A Fire In The Forest
David Sylvian Lyrics


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There is always sunshine
Above the gray sky
I will try to find it
Yes, I will try
My mind has been wandering
I hardly noticed
It's running on it's own steam
I let it go
Oh, here comes my childhood
A penny for your secrets
And standing in the window
Not out here where it belongs

There's a fire in the forest
It's taking down some trees
When things are overwhelming
I let 'em be
I would like to see you
It's lovely to see you
Come and take me somewhere
Come take me out
There is always sunshine
Far above the gray sky




I know that I will find it
Yes, I will try

Overall Meaning

The overall theme of David Sylvian's song "A Fire In The Forest" is finding hope and light in the midst of confusion and turmoil. The opening lines suggest that there is a metaphorical "sunshine" that exists even above bleak and oppressive circumstances, and the singer vows to search for it. The following lines introduce us to the singer's wandering mind that seems to be working on its own without conscious direction. When the singer reflects on their childhood, it seems bittersweet, as the suggestion is that secrets were hoarded and kept indoors, away from the outside world.


However, the singer experiences a transformative moment in the chorus, where they express that they "let things be" when they become too overwhelming. It's unclear what specifically is overwhelming, but the metaphor of a fire in the forest suggests that there can be both destruction and rebirth through chaos. The singer is hopeful that they will be able to see someone they care about and that this person will help guide them out of their state of confusion. The song ends with a repetition of the opening lines, suggesting that the singer is still in the process of seeking out the light that exists beyond the gray sky.


Line by Line Meaning

There is always sunshine
There is always hope and positivity, even when everything seems dull and gray.


Above the gray sky
Above the gloomy and bleak state of mind.


I will try to find it
I will consciously make an effort to search for positivity.


Yes, I will try
An affirmation of the intention to find happiness.


My mind has been wandering
My thoughts have been drifting aimlessly.


I hardly noticed
I was unaware of my mind's wandering, it was happening without my conscious attention.


It's running on it's own steam
My mind is functioning automatically, without me directing it.


I let it go
I allowed my mind to drift freely, without interference or control.


Oh, here comes my childhood
Memories and emotions from earlier years are coming to the forefront of my mind.


A penny for your secrets
An invitation to share one's hidden feelings and thoughts, in exchange for a small reward.


And standing in the window
Feeling trapped, looking out into the world from a limited perspective.


Not out here where it belongs
Feeling like one's true self is somewhere else, not in the current situation.


There's a fire in the forest
Something urgent and potentially destructive is happening nearby.


It's taking down some trees
The fire is causing visible damage and destruction to the environment.


When things are overwhelming
When situations become too difficult to handle.


I let 'em be
I consciously make the choice to step back and not interfere, even when things become difficult.


I would like to see you
I would enjoy spending time with another person.


It's lovely to see you
Expressing joy and appreciation for the presence of another person.


Come and take me somewhere
An invitation for the other person to take the initiative and bring the singer to a new place or experience.


Come take me out
Continuing the invitation for the other person to create a new experience together.


There is always sunshine
Reiterating that even in difficult times, there is always hope for positivity and happiness.


Far above the gray sky
Even higher than the gloomiest part of one's mind, there is still hope for positivity and happiness.


I know that I will find it
The singer is confident in their ability to find happiness and positivity, even when it seems difficult to do so.


Yes, I will try
Reaffirming the intention to search for hope and positivity.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: DAVID SYLVIAN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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