The Rapture
Alan B Lyrics
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We should pack our things and run away
Rest in the quick sand
Shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand
Sink slowly, not take flight
Let silence take us at dayight
Take a deep breath as we go, as we go
Wanting higher up
Wanting higher
′Til morning forces us to climb back down
I'd rather stay, I′d rather let us drown
Wanting higher
Wanting higher up
Wanting higher
With a harsh, unpleasant hello
The paranoia I've learned to live with although
I will never shake what's there behind
Your songs are still playing in my mind
All that white only turns you blue
Look after me and I′ll look after you
Take a deep breath as we go, as we go
End
"The Rapture" by Alan B is a poignant song that delves into the idea of escaping a decaying world and the desire to rise above it all. The song opens with the singer acknowledging the sight of a land that has succumbed to decay, urging the listener to pack their things and run away. The imagery of quicksand is used to highlight the suffocating feeling of being trapped in a world that is slowly falling apart. The singer then talks about holding hands and standing shoulder to shoulder, suggesting that it’s important to stick together in times of crisis. The final lines of the verse "sink slowly, not take flight, let silence take us at daylight" suggest a contemplative and perhaps an accepting attitude toward the idea of being consumed by the decay.
The chorus of the song focuses on the idea of wanting to climb higher, to rise above the chaos and find a better place. The singer acknowledges that they'd rather stay and let themselves drown than come down from their imagined higher place. They repeat the phrase "Wanting higher" to emphasize the intensity of the desire to escape.
The second verse of the song delves into the idea of paranoia and the thoughts that consume us. The singer talks about their inability to shake the thoughts that keep them up at night. The idea of someone's songs still playing in their mind suggests an ongoing relationship or someone that they can't seem to fully let go of. The final lines of the song again emphasize the idea of taking a deep breath and moving forward no matter what.
Line by Line Meaning
There it was, the land of decay
We have found ourselves in a place of ruin and destruction.
We should pack our things and run away
It's time to leave this place behind and start anew.
Rest in the quick sand
Accept the situation for what it is and find peace in it.
Shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand
We are in this together and will face it side by side with support.
Sink slowly, not take flight
Rather than trying to escape, we will gracefully accept our fate.
Let silence take us at daylight
We will embrace the stillness and quietness of the dawn.
Take a deep breath as we go, as we go
We will take a moment to calm ourselves before moving forward.
Wanting higher
Desiring more than what we currently have or where we are.
Wanting higher up
Wanting to reach a higher level or position.
′Til morning forces us to climb back down
We will continue striving for more until reality sets in and brings us back down to earth.
I'd rather stay, I'd rather let us drown
I would rather stay in this moment or situation, even if it leads to failure.
With a harsh, unpleasant hello
Entering a new situation or environment with a negative first impression.
The paranoia I've learned to live with although
Despite this newness, I am no stranger to feeling anxious or suspicious.
I will never shake what's there behind
The past or memories will always linger and affect me.
Your songs are still playing in my mind
Thoughts of you and the memories we shared continue to haunt me.
All that white only turns you blue
The purity and innocence of a situation or person can be tarnished and corrupted over time.
Look after me and I'll look after you
We will take care of each other and support one another.
Take a deep breath as we go, as we go
Again, we will take a moment to calm ourselves before continuing forward.
End
The song concludes.
Writer(s): Christopher C Rouse
Contributed by Lily O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.