Phoenix
Big Red Machine feat. Fleet Foxes & Anaïs Mitchell Lyrics
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Watching the fog recede
Divided the flame you slowly gave to me
Sign underneath in my mind
But I only caught you the one time
Later, I'd watch you and wonder what it was like
How does the long way feel
Kneading your hand too tight against the wheel?
How do you stay in that tower?
How do you reckon your own power?
How does the wheel not turn hour on hour on hour?
I was trying to find my way
I was thinking my mind was made
But you were making my heart change shape
It's all that I could take
I was trying to find my way
I was thinking my mind was made
But you were making my heart change shape
It's all that I could take
How do you bear the full weight?
How does the long way feel
Kneading your hand too tight against the wheel?
How do you stay in that tower?
How do you reckon your own power?
How does the wheel not turn hour on hour on hour?
I was trying to find my way
I was thinking my mind was made
But you were making my heart change shape
It's all that I could take now
I was trying to find my way
I was thinking my mind was made
But you were making my heart change shape
It's all that I could take now
I was trying to find my way
I was thinking my mind was made
But you were making my heart change shape
It's all that I could take now
I was trying to find my way
I was thinking my mind was made
But you were making my heart change shape
It's all that I could take now
How do you stay in that tower?
How does the long way feel?
How does the wheel not turn hour on hour on hour?
(Trying to find my way)
(I was thinking my mind was made)
(All that I, all that I could)
"Phoenix" is a song that explores the complex emotions of a person who is trying to find their way through life, but ultimately feels lost and unstable. The lyrics evoke a feeling of constant struggle and questioning, as the singer wonders how others are able to bear the weight of responsibility and maintain their own power without becoming overwhelmed. The song references a specific person that the singer has encountered, someone who has made their heart change shape and who they cannot stop thinking about.
The opening lines of the song set the scene in a loading bay, where the singer watches as the fog recedes and they reflect on the flame that was slowly given to them. It is unclear who gave them this flame or what it represents, but it is symbolic of hope and passion. Later, the singer watches this person again and wonders how they are able to maintain their sense of purpose and control.
The repeated questions in the chorus emphasize the singer's sense of confusion and desperation. They are trying to understand how others are able to navigate the challenges of life, but feel like they are constantly struggling. The repetition of the lines "I was trying to find my way, I was thinking my mind was made, but you were making my heart change shape, it's all that I could take now" reinforces the singer's sense of being overwhelmed and unable to control their own thoughts and emotions.
Overall, "Phoenix" is a song about feeling lost and searching for meaning in life. The singer is struggling to understand how others are able to maintain their sense of purpose and power, while they feel like they are constantly being pulled in different directions.
Line by Line Meaning
Out in the loading bay light
Watching the fog recede
Divided the flame you slowly gave to me
I received your love, but it was fleeting
Sign underneath in my mind
Something important I can't forget or ignore
But I only caught you the one time
I missed my chance to fully understand you
Later, I'd watch you and wonder what it was like
I'm curious about you and your life
How do you bear the full weight?
How do you deal with so much responsibility?
How does the long way feel
How does it feel to take the hard road?
Kneading your hand too tight against the wheel?
Trying to maintain control over something difficult
How do you stay in that tower?
How do you keep yourself isolated from others?
How do you reckon your own power?
How do you understand your own influence and abilities?
How does the wheel not turn hour on hour on hour?
How do you keep going day after day without giving up?
I was trying to find my way
I was lost and searching for direction
But you were making my heart change shape
You were having a significant impact on my emotions
It's all that I could take
It was becoming overwhelming for me
(Trying to find my way)
(I was thinking my mind was made)
(All that I, all that I could)
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Aaron Dessner, Anais Mitchell, Justin Deyarmond Vernon, Robin Pecknold
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Andi Tamayo
As someone who loves Bon Iver, The National, Fleet Foxes, and Hadestown, I AM FREAKING OUT OVER THIS COLLABORATION
Lori Stutler
Same. Amazing! Tears of joy
The Essence Identity
This reminds me so much of The Band 🤘😏✌ one of my faves from Big Red Machine 💑💑
Willy Wonka
Its CRAZY, right?!?!?!
Hannah 557
Robin Pecknold seriously has one of the warmest voices I've ever heard
Brian Miller
The male Karen Carpenter? Not quite.
Alan Herrera
Can’t tell you how many times I wished to hear these voices together in a song, thank you for making a dream come true 🥲 love y’all!
rexon
agreed
Justin Jones
For all the people thanking Taylor for the introduction...it was her collaborations with Justin and Aaron and even Jack that got me listening to Taylor at all. It's awesome how the collabs worked both ways.
Halli Jordan
Fleet Foxes is a breath of fresh air every damn time.