Chalk FarM's 4 original mem… Read Full Bio ↴This critically acclaimed band is back!
Chalk FarM's 4 original members are back together, playing regularly in the Los Angeles area, and are recording a new collection of songs for release in 2011.
Chalk FarM was an alternative rock group from LA, formed in the early 90's by Michael Duff and Orlando Sims. In 1995, they added Toby Scarbrough and Trace Ritter and were signed by Columbia Records. In 1996 their first album, Notwithstanding, was released. Despite radio and MTV exposure for the song "Lie on Lie" and a positive critical reception, the band and label didn't see eye to eye and Chalk FarM left Columbia Records. Duff created the independent label TIC (The Inner Circle) Records and the group recorded their second album, Three 2's, promoting it mainly via the Internet. Chalk FarM broke up in early 2000.
Lion
Chalk Farm Lyrics
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I felt the lies burn and bore the flame
I want to cry but then why should I?
The men that I want to try to live like
They found them a reason to go on
They felt they might somehow have a purpose
I feel that I'm more - Then I say nothing's wrong
Hey Lion I can't believe you anyway
And I'm thinking for myself and now
I'm not running for you
Hey Lion I can't believe you anyway
Let the circus run without this clown
I'm not running away
I'm calm inside whenever I can focus
I turn my reflection on and off
I hope I might one day be courageous
I feel that I'm more - Then I say nothing's wrong
Hey Lion I can't believe you anyway
And I'm thinking for myself and now
I'm not running for you
Hey Lion I can't believe you anyway
Let the circus run without this clown
I'm not running away
And I believe I'm coming
To fight for what I feel.
I shouldn't feel alone,
At least I know what I believe is real.
I feel that I'm whole - And I say I'm not running
Hey Lion I can't believe you anyway
And I'm thinking for myself and now
I'm not running for you
Hey Lion I can't believe you anyway
Let the circus run without this clown
I'm not running away
Hey Lion I can't believe you anyway
And I'm thinking for myself and now
I'm not running for you
Hey Lion I can't believe you anyway
Let the circus run, and run, and run, and run, and run, and
Hey Lion I can't believe you anyway
Hey Lion, Hey Lion
Hey Lion I can't believe you anyway
The lyrics of "Lion," by Chalk Farm, can be interpreted in different ways, but the overarching theme seems to be about individuality, courage, and not letting others define who we are. The song opens with the singer mentioning that he has compromised and wiped away the ashes, which could mean that he has settled for less than he wanted or that he has erased parts of himself to conform to others' expectations. Then, he acknowledges the pain and deception that he has experienced but doesn't want to cry, as he knows that there are men who have a reason to go on and find purpose in their lives.
The chorus mentions the lion, which could represent someone or something that the singer admires, fears, or envies. He can't believe the lion's words, actions, or persona, and he decides to think for himself and not run away from the circus (which could be a metaphor for the world or society). He also declares that he's becoming more courageous and that he wants to fight for his beliefs.
In the second verse, the singer says that he's calm inside whenever he can focus and that he turns his reflection on and off, suggesting that he has moments of clarity and self-awareness. He hopes that one day he'll be courageous, maybe indicating that he's not fully there yet but he's working on it. The chorus repeats, with the singer emphasizing that he feels whole and he's not running away anymore.
Overall, the lyrics of "Lion" convey a message of self-empowerment, resilience, and staying true to oneself, even if that means going against the norm or facing obstacles.
Line by Line Meaning
I compromised and wiped away the ashes
I made a compromise and let go of the past mistakes that were holding me back
I felt the lies burn and bore the flame
I experienced the painful consequences of not being honest and truthful
I want to cry but then why should I?
I feel sad but I am strong enough to not let it consume me
The men that I want to try to live like
The people who inspire and motivate me to be a better version of myself
They found them a reason to go on
They discovered a purpose in life that keeps them going
They felt they might somehow have a purpose
They believed that there is more to life than what meets the eye
I'm calm inside whenever I can focus
I feel at peace when I am able to concentrate and be fully present
I turn my reflection on and off
I selectively choose to examine myself introspectively, as it can be too overwhelming at times
I hope I might one day be courageous
I aspire to have the bravery to overcome my fears and challenges
And I believe I'm coming to fight for what I feel.
I am confident that I will stand up for my convictions and beliefs
I shouldn't feel alone, at least I know what I believe is real.
Although I may feel lonely in my stance, I take comfort in the fact that I am true to myself and what I believe in
Hey Lion I can't believe you anyway
I refuse to be swayed or intimidated by those who are trying to manipulate or control me
And I'm thinking for myself and now
I am taking ownership of my thoughts and actions and not letting anyone else dictate them
I'm not running for you
I am not in this race for anyone else but myself
Let the circus run without this clown
I am choosing to remove myself from any drama or chaos that does not serve me
I feel that I'm whole - And I say I'm not running
I have found inner peace and feel complete, and I refuse to let anyone make me feel otherwise
Let the circus run, and run, and run, and run, and run
I am letting go of anything that is hindering my growth and progress, and allowing it to fade away
Hey Lion, Hey Lion
I am addressing anyone or anything that is trying to control or manipulate me
Hey Lion I can't believe you anyway
I will not be fooled or manipulated by anyone who does not have my best interests at heart
Contributed by Ryan Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.