Icarus
Adam Guettel Lyrics


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Icarus was not an achiever.
Always resented what his father could do,
Was sick and tired of the hullabaloo;
When would he ever make his mark?
Icarus was not a believer,
His father trusted him and took it for granted
That he would turn out to be just as enchanted;
That all he needed was some help getting off the ground.

Put these on and learn to fly
A course above the ocean.
Test your strength,
Learn to change the angle of your wing.
But, Icarus, fly beneath me, shaded from the sun.
Unlimited altitude will heat up your wings and they'll come unglued.
Of the sun, you must beware
When you're gliding through the air.
You have to try to stay in my shadow.

Icarus could see the potential
Aerodynamic mythological coup
Of being the only flying demi-go who
Dared to land on the sun.
Icarus could see the credential
And taste the glory of the journey ahead.
The light reflected off his wings when they spread.
He started singing when his feet only found air.

Look at me.
I'm going to be the stuff that myths are made of.
Divine event;
The kind of myth that makes a masquerade of a father.
Over him, I'll cast a shadow broader than the sun.
Unlimited altitude;
I like to navigate in the nude.
Breezes blowing through my hair
While I ride the dunes of air.
I think I'll let him fly in my shadow.

He didn't try to get his ears to pop.
He liked the atmospheric pressure drop
The sky around him and the earth below.

Look at me.
I'm going to be the stuff that myths are made of.
Divine event;
The kind of myth that makes a masquerade of a father.
Over him I'll cast a shadow broader than the sun.
Unlimited altitude;
The ozone layer is rainbow hued.
Nimbus cloud about my head-
I think I'll wear it in my father's stead.

I think the air is getting thin.

Look at me.
I'm going \to be the stuff that myths are made of.
Divine event;
The kind of myth that makes a masquerade of a father.




Over him I'll cast a shadow broader than the sun.
Ah!

Overall Meaning

The song Icarus by Adam Guettel is a retelling of the Greek myth of Icarus, who flew too close to the sun with wings made of feathers and wax, causing the wax to melt and resulting in his tragic downfall. The lyrics portray Icarus as a dissatisfied son seeking to make a name for himself, but lacking the confidence and motivation to do so on his own. His father, Daedalus, attempts to help him fly by providing him with wings, but warns him of the dangers of flying too high and getting too close to the sun.


As the song progresses, Icarus becomes more and more enamored with the idea of flying to the sun and becoming a mythological figure. He sees the potential for fame and glory in his accomplishments and disregards his father's warning. The final lines of the song suggest that Icarus may have flown too high and ultimately met his tragic fate.


The lyrics of the song use vivid imagery to convey the excitement and danger of Icarus' flight, with mentions of altitude, navigation, and atmospheric pressure. The repetition of the phrase "Look at me. I'm going to be the stuff that myths are made of" reinforces Icarus' desire for fame and recognition.


Line by Line Meaning

Icarus was not an achiever.
Icarus didn't accomplish much and felt overshadowed by his father.


Always resented what his father could do,
Icarus harbored bitterness towards his father's talents.


Was sick and tired of the hullabaloo;
Icarus was fed up with the excitement surrounding his father's abilities.


When would he ever make his mark?
Icarus wondered when he would finally make an impact.


Icarus was not a believer,
Icarus lacked faith in himself and the abilities his father saw in him.


His father trusted him and took it for granted
Icarus' father had confidence in his son's potential, but didn't realize Icarus needed more help.


That he would turn out to be just as enchanted;
His father believed Icarus would be similarly talented and passionate.


That all he needed was some help getting off the ground.
Icarus' father thought his son just needed support to take flight and succeed.


Put these on and learn to fly
Icarus was given the tools to fly.


A course above the ocean.
Icarus was instructed to fly over the sea.


Test your strength,
Icarus was challenged to show his abilities.


Learn to change the angle of your wing.
Icarus was taught to adjust his wings for optimal flight.


But, Icarus, fly beneath me, shaded from the sun.
Despite his potential, Icarus was instructed to fly under his father's guidance and protection.


Unlimited altitude will heat up your wings and they'll come unglued.
If Icarus flies too high, his wings will melt from the sun's heat and he'll fall.


Of the sun, you must beware
Icarus must be wary of the dangers of flying too close to the sun.


When you're gliding through the air.
During his flight, Icarus must be careful and cautious.


You have to try to stay in my shadow.
Icarus should strive to stay near his father and be guided by him.


Icarus could see the potential
Icarus recognized the possibilities of his own flight and ability.


Aerodynamic mythological coup
Icarus envisioned himself making history with his mythological flight.


Of being the only flying demi-go who
Icarus dreamed of becoming the only demi-god capable of flying.


Dared to land on the sun.
Icarus was ambitious enough to attempt to land on the sun.


Icarus could see the credential
Icarus envisioned his success and upward trajectory.


And taste the glory of the journey ahead.
Icarus dreamed of the fame and success that awaited him.


The light reflected off his wings when they spread.
Icarus felt proud and confident as he began to fly.


He started singing when his feet only found air.
Icarus was overcome with joy and exhilaration during his flight.


Ah!
An expression of excitement and anticipation.


Look at me.
Icarus calls attention to his own accomplishments and potential.


Divine event;
Icarus saw his flight as something godly and miraculous.


The kind of myth that makes a masquerade of a father.
Icarus believed his flight would eclipse his father's accomplishments and reputation.


Over him I'll cast a shadow broader than the sun.
Icarus dreamed of surpassing his father's success and legacy.


Unlimited altitude;
Icarus aimed for the stars and anything was possible.


I like to navigate in the nude.
Icarus felt liberated and free as he soared through the air.


The ozone layer is rainbow hued.
Icarus observed and appreciated the beauty of the sky and atmosphere.


Nimbus cloud about my head-
Icarus imagined himself surrounded by clouds and completely immersed in his flight.


I think I'll wear it in my father's stead.
Icarus believed he should take his father's place and continue his legacy.


He didn't try to get his ears to pop.
Icarus didn't concern himself with potential difficulties and obstacles during his flight.


He liked the atmospheric pressure drop.
Icarus enjoyed the sensations of the changing pressure during his flight.


The sky around him and the earth below.
Icarus was fully immersed in his flight, taking in the beauty of the sky and earth below.




Contributed by Isaiah G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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