Willow
Bombay Bicycle Club Lucy Rose Lyrics
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It's gonna be a little while now
And then the air got colder
I never heard it singing so loud
I hear a voice like a dagger
It's calling out to take me back down
So I'm lying in my bed
I'm just waiting for a dream to come out
I see a river cutting the fields
Halfway across I still don't know how you feel
Stood like a willow fighting the wind
Spreading your leaves to stop us tumbling in
Lucky to find you, lucky to breathe
I never met somebody quieter than me
Trying to keep my head in the breeze
Happy for them who do it better than me
I feel your hand grab hold of me
Feeling like we're leaving the ground
And we can run around in circles
'Til our heads start spinning around
Now they're towering over
They're telling us we need to slow down
So I'm lying in my bed
I'm still waiting for a dream to come out
I see a river cutting the fields
Halfway across I still don't know how you feel
Stood like a willow fighting the wind
Spreading your leaves to stop us tumbling in
Lucky to find you, lucky to breathe
I never met somebody quieter than me
Trying to keep my head in the breezeHappy for them who do it better than me
You make it all
You make it all
You make it all
You're standing tall
Happy for them
Happy for them
Happy for them
Happy for them
Happy for them
Happy for them
In the song "Willow," the lyrics conjure vivid imagery that connects emotions and experiences with the natural world, demonstrating a deep intertwining of inner feelings with external elements. The opening lines evoke a sense of anticipation and foreboding, with the "red sky" signaling a change, perhaps hinting at a storm or emotional turmoil. This transition is marked by a shift in temperature, creating an atmosphere of discomfort. The "voice like a dagger" suggests an inner conflict or a reminder of past experiences that calls the singer back to a place of uncertainty. This tension reflects a longing for escape or clarity, expressed through the singer's desire to drift into a dream state as they lie in bed, waiting for some form of resolution or understanding to arise.
The metaphor of a river running through fields serves as a powerful symbol of life’s journey and the flowing nature of emotions. It highlights the theme of navigating ambiguity, as the singer candidly admits to being unsure about the feelings of someone important to them. The imagery of a willow tree, bending yet resilient in the face of wind, signifies a struggle against external pressures while attempting to maintain balance and stability. The singer acknowledges their fortune in finding this connection, revealing an appreciation for shared experiences. Simultaneously, there’s an internal reflection where the singer recognizes a sense of introspection and reticence in comparison to others, hinting at self-doubt and the complexity of human interactions when juxtaposed against the vibrancy of life.
The dynamics of connection and movement are further explored when the singer expresses a sense of liberation through their bond with another person. As they feel hands binding them, there's a sense of transcendence, as if they are lifted above the mundanity of life. The imagery of running in circles until dizzy emphasizes a feeling of freedom but also speaks to the chaos that can accompany passionate emotions. This notion of exhilaration is tempered by the responsibility of others who urge them to "slow down." The duality of desire for freedom and the motivations of external influences creates tension, mirroring the complexities of love and relationships where both joy and caution must coexist.
In the concluding verses, the repetition of "You make it all" acts as a mantra, underscoring the importance of the relationship to the singer’s sense of reality. This assertion of making meaning from existence suggests that the presence of the other individual is crucial for the singer's happiness and perspective on life. The repeated phrase "Happy for them" reflects a sense of contentment and appreciation for not only their own experiences but also for those of others, hinting at a mature understanding of growth through comparison and recognition of different journeys taken by people around them. This closing sentiment encapsulates a nuanced blend of gratitude, introspection, and acceptance, illustrating a peaceful coexistence with the ebb and flow of life's complexities.
Line by Line Meaning
I see a red sky coming
I perceive the ominous signs of approaching turmoil or change.
It's gonna be a little while now
The resolution or shift I anticipate is not imminent; there will be a wait.
And then the air got colder
Following this awareness, I feel a shift in the atmosphere, signifying a chill or discomfort.
I never heard it singing so loud
The surrounding environment is resonating with intensity, amplifying its voice in a way I've never experienced.
I hear a voice like a dagger
There's a sharp, cutting voice that pierces through the noise, demanding my attention.
It's calling out to take me back down
This voice is urging me to return to a previous state or experience, possibly to confront past emotions.
So I'm lying in my bed
In a state of vulnerability and reflection, I find myself lying alone, introspective.
I'm just waiting for a dream to come out
I am in a state of anticipation, hoping for inspiration, escape, or clarity to emerge.
I see a river cutting the fields
I observe a flowing stream, symbolizing travel, change, and the passage of time through the landscape.
Halfway across I still don't know how you feel
Even as I navigate through this emotional journey, I remain unaware of your true sentiments.
Stood like a willow fighting the wind
I stand resilient and flexible, like a willow tree, braving external pressures or adversities.
Spreading your leaves to stop us tumbling in
I’m trying to provide protection and stability, using my strengths to prevent us from being overwhelmed.
Lucky to find you, lucky to breathe
I feel fortunate to have encountered you and grateful for the chance to exist in your presence.
I never met somebody quieter than me
I’ve yet to encounter anyone as introspective and reserved as I am in my own silent thoughts.
Trying to keep my head in the breeze
I am attempting to maintain a clear mindset amid the chaos, striving for calmness and insight.
Happy for them who do it better than me
I find joy in the success of others, especially those who excel in ways I feel I cannot.
I feel your hand grab hold of me
I sense a connection; your touch brings comfort and reassurance, grounding me amidst uncertainties.
Feeling like we're leaving the ground
There’s a sense of elevation, as though we’re transcending our current state, emotionally or spiritually.
And we can run around in circles
Together, we engage in joyful, whimsical pursuits that may lack direction but are full of warmth.
‘Til our heads start spinning around
This playful activity can become overwhelming, leading to confusion or a dizzying emotional high.
Now they're towering over
External influences or figures loom large in our lives, causing us to feel small or pressured.
They're telling us we need to slow down
Others are advising us to take a step back and regain composure, shifting focus from our erratic pace.
So I'm lying in my bed
I return to a state of solitude and reflection, seeking solace in the familiar comfort of my own space.
I'm still waiting for a dream to come out
My yearning for inspiration or fulfillment persists, as I hold onto hope for dreams to materialize.
I see a river cutting the fields
Again, I observe this flowing divide, symbolizing continual movement and the challenges of navigating emotions.
Halfway across I still don't know how you feel
As I journey forward, my uncertainty regarding your emotions remains an unresolved question.
Stood like a willow fighting the wind
I continue to embody resilience, maintaining my stance against the challenges that threaten to uproot me.
Spreading your leaves to stop us tumbling in
I extend my support and reassurance, attempting to create stability amidst the chaos that surrounds us.
Lucky to find you, lucky to breathe
The presence of you in my life brings a sense of gratitude for existence and connection.
I never met somebody quieter than me
I reflect on my introspective nature and recognize the rarity of finding someone who shares this inner silence.
Trying to keep my head in the breeze
I strive to maintain clarity and composure, attempting to stay present and mindful amidst life's distractions.
Happy for them who do it better than me
I genuinely celebrate the accomplishments of others, especially those who achieve what I aspire to but find challenging.
You make it all
You are the core of my experience; everything meaningful derives from your influence.
You make it all
Your presence gives purpose and shape to my life, manifesting richness within every moment.
You make it all
The essence of my existence hinges upon you; you are the catalyst that brings it all together.
You're standing tall
You embody strength and resilience, presenting confidence and stability in the face of adversity.
Happy for them
I feel a sense of contentment for others, celebrating their journeys and joys.
Happy for them
I embrace the success and happiness of those around me, finding solace in their achievements.
Happy for them
My heart is lightened by the joy others experience, appreciating their positive paths.
Happy for them
I recognize and cherish the victories of others, allowing their happiness to inspire my own.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Jack Steadman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@suborum
It's the year 2011. Bombay Bicycle Club just dropped a new collab with Lucy Rose. I'm eating crisps in my bed on a Saturday, I'm 19 and life is good :) thanks for this tall glass of nostalgia, cheers from Switzerland ❤️
@sirprintalot
I was 17 when A Different Kind of Fix came out. I'd give anything to go back, enjoy it.
@peternicholson7398
This is so accurately me also. Even down to the ages!
@Wildheart4331
This just brought back so many memories. I remember listening to Bombay in high school and back in 2011 I was 19 as well. BBC will already hold a special place in my heart ♥️
@brittanyscott4100
Mind if I join? 😊
@fidyasarikputri1123
16 here :) cheers
@Flywithflight
Lucy Rose and Bombay Bicycle Club like I’m 16 again
@caleldonini
Haha 16 is a great age to be 😂
@equipadont
Felt like a teenager for 4 mins. Thanks BBC and Lucy Rose
@LITZBEATZ
Bbc