Their sound is a mix of indie rock and electronic music, most recently integrating organic sounds into their music. Friends since the age of fourteen, Athlete have wide-ranging influences that include Grandaddy and Flaming Lips.
El Salvador
Athlete Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've got the last gig on my mind
Not seen my friends in ages
Have I been left behind?
It's time to figure out why
I find myself in custody
With each and every question
Fly to El Salvador
I don't know why and I don't know what for
I've seen the picture for myself
Where did that label go?
I tried it out but it didn't work so
I'll choose the picture for myself
It's time to start all over
Take only one thing spare to wear
Head for the check-in lights and get up into the air
It's time to take new measures
Someone will put us up tonight
Far from our place of rest
I've almost got you in sight
Fly to El Salvador
I don't know why and I don't know what for
I've seen the picture for myself
Where did that label go?
I tried it out but it didn't work so
I'll choose the picture for myself
First class and big hotels
[i can't quite put my finger on it]
Videos and global sales
[i can't quite put my finger on it]
Free drinks that you pay yourself
[i can't quite put my finger on it]
Fly to El Salvador
I don't know why and I don't know what for
I've seen the picture for myself
Where did that label go?
I tried it out but it didn't work so
I'll choose the picture for myself
The lyrics to Athlete's song El Salvador tell the story of a musician who feels lost and disconnected from their old life. They feel like they have been left behind as they haven't seen their friends in a long time. The singer wants to start fresh and tear down their old life. They are currently in custody and questioning their life choices. However, with the ease of words, they contemplate why they find themselves in this position.
In the chorus, the singer decides to fly to El Salvador, although they don't know why or what for. They have seen a picture of it and want to experience it for themselves. They decide to choose their own picture of what they want in life. The remainder of the song talks about starting over and taking only the bare essentials. They mention the luxurious life of a musician with first-class travel and big hotels, but it isn't enough. The singer wants to choose their own path, and they are willing to sacrifice it all to find it.
Line by Line Meaning
It's time to tear this place down
I'm ready to leave my current situation and start something new.
I've got the last gig on my mind
I'm focused on my final performance before I move on.
Not seen my friends in ages
I haven't been able to connect with my loved ones in a long time.
Have I been left behind?
I feel like I've been abandoned or forgotten by those closest to me.
It's time to figure out why
I need to examine my situation and find answers for myself.
I find myself in custody
I feel trapped and unable to escape my current situation.
With each and every question
As I explore and try to understand my predicament, I come up with more queries.
Words come so easily
As I ponder my situation, I find it easy to articulate my thoughts and feelings.
Fly to El Salvador
I'm embarking on a journey to a new destination.
I don't know why and I don't know what for
I'm unclear on the purpose of my journey and what I hope to accomplish.
I've seen the picture for myself
I have a vision of what I want to achieve and what success looks like.
Where did that label go?
I've tried following prescribed paths before, but they haven't worked for me.
I tried it out but it didn't work so
I experimented with other ways of doing things, but they also fell short.
I'll choose the picture for myself
I'm going to forge my own path and create my own definition of success.
It's time to start all over
I'm ready for a fresh start and a clean slate.
Take only one thing spare to wear
I'm packing light and making a minimalist move.
Head for the check-in lights and get up into the air
I'm ready to board my flight and leave my old life behind me.
It's time to take new measures
I need to try new approaches to achieve my goals.
Someone will put us up tonight
I have faith that I'll find someone to provide me with a place to stay.
Far from our place of rest
I'm leaving my familiar surroundings and venturing into new territory.
I've almost got you in sight
I've come close to achieving my goals and attaining success.
First class and big hotels
I'm ready to live a life of luxury and success.
Videos and global sales
I'm aiming for widespread recognition and commercial success.
Free drinks that you pay yourself
Sometimes, success and the perks that come with it aren't truly free--there are always costs involved.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: CAREY SUTHON WILLETTS, JOEL LASLETT POTT, STEVEN ALEXANDER ROBERTS, TIMOTHY JOHN WANSTALL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lesriffsdantoine
It's time to tear this place down
I've got the last game on my mind
Not seen my friends in ages
Have I been left behind?
It's time to figure out why
I find myself in custody
With each and every question
Words come so easily
Fly to El Salvador
I don't know why and I don't know what for
I've seen the picture for myself
Where did that label go?
I tried it out but it didn't work so
I'll choose the picture for myself
It's time to start all over
Take only one thing spare to wear
Head for the check-in lights and
Get up into the air
It's time to take new measures
Someone will put us up tonight
Far from my place of rest
I've almost got you in sight
Fly to El Salvador
I don't know why and I don't know what for
I've seen the picture for myself
Where did that label go?
I tried it out but it didn't work so
I'll choose the picture for myself
First class and big hotels
(I can't quite put my finger on it)
Videos and global sales
(I can't quite put my finger on it)
Free drinks that you pay yourselves
(I can't quite put my finger on it)
Fly to El Salvador
I don't know why and I don't know what for
I've seen the picture for myself
Where did that label go?
I tried it out but it didn't work so
I'll choose the picture for myself
@josselynsaavedra9934
😮😮😮 Vengo de la publicación de mi presidente Nayib Bukele 💙 como es que nunca supe de esta canción? me encanta ♥️
@Fastan210
X2 de ahí vengo 😅
@michaelmyers9688
Igualmente yo 😅
@Bkbu660
How can a band and song be this underrated
@maxgarcia503
I’m from El Salvador!! 🇸🇻🤘🏼🖤
@maxgarcia503
hata xxx claro! La historia real es que Cristobal colon navego por muchos días y noches sobre el mar Guanahani (de las Bahamas) hasta que encontró la primera isla a la que le llenó “El Salvador” en honor a una festividad de divino Salvador que hace referencia al pasaje bíblico donde se da la transfiguración de Jesús en El Monte Tabor
@oscarlopes376
@MaxGarciaC Esto si esta interesante. Gracias por el dato!
@carlossigerb418
Quien más está aquí por la historia de Nayib Bukele 🥳 ¡viva El Salvador!
@SomniRosae
I never knew this song existed! President Bukele just shared it on Instagram.
I think you should come to El Salvador and film a new version of the video 😊
Just sayin’
Ninawa 💪🇸🇻
@tastasiadocabrera-wf5dd
WELCOME TO EL SALVADOR… SMALL COUNTRY, BIG HEART