Flight Without Feathers
Architects Lyrics


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There's a rose that blooms
Through the cracks in the concrete
Staining the prison floor
There's a pilgrimage waiting
Sat at the doorstep
Rotting beneath the sun

When there's nowhere left to hide, we'll be searching for a shortcut
Ire and denial are as thick as thieves
Soon there'll be nothing left of me, nothing left of me
Don't forget to breathe, don't forget to breathe, don't forget to breathe
Tell me how to coexist when a fraction only wants war
Hopelessly in love with our gritted teeth
Soon there'll be nothing left of me, nothing left of me
Don't forget to breathe, I forgot to breathe
And look who's on the throne now

I'm a dead heretic
With no storm left to weather
Afraid to admit
It won't sustain the spirit
A new counterfeit
Like flight without feathers
Ready to submit
It won't sustain the spirit

It won't sustain the spirit

So we fall to our knees
And beg for reprieve
But it's almost time for the curtain call
The apostles will sing
And lead us from sin
But they hold all of our bones in their hands

We all swim against the tide until it puts us on the back foot
Nothing's ever tasted half as good as grief
Soon there'll be nothing left of me, nothing left of me
Don't forget to breathe, don't forget to breathe, don't forget to breathe
'Cause I'm staring at a fist and it's asking if I want more
Clarity will visit but it's only brief
Soon there'll be nothing left of me, nothing left of me
Don't forget to breathe, don't forget to breathe
Don't forget to breathe

I'm a dead heretic
With no storm left to weather
Afraid to admit
It won't sustain the spirit
A new counterfeit
Like flight without feathers
Ready to submit
It won't sustain the spirit

It won't sustain the spirit
It won't sustain the spirit




It won't sustain the spirit
It won't sustain the spirit

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Architects' song "Flight Without Feathers" depict a vivid imagery of struggle, defiance, and eventual resignation. The reference to a rose blooming through the cracks in concrete symbolizes resilience and beauty amidst harsh and unfavorable conditions, highlighting the human spirit's ability to thrive despite adversity. This juxtaposition of delicacy against a harsh backdrop sets the tone for the overarching themes of perseverance and inner conflict.


The lines mentioning a pilgrimage waiting, rotting beneath the sun, evoke a sense of stagnation and decay, hinting at a sense of longing or unfulfilled journey. There is a palpable sense of urgency and restlessness as the lyrics speak of searching for a shortcut when there is nowhere left to hide, reflecting a desire for escape or avoidance in the face of overwhelming challenges. The repetition of "don't forget to breathe" serves as a reminder to stay grounded and present amidst chaos and turmoil, emphasizing the importance of self-care and mindfulness in times of distress.


The persona described as a "dead heretic" struggling with a lack of purpose or direction reflects a sense of disillusionment and internal turmoil. The imagery of flight without feathers suggests a pursuit of freedom or transcendence that ultimately proves unsustainable and unattainable. This theme of spiritual bankruptcy and existential crisis is further reinforced through references to false comforts and hollow submission, painting a bleak yet introspective portrayal of the human experience.


The final stanza alludes to a collective plea for forgiveness and redemption, juxtaposed with a looming sense of finality and reckoning. The apostles' role in leading humanity towards salvation is juxtaposed with the daunting realization of mortality and vulnerability. The lyrics culminate in a powerful message of acceptance and acknowledgment of one's limitations, urging listeners to confront their inner demons and to find solace in the transient nature of existence. Ultimately, "Flight Without Feathers" delves into the complexities of human emotion, resilience, and self-realization in the face of adversity and uncertainty.


Line by Line Meaning

There's a rose that blooms
Beauty can still thrive in difficult circumstances


Through the cracks in the concrete
Even in a harsh environment


Staining the prison floor
Leaving a mark despite being confined


There's a pilgrimage waiting
A journey towards something greater


Sat at the doorstep
Patiently anticipating change


Rotting beneath the sun
Slowly decaying under the harsh reality


When there's nowhere left to hide, we'll be searching for a shortcut
In times of desperation, we seek quick solutions


Ire and denial are as thick as thieves
Anger and refusal go hand in hand


Soon there'll be nothing left of me, nothing left of me
Feeling at risk of losing oneself completely


Don't forget to breathe, don't forget to breathe, don't forget to breathe
Remember to stay grounded and calm


Tell me how to coexist when a fraction only wants war
Struggling to find harmony in the face of conflict


Hopelessly in love with our gritted teeth
Having a complicated relationship with our struggles


And look who's on the throne now
Unexpected power dynamics shifting


I'm a dead heretic
Feeling isolated and misunderstood


With no storm left to weather
Having overcome all challenges


Afraid to admit
Struggling to face the truth


It won't sustain the spirit
Realizing that something is not fulfilling


A new counterfeit
A false sense of fulfillment


Like flight without feathers
Trying to soar without the necessary tools


Ready to submit
Accepting defeat


So we fall to our knees
Admitting vulnerability and defeat


And beg for reprieve
Seeking forgiveness or relief


But it's almost time for the curtain call
The end is near


The apostles will sing
Finding solace in faith


And lead us from sin
Guiding us towards redemption


But they hold all of our bones in their hands
Feeling powerless and controlled by external forces


We all swim against the tide until it puts us on the back foot
Resisting conformity until it becomes challenging


Nothing's ever tasted half as good as grief
Finding comfort in familiar pain


'Cause I'm staring at a fist and it's asking if I want more
Facing the temptation of conflict


Clarity will visit but it's only brief
Moments of understanding are fleeting


Don't forget to breathe
Remember to stay present and composed




Lyrics © MOTHERSHIP MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: Adam Chistianson, Alex Dean, Dan Searle, Josh Middleton, Sam Carter

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@TheVQed

I love Sam's softer voice. Kind of different emotions coming out.

@toastom

"Nothing's ever tasted half as good as grief"

@icewalocum9441

2B2T reference

@nathf4698

This and Dead Butterflies are some of the most beautiful pieces of music this band has ever produced.

@sarcasm4371

I almost love dead butterflies, but the outro where the lyrics are repeated to death ruins the mood.

@nathf4698

@@sarcasm4371 fair enough, it does drag on a bit longer than it should, but I still think it's great.

@buttyiivii5851

Memento Mori

@sarcasm4371

@@buttyiivii5851 yeah there are a lot of other songs i would put above dead butterflies and fwf, but they are still really good

@DopeYnvest

Love It too

10 More Replies...

@beriorroch2617

I DIDN'T EXPECT THIS.
I love that they're trying out new things because this sounds heavenly

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