Colour
Alexander Carson Lyrics

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Gaunt and frail
Hands that haven't grown
Are white knuckle on handle rail
You're surrounded but alone

Taught and told
Your slight unweighted frame
Nestled in hospitals alabaster silent wings

The softest melody oh the silence sings.

How's the weather in here?
Does it rain in Ward B?
And the less said about the food the better
But at least you're talking to me

So colour it in
Never talk it out
Write it down
Try to spit it out

You're too young to understand it
Oh but yet you feel it anyway

You reach out
Feeling the space
You're a phantom limb
A peculiar ache

I am a stranger
I wish you knew more
And you are flesh and blood

And I have never loved you more

Overall Meaning

In these lyrics, Alexander Carson paints a vivid picture of a frail and weak individual, possibly someone who is ill or hospitalized. The first stanza describes this person as gaunt and frail, with hands that haven't grown, suggesting a youthfulness or vulnerability. The line "white knuckle on handle rail" conveys their grip on a support, possibly indicating their physical pain or discomfort. Despite being surrounded by people, they still feel alone, emphasizing a sense of isolation.

The second stanza explores the person's experience within a hospital environment. They have been taught and told certain things, possibly about their condition or treatment. Their slight and unweighted frame is contrasted with the hospital's "alabaster silent wings," creating a poetic imagery of doctors and nurses gently caring for them. The phrase "the softest melody oh the silence sings" suggests that even in the hushed and quiet hospital setting, there is beauty and grace.

The third stanza introduces a conversation between the person and someone else, possibly a friend or caregiver. The person asks about the weather and mentions Ward B, indicating that they are confined to a specific part of the hospital. They jokingly comment on the poor quality of the food, implying a shared frustration or dissatisfaction. But despite these complaints, the fact that the other person is talking to them brings some comfort and connection.

The fourth stanza delves into the emotional complexity of the situation. The person is considered too young to fully comprehend their circumstances, yet they still experience the weight of it. They reach out, feeling the empty space around them like a phantom limb, intensifying their sense of longing or displacement. The line "I am a stranger, I wish you knew more, and you are flesh and blood" highlights the paradoxical relationship between the two individuals. There is a desire for deeper understanding and connection, but the limitations of the situation prevent it. However, the final line expresses a profound love for the person, suggesting that despite the challenges, their bond remains strong.

Line by Line Meaning

Gaunt and frail
Thin and weak

Hands that haven't grown
Hands that have not fully developed

Are white knuckle on handle rail
Holding tightly onto the railing

You're surrounded but alone
Being in a place with people but feeling isolated

Taught and told
Educated and instructed

Your slight unweighted frame
Your small and light body

Nestled in hospitals alabaster silent wings
Comfortably resting in the quiet wings of the hospital

The softest melody oh the silence sings.
The silence itself creates a peaceful melody

How's the weather in here?
Asking about the atmosphere in the surroundings

Does it rain in Ward B?
Wondering if there are any unfortunate situations in the ward

And the less said about the food the better
Avoiding discussion about the poor quality of the food