Boy Inside the Boat
Craig Cardiff Lyrics

About the almost's and the should'ves
Reflecting on missed opportunities and past regrets

all the could'ves and the can'ts
Thinking about the things that could have been and the things that are impossible

The moments you wish you picked with your heart and not your head
Regretting choices made based on logic instead of following one's emotions

I'll do my best to tell you
The singer will try to communicate his message

Sing it simply and explain
Encouraging the listener to speak plainly and make their meaning clear

How it's extra to light the candles
Acknowledging that rituals and symbols can be comforting but are not necessary

But there's no charge
The natural world provides things freely and without cost

no charge for the rain
Rain is one example of something freely given by the universe

We found the boy inside the boat
Metaphor for discovering one's inner self

The week that Rita left the band
A specific moment in time that coincided with the discovery

Richard left the party took freedom by the hand
Metaphor for letting go and finding one's own path

We learned the louder that they yell
People who are more combative are usually less likely to listen and understand

The less likely they understand
People who rely on aggression and shouting to make their point are usually less open-minded

So please be gentle with them
Asking the listener to be kind to others, especially those who are difficult to deal with

Be gentle with yourself
Advice to be kind to oneself and not be too hard on one's own faults

Hold me a seat I'll be there soon
Asking for the listener to wait for the singer to arrive shortly

I've starved out the heart
Metaphor for suppressing one's emotions and not listening to one's own desires

I gave the head too much room
Refers to over-analyzing and not allowing oneself to feel

We do our best to number
Trying to quantify and understand things that can't be labeled

Make up stories that explain
Creating narratives to justify feelings and experiences

And the sandwich board bullies Jeered as Henry left the stage
Imagery of unkind people making fun of someone for being different

I find their convictions curious
The singer is intrigued by the opinions of those who don't understand him

From this side of the cage
Metaphor for feeling trapped and misunderstood

Did the universe reveal herself?
Questioning whether there is a divine force and if it communicates with humans

Did she make herself known?
Asking if anyone can truly know the universe or a higher power

Were you too busy?
Asking whether people are too occupied with their own lives to observe the world around them

Or too important?
Implies a rhetorical question to suggest people might be too egotistical to see things beyond themselves

To look up from the phone?
Modern technology causes a distraction from the natural world

In the terminal he reflected
Imagery of waiting, hoping, and self-reflection

All defences laid down
Surrendering to vulnerability and introspection

Figured a week at mayo
A retreat or a medical treatment center

Would lighten the crown
Seeking healing and relief in a time of stress and difficulty

Craving offered comfort
Looking for comfort and solace in the things or people we crave

Held tight his hand
Finding comfort in someone else's presence and care

She's dangerous in her friendship, because she understands
Being honest with oneself and others can be painful, but ultimately it is important for growth

Best to know her better
Encouraging the listener to become more familiar with their own thoughts and emotions

Put your head inside her mouth
Become familiar with your demons and confront your fears

Making friends with your monsters is what sorts them out
Conquering one's inner demons is a necessary step toward self-improvement

It's dark in here I'm wondering
Pondering the unknown

Are they leaning or in love?
Questioning the nature of a relationship

And will they know which it was after it's gone?
Suggesting that hindsight is usually 20/20, and people often realize things too late

The condition is fragile
Referring to the fleeting quality of human connection and relationships

Be careful going in
A caution to be emotionally aware and cautious in new relationships

The future's uncertain
The future is unknown and unpredictable

enjoy everything
Advice to appreciate the present moment and be grateful for what one has

No charge
Things in life are often freely given and are not meant to be paid for

No charge for the rain
Rain is an example of a natural occurrence that is not meant to be paid for