Contrails
Astronautalis Lyrics

I know, leaving's your living, built in your bones
Acknowledging the fact that the person in question has a habit of leaving, and that it comes naturally to them

No one can ever escape all of their ghosts
Pointing out that everyone has their own personal demons to deal with

So if you walk, you better learn how to run
Advising the person that leaving might not always be the best solution, and that they should be prepared to face hardships

That's why I wrote this song
Explaining the purpose of the song, which is to offer advice and guidance

Your contrail's coated in broken homes
Metaphorically describing the person's trail or history as a series of broken relationships and homes left behind

You polished up this pretty pearl of a hope
Suggesting that the person has a tendency to create an idealistic image of their life, despite their problematic past

That I won't parade your skeletons for everyone
Promising not to reveal the person's flaws and mistakes to the public

She always made the best of deaf and blind
Describing a woman who is resourceful and adaptable, despite being visually and audibly impaired

Fashionable dress of canes and signs
Highlighting the woman's use of canes and sign language in a fashionable and stylish way

Tracing their apparel, like a judge of character in Braille
Comparing the woman's ability to read people using Braille to a judge evaluating a suspect based on their clothing

She never missed a lift, a bump or a line
Stating that the woman is highly skilled and rarely makes mistakes

But fingertips will drift and miss blip from time to time
Acknowledging that even the most skilled experts can make mistakes occasionally

And this is how we find secrets that slipped our grip
Observing that mistakes can often lead to the discovery of secrets or hidden information

Over wit and charm on whispered breath
Implying that the person in question may rely too much on their intelligence and charm to cover up their mistakes

Frantically fishing for familiarness on fingertips
Describing the person's desperate attempts to find familiarity or comfort in the midst of chaos or uncertainty

And this is just, shit, what is this? This is redress
Expressing confusion and frustration at the situation, and calling it a form of justice or compensation

I know her cane is just a comedy
Suggesting that the woman's use of a cane is a form of humor or sarcasm, rather than a necessity

Tin cup's a crutch for crippled honesty
Comparing the use of a tin cup to a crutch for someone who struggles with being honest

Her slain perception's lame deception
Claiming that the woman's perception of reality is flawed and deceptive

What's astonishing, we bought it, see
Pointing out that the people around the woman believed her deception, despite it being obvious or implausible

Every Harry, Dick, and Tom, left her very fickle palms
Describing how the woman has a tendency to attract unreliable and untrustworthy people

Palming a broken promise ring, you follow me?
Suggesting that the woman is given broken promises or false hope, resulting in a cycle of disappointment and abandonment

A hundred strong men choked on a bit
Describing how a group of men were stunned or overcome by an unexpected turn of events

While the blind bride guides the bridle toward the abyss
Using an extended metaphor to describe how a blind person is leading a group towards destruction or ruin

And this can only end wrong
Commenting on how the situation will inevitably have a negative outcome

But motherfuck it, that's the reason why I wrote this song
Acknowledging the negativity of the situation, but claiming that it inspired the creation of the song

Lionel Terray said it the truest, I set it to music
Referring to a quote by Lionel Terray, which the songwriter has turned into a song

We're all "Conquistadors of the Useless"
Using a powerful quote to describe how humans often pursue meaningless or futile goals

What kind of fool is so stupid to climb a mountain to do it
Asking a rhetorical question to emphasize the absurdity of pursuing pointless achievements

Then climb back down to the town without a picture to prove it?
Questioning the value of pursuing a goal if there is no evidence or reward to show for it

And this is how we rise by taking a fall
Asserting that sometimes, failing can lead to growth and progress

Survive another winter on straight to the thaw
Implying that perseverance is key to overcoming difficult or challenging situations

One day you'll learn to strain the tea through your teeth
Suggesting that one can gain wisdom and resilience through tough experiences

And maybe find the strength to proceed to the peak
Encouraging the listener to have the courage to pursue their goals, despite potential obstacles or setbacks

Press on into the thin again till I cannot breathe
Describing how the pursuit of a goal can be overwhelming, but one must continue anyway

I swallowed so much of my damn pride that it chokes me
Admitting that humility is necessary in order to achieve success or growth

The real risk is not a slipped grip at the edge of the peak
Arguing that the true danger lies not in failing, but in never attempting to pursue a goal in the first place

The real danger is just to linger at the base of the thing
Continuing the theme of emphasizing the importance of taking risks and pursuing dreams, even if it seems difficult or unlikely to succeed

That's why I wrote this song
Reiterating the purpose of the song: to inspire and encourage the listener to take risks and pursue their goals

I know you know the words, so sing along
Encouraging the listener to engage with the song and its message