHONY JOSEPH PENALOZA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind