The duo took a brief hiatus beginning in 2004 while each member pursued solo projects. They reunited from 2008-2012 releasing two albums, before disbanding again until a reunion show in 2018 and announcement of a new EP, Waves.
We Are Mice
Azure Ray Lyrics
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The reckless way we dream to die
Our past is our future
The present lies
Somewhere between our hearts and minds
For those with no future
We'll touch hands on the street
So keep this a secret our lot in life
They are elephants we are mice
We'll walk this earth somnambulant kin
With broken hearts that cannot mend
Losers first and second men
We'll do our best to blend in
You could reach out for my hand and I yours
Deliver water to soothe the burn
We'll drink our tears and thirst for more
It's our lot in life
They are elephants we are mice
So keep this a secret
Keep this a secret
We are mice
The lyrics of Azure Ray's song "We Are Mice" are steeped in symbolism and convey a sense of existential despair. The opening line, "It's all in the eyes," suggests that the essence of our being is reflected in our gaze. The following line, "The reckless way we dream to die," speaks to the self-destructive tendencies that some individuals have when they feel their lives lack meaning. The next line, "Our past is our future," implies that we are forever tied to our history and cannot escape the ramifications of our actions.
The concept of time is further explored in the line, "The present lies." This line has a double meaning - on one hand, it suggests that the present moment is elusive and difficult to capture. On the other hand, it implies that our current reality is false and misleading. The following lines reference the divide between the heart and mind and the struggle of individuals with no future.
The final lines of the song, "We are mice," serve as a reminder of our insignificance in the grand scheme of things. The imagery of mice, compared to the metaphor of elephants, is a powerful one. Elephants, with their size and strength, are seen as noble and powerful creatures. Mice, on the other hand, are small and vulnerable. The line "So keep this a secret" suggests that the singer and the other mice must conceal their true identities and blend in with society to avoid being trampled upon.
Line by Line Meaning
It's all in the eyes
Our innermost thoughts and desires are reflected through our eyes.
The reckless way we dream to die
We often have a careless attitude towards risking our lives in pursuit of our dreams.
Our past is our future
Our past experiences shape our present and future direction.
The present lies
The current moment is often deceptive and can conceal hidden truths.
Somewhere between our hearts and minds
Our emotions and thoughts often conflict and create a sense of uncertainty within us.
For those with no future
Those who feel hopeless or directionless in life.
We'll touch hands on the street
We may find temporary solace in brief connections and interactions with strangers.
Smile and keep moving on towards the heat
We try to stay optimistic and keep pushing forward despite uncertain and challenging circumstances.
So keep this a secret our lot in life
We must hide our true nature and struggle from those around us.
They are elephants we are mice
We feel small and insignificant compared to those in positions of power and influence.
We'll walk this earth somnambulant kin
We feel like we are sleepwalking through life, disconnected from our surroundings and fellow human beings.
With broken hearts that cannot mend
Our emotional scars and pain keep us from fully healing and moving on.
Losers first and second men
We feel like we are at the bottom of the social hierarchy, overshadowed by those deemed more successful or important.
We'll do our best to blend in
We try to conform and avoid drawing unwanted attention to ourselves.
You could reach out for my hand and I yours
There is potential for meaningful human connection and support, even in difficult times.
Deliver water to soothe the burn
We can offer comfort and relief to each other amidst pain and suffering.
We'll drink our tears and thirst for more
We try to persevere even in the face of adversity and hardship.
Keep this a secret
Our struggles and vulnerabilities are not meant to be shared with just anyone.
We are mice
We feel small, helpless, and overlooked compared to the larger forces around us.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Maria Diane Taylor, Orenda Corrinne Fink
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tim Cravens
Well that was amazingly depressing...but still, Beautiful song! I love Azure Ray!
officialSHR
This is one of my favorite bands ever!
Ella Vinokurov
my step dad played Rise in the car and i new this was gonna be one of my fav bands and i looked tem up ....They are AMAZING!!!!!! This is my fav song now bc it is so true and heart breakin but yet it is impecebly beautiful....(espesially their voices)
Nora M
I love this band and I hate that they dont play anymore....
Dylan Clair
my favorite song by them^^
skrittle
Still my favorite by them.. ps Orenda Fink has a similar sound by herself- she's the one who brings the creepy =))
scrfrk1116
i LOVE this song.
SLEEPTHIEFofficial
The have done solo albums (Orenda has done 2 under her own name and then did a project called Art in Manila and a project called O+S. Maria has 3 solo albums). All of their solo and project work is fantastic. but, they did reunite to do a new album this year.
needfasp3ed
Dude we hit some killer swells after this video!!!
John Keady
They did reunite late last year for a live performance but they are indeed doing other things.....