Current lineup:
Henry Cox – lead vocals
Mike Cunniff – lead guitar
Ash Wilson – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
Dan Cunniff – bass, backing vocals
Jordan Pugh – drums
bostonmanorband.com
Square One
Boston Manor Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'll wipe the slate and dust the shelf.
Finsh the chapters in my head,
rewrite the story, start again.
The fabric of a childish dream,
is ripped apart at every seem.
I'll walk alone tonight,
remind myself of where and what I've seen,
But I didnt know that at 14.
It seems that all the things I've done,
have brought me back where I begun.
I dont where, to go from here
I close my eyes, only to see,
Youre a (stranger(?) looking back at me.
Completely.
I woke up, (rolled(?) beneath the trees.
Just washed up, all my things,
they were lost at sea.
I walked up, and left the shore.
In search of, almost anthing more.
I tore up all the (lines(?) in time,
and I forgot what I knew about being alive.
Being Alive!
It seems that all the things I've done,
have brought me back where I begun.
I dont where, to go from here.
I close my eyes, only to see,
Youre a (stranger(?) looking back at me.
Completely.
Go try to bring to life those dreams,
that died when you grew up it seems.
Not all the things you love have changed.
Your personality stays the same.
(I know the future, when i saw clearly(?)
The road less travelled, is often weary.
You may go blindly, an' with no regrets.
The world we've brighten,
with your self respect.
The lyrics to Boston Manor's "Square One" explore the themes of self-discovery and the uncertainty that comes with that process. The first verse sets the tone, with the singer looking back at himself and resolving to start anew, wiping the slate clean and rewriting his life's story. He reflects on the naivety of childhood dreams and acknowledges the harsh realities that have torn them apart. As he walks alone in the pouring rain, he recognizes that he never could have predicted where his journey would take him.
In the second verse, the singer realizes that despite all he has done to change himself and his circumstances, he feels as though he is back at square one, unsure of where to go from there. He closes his eyes, only to see a stranger looking back at him, a sign of the deep introspective work he must do to truly know himself.
The final verses serve as a call to action, urging the listener to dust off old dreams and pursue them with renewed vigor. Even as the world around them changes, their personality will remain constant, and that authenticity will help them navigate whatever challenges lie ahead.
Line by Line Meaning
I start to look back at myself,
Reflecting on my life, and reevaluating my choices.
I'll wipe the slate and dust the shelf.
Starting anew, forgetting the past and the old self.
Finish the chapters in my head,
Completing unfinished business and moving forward.
Rewrite the story, start again.
Creating a brand new narrative, with a fresh perspective.
The fabric of a childish dream,
The illusion of youth has been broken, and reality is setting in.
Is ripped apart at every seam.
The harshness of the world is tearing apart one's dreams and illusions.
I'll walk alone tonight,
Being isolated, feeling disconnected from the world.
Remind myself of where and what I've seen,
Looking back on past experiences to find a path for the future.
It's just pouring rain.
Symbolizing a gloomy and depressing state of mind.
But I didn't know that at 14.
Reflecting on one's naivety and how ignorant they were at a younger age.
It seems that all the things I've done,
Not being able to escape one's past, and feeling stuck in the same place.
Have brought me back where I begun.
Despite taking action, nothing has been truly accomplished, and one feels like they are just starting over.
I don't know where, to go from here
Feeling lost and directionless in life.
I close my eyes, only to see,
One's imagination and dreams are more real to them than reality itself.
You're a stranger looking back at me.
Feeling like one is living a stranger's life, instead of their own.
Completely.
Fully disconnected and disjointed from their identity and sense of self.
Go try to bring to life those dreams,
Encouraging oneself to revive their lost dreams and aspirations.
That died when you grew up it seems.
Revisiting one's forgotten childhood dreams and desires.
Not all the things you love have changed.
Finding comfort in the familiar things that have remained constant through struggle and change.
Your personality stays the same.
Despite all the life changes, one's core personality traits remain intact.
(I know the future, when I saw clearly(?).
Feeling like they can predict the future, having gained some understanding and insight.
The road less traveled, is often weary.
Taking an unconventional path can be difficult and trying.
You may go blindly, and with no regrets.
Following through on one's decisions without hesitation or remorse.
The world will brighten, with your self-respect.
Finding self-worth and confidence will improve one's outlook on life and their place in the world.
Contributed by Peyton G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.