The Base
Banks Paul Lyrics

What I draw today
The artist is implying that they are creating something new today, something that has never existed before.

Will be recognized as shape
The artist believes that their creation has the potential to become an established, well-known part of the world around them.

I spoke to the base
The songwriter makes reference to an undefined group or organization referred to as 'the base,' which they are communicating with.

And the base says "we wait"
The songwriter has been told by 'the base' that they must wait for something beyond their control to occur before they can take action.

So I smoke an old cigar
The artist is using a leisurely activity such as smoking to pass the time while waiting for 'the base's' instructions to come to fruition.

While the giant sun fades
The artist is observing the end of the day while waiting for their moment to act.

And the base says we're safe
The songwriter has been conveyed that they are in a position of security, as 'the base' will take care of them if they follow the waiting plan.

Now and then I can see the truth above the lies
Occasionally, the artist can detect what is true amidst the falsehoods presented to them.

Now and then oh I feel, you're truly anesthetized
The artist senses a possible disconnect or anesthetization within their own self or others that diminishes their perception of the world.

When I walk today
The artist is walking, possibly representing the journey or path they are on.

It's in silence and in rain
The conditions of the walk are described as quiet and rainy.

Can a man turn the page
Is it possible for someone to move on and leave something behind?

While he's trying to amaze?
The artist is questioning whether it is feasible for them to carry out their ambitions while being preoccupied with impressing others.

So I hold my arms apart
The songwriter is using a body gesture to display openness or vulnerability to their audience or friends.

But don't deny you any pain
Though the artist is being open, they are still not subjugating themselves to their listeners' will or pleasures, and their expression may cause discomfort to some.

And the base says "we're there"
The artist has received an update from 'the base' that they have arrived at a particular location, meeting, or checkpoint.

And the base says "we win"
The artist has been informed by 'the base' that they have achieved their desired outcome successfully.

Now and then oh I feel those beauties, this life belies
Sometimes, the songwriter glimpses the beautiful, genuine aspects of the world that are often hidden or denied by life's harsh realities.

They're like street lights
The beautiful aspects of the world are visualized as street lights that shine through the darkness.

They tunnel on and on
The beauty of life is described as a seemingly never-ending, continuous force that carries on.

Into these deep nights
The beauty of life persists even in the darkest or most difficult of times.

Where the lights circle on are so steep
The beauty of the world often appears elusive or unattainable, much like an object that is situated out of reach.

I count the falling stars
The artist is using the image of falling stars to represent the transient or fleeting nature of life's beauty.

Anonymous forces
Hidden, inexplicable, or unknown influences or phenomena that shape life and the world around us are described as 'anonymous forces.'

That broken street light
The songwriter highlights a broken street light as an example of one of the harsh aspects of reality that sometimes overshadows the world's beauty.

Life is like a drug
The song compare life to a drug that has ups and downs, with moments of beauty and moments of pain.

Sky less night
A night that has no stars, implying that there is nothing positive or beautiful to focus on and that something elemental is missing.

So steep I will not be staying long
The artist is highlighting the difficulty of enduring the harsh realities of life and suggesting that they won't be sticking around in difficult situations for long.