Other projects David is working on include Avox - an instrumental collaboration with composer John Campbell that débuted in October 2010, and a solo project.
Dust & Gold
Arrows to Athens Lyrics
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In this cold and empty room
Forgotten what we're dieing for
Just tell me what to change
Just tell me what to say
'Cause I can't feel it anymore
But why are we so incomplete?
It's down to you and me
Forgotten what we're living for
Just tell me what is right
'Cause it's more than what's inside
Cause I can't see it anymore
All I see are kings and thieves
When all I own is just dust and gold
Oooh...
Don't let go yet
Don't settle for this
And everything you are...
Why are we so incomplete?
All I own is just dust
Just dust and gold
When all I see are kings and thieves
When all I own is just dust and gold
So rescue me
Rescue me
So rescue me
Ohh...
The song "Dust & Gold" by Arrows to Athens speaks about a deep feeling of incompleteness that the singer and the addressee are experiencing. The lyrics read as a plea for help in finding meaning in life. The first two lines evoke a sense of isolation and emptiness, with the two characters being alone in a cold and empty room. The word "dying" is used ambivalently, as it could refer to physical death but also to a profound sense of meaninglessness. They have forgotten what they are living or dying for and need guidance on how to change.
The chorus repeats that all they see are "kings and thieves," but they own nothing but dust and gold. This line can be interpreted in different ways, from a critique of social inequality to a reflection on the fleeting nature of material possessions. The second verse shifts from the room to the streets, but the sense of alienation remains. The singer asks what is right and admits that they cannot see it anymore. The repeated refrain of "rescue me" reinforces the idea that they need someone else to show them the way forward.
The song ends with an appeal not to settle for the present situation and a reminder that "everything you are" is more than meets the eye. The meaning of the song is open to interpretation, but it touches on universal themes of identity, purpose, and hope.
Line by Line Meaning
It's down to me and you
The current situation is controlled solely by the two of us
In this cold and empty room
We are in a place that feels desolate and lacking warmth
Forgotten what we're dying for
We have lost sight of the reason we are fighting or struggling
Just tell me what to change
I am willing to modify my approach if you show me how to do it
Just tell me what to say
I need guidance on what to express with my words
'Cause I can't feel it anymore
I am no longer able to emotionally connect with the situation
But why are we so incomplete?
We both feel as though something is missing or lacking
In this cold and empty street
Our surroundings outside are just as desolate and lifeless
Forgotten what we're living for
We have lost sight of the reason we are striving to survive
Just tell me what is right
I need guidance on how to make a morally correct decision
'Cause it's more than what's inside
The answer is beyond what I can perceive internally
Cause I can't see it anymore
I am incapable of recognizing the answer or solution
All I see are kings and thieves
The world appears to be run by corrupt or powerful people
When all I own is just dust and gold
Despite my meager possessions, they are all that I have
Don't let go yet
Even though the situation is difficult, we shouldn't give up
Don't settle for this
We shouldn't accept the current undesirable circumstance as permanent
And everything you are...
We should strive to be our best selves
So rescue me
We both need to be saved from the current situation
Ohh...
This symbolizes a feeling of despair or desperation
Contributed by Arianna N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.