Sprawl I
Arcade Fire Lyrics
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To find the house where we used to stay
I couldn't read the number in the dark
You said "let's save it for another day"
I took a drive into the sprawl
To find the places we used to play
It was the loneliest day of my life
Let's take a drive through the sprawl
Through these towns they built to change
And then you said "The emotions are dead"
It's no wonder that you feel so strange
Cops showing their lights
On the reflectors of our bikes
Said "Do you kids know what time it is?"
Well, sir, it's the first time I felt like something's mine
Like I have something to give
The last defender of the sprawl
Said "Well, where do you kids live?"
Well, sir, if you only knew what the answer's worth
Been searching every corner of the earth
Arcade Fire's "Sprawl I" is a powerful and evocative song that describes a journey into an urban sprawl. The lyrics tell the story of a person who returns to a place where they used to live and play, only to find it changed beyond recognition. They experience a deep sense of loneliness as they struggle to come to terms with the changes that have taken place. They are confronted by the reality of the world they live in, where emotions are dead and things like home and community seem lost. As they drive through the sprawl, they are hit by the harsh reality of the world around them.
The music adds to the dramatic and emotional effect of the song. The slow, melancholic melody conveys the sense of loss and sadness as the singer navigates the urban landscape. The repeated use of the phrase "let's take a drive through the sprawl" gives the song a circular structure, emphasizing the sense of unending repetition and monotony.
Line by Line Meaning
Took a drive into the sprawl
I traveled through the extensive urban area
To find the house where we used to stay
Looking for the place where we used to live
I couldn't read the number in the dark
Unable to see the house number due to the darkness
You said 'let's save it for another day'
You suggested postponing the search
I took a drive into the sprawl
I went on a journey across the urban area
To find the places we used to play
To locate the locations we used to visit
It was the loneliest day of my life
That day was the most isolated I have ever been
You're talking at me, but I'm still far away
You speak to me, but I feel disconnected
Let's take a drive through the sprawl
Let's go for a ride in the metropolitan area
Through these towns they built to change
Across these towns they constructed to transform
And then you said 'The emotions are dead'
You declared that emotions have died out
It's no wonder that you feel so strange
It's understandable that you feel weird
Cops showing their lights
Police officers flashing their lights
On the reflectors of our bikes
Illuminating our bicycles' reflectors
Said 'Do you kids know what time it is?'
Asked us if we were aware of the current time
Well, sir, it's the first time I felt like something's mine
I responded by saying that it's the first time I've experienced something as my own
Like I have something to give
As if I have something valuable to offer
The last defender of the sprawl
The final protector of the metropolitan area
Said 'Well, where do you kids live?'
Asked us where we resided
Well, sir, if you only knew what the answer's worth
I responded that if he knew the answer's importance
Been searching every corner of the earth
I scoured every nook and cranny of the world
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Jeremy Gara, Regine Chassagne, Richard R Parry, Tim Kingsbury, William Butler, Win Butler
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Kodesii
You really gotta be in a specific mood for this to slap but when you’re in that mood this feels like the best song on the album
PenguinRaids
FACTS
elgojira
This is absolutely amazing! It always brings me tears to my eyes “Well, sir, if you only knew what the answer’s worth... been searching every corner of the earth”. Beautiful!
Juan R.
I came to this video to remember the lyrics because on the latest single "The Lightning II" we hear Win singing "I heard the thunder and I thought it was the answer, but I find I got the question wrong".
grenouillesscent
This song makes me feel a deep sense of tragedy and longing for something no longer accessible
Greg Evangelista
We can bring it back. It's not too late.
Supernova Lancaster
It just hit me like a hammer just how beautiful this song is.
kurtis watson
Greatest of all time. Hands down, one of the best songs of the decade for sure
Flynn Black
Underated song, by far there best of the album!
Billy Two-Hats
Peace and Love to all of my AF friends, out there.
"We are one!" ✌❤