Top Of The World
Alice Wallace Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The air gets thin and my lungs start to burn
But up here it's so clear, I can see the Earth curve
And I don't even mind I can't breathe
I can see eye to eye with the birds as they glide
On pockets of air that rise like the tide
But I know I can't go with them, hard as they try
Cause it's a long way down
When you were born without wings
I'm happy on the ground
But sometimes it's nice to pretend I'm flying
The wind rushes past and whispers my name
It coos and it murmurs of fortune and fame
It tempts me and taunts me as if it's a game
And everyone knows I can't win
Cause it's a long way down
When you were born without wings
I'm happy on the ground
But sometimes it's nice to pretend I'm flying
So what if I'm not meant to be chasing the wind?
I'll still do it again and again
Cause it's a long way down
When you were born without wings
I'm happy on the ground
But sometimes it's nice to pretend I'm flying
The lyrics of Alice Wallace's song "Top of the World" convey a sense of longing and acceptance, exploring the desire to transcend limitations and the contentment found in embracing one's reality.
In the first verse, the singer describes their experience of climbing to great heights and reaching the top of the world. Despite the physical challenges and discomfort of thinning air, they find solace in the clarity and perspective gained from this vantage point. The Earth's curve becomes visible, symbolizing a broader understanding and a deeper connection to the world. Even though they cannot breathe easily, the singer expresses a willingness to endure it, suggesting a willingness to sacrifice comfort for a broader understanding.
The second verse delves into the singer's desire to be free and unrestricted, like the birds that glide through the air effortlessly. The birds represent a symbol of freedom and escape from limitations. However, the singer acknowledges their own inability to fly with them, recognizing the boundaries that define their reality. Despite the birds' attempts to convince them otherwise, the singer understands that floating on the breeze is not within their reach. This realization reflects a bittersweet resignation to their own limitations.
The chorus emphasizes the paradox the singer faces. They acknowledge that it is a long way down when one is born without wings and therefore unable to grasp the freedom of flight. Yet, they also express contentment with their place on the ground, suggesting a sense of gratitude and acceptance of their grounded existence. However, the lyrics also indicate a desire for occasional escapism, a chance to experience the sensation of flying, even if only through imagination. This longing speaks to the universal human desire for a temporary reprieve from life's constraints.
The final verse highlights the seductive allure of the wind and its whispers of fame and fortune. The wind symbolizes opportunities, dreams, and temptations that may lead to disappointment or impossible dreams. The singer acknowledges the futility of chasing after something that may be beyond their reach. Nevertheless, the lyrics hint at a determination to continue chasing the wind, regardless of the outcome. This resolve reflects the human inclination to persistently pursue dreams and ambitions, even in the face of potential failure.
Overall, "Top of the World" captures the complex emotions surrounding the longing for freedom and the acceptance of one's limitations. Through the imagery of climbing to great heights and the metaphorical depiction of birds and wind, Alice Wallace explores the universal human desire for escape and transcendence, while ultimately finding contentment in embracing one's grounded reality.
Line by Line Meaning
Sometimes I climb to the top of the world
Occasionally, I metaphorically ascend to great heights in my mind and emotions
The air gets thin and my lungs start to burn
In these moments, the atmosphere around me becomes scarce, causing discomfort and physical strain
But up here it's so clear, I can see the Earth curve
Despite the challenges, being in this elevated state provides me with unparalleled clarity, allowing me to perceive the curvature of the Earth
And I don't even mind I can't breathe
The lack of oxygen doesn't bother me because the mental and emotional perspective gained is worth it
I can see eye to eye with the birds as they glide
From this vantage point, I can connect on a profound level with the birds effortlessly soaring through the sky
On pockets of air that rise like the tide
These birds effortlessly ride air currents that resemble the ebb and flow of the ocean's tide
But I know I can't go with them, hard as they try
I am aware that I cannot join the birds in their flight, no matter how much they attempt to persuade me
To convince me I can float on the breeze
Despite their persuasive efforts, they cannot change the fact that I lack the ability to effortlessly float on the gentle wind
Cause it's a long way down
The descent from this elevated state is arduous and challenging
When you were born without wings
The difficulty arises from the innate absence of wings I possess, making it impossible for me to naturally soar through the air
I'm happy on the ground
However, I find contentment in being firmly rooted on the earth's surface
But sometimes it's nice to pretend I'm flying
Nevertheless, there are instances when it provides a pleasant escape to indulge in the illusion of soaring through the sky
The wind rushes past and whispers my name
During this flight of imagination, the wind intimately interacts with me, gently speaking my name
It coos and it murmurs of fortune and fame
The wind's whispers convey notions of prosperity and recognition, alluring me with enticing promises
It tempts me and taunts me as if it's a game
The wind simultaneously entices and mocks me, treating the situation like a playful contest
And everyone knows I can't win
Despite the wind's alluring invitation, it is widely acknowledged that I cannot emerge victorious in this illusory pursuit
So what if I'm not meant to be chasing the wind?
Even if it is not my destined purpose to pursue the wind's enticements
I'll still do it again and again
I persistently engage in this act of chasing the wind, repeating it time after time
Cause it's a long way down
Once again, the descent from this elevated perspective is difficult and challenging
When you were born without wings
This challenge is further intensified by my innate lack of wings, preventing me from experiencing true flight
I'm happy on the ground
Nevertheless, I derive joy and contentment from my grounded existence
But sometimes it's nice to pretend I'm flying
Occasionally, it provides solace and pleasure to indulge in the illusion of soaring through the sky
Lyrics © SCHUBERT MUSIC PUBLISHING INC.
Written by: Alice Wallace
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind