Wait for History
Deconstruction Lyrics


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Sanwa bank
building the temple of karnak
and the scent of a steam engine
and the halls of the faces
that came before me
and the pillars we placed there
the more you push it
the more it falls down
trapped in a musty room
till the process punch puts a hole
through the boards on all the windows
and the light comes streaming in
and it shines on the dust
who am I to know
from which direction
from where the help
I needed would
come thank you so much
for lifting the shroud off of me
so again I can see the grey
for what it is which is everything
the wind and an unselfconscious breast
the wait for history it's not up to me
it's time that decides terra-cotta fountains
all dried up leave it all again
to the roaches when our dirty




sidewalk becomes sheet rock
and history becomes geology.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Wait for History" by Deconstruction are thought-provoking and filled with hidden meanings. The song starts with the Sanwa Bank building and the Temple of Karnak, which represent ancient architecture and history. The scent of a steam engine and the halls of faces that came before the singer symbolize the past, which cannot be changed or forgotten. The pillars the singer placed there represent the present, which is a result of past actions.


The singer is trapped in a musty room, which represents being stuck in the present without being able to move forward. However, the process punch puts a hole through the boards on all the windows, and the light comes streaming in, representing a turning point or a moment of realization. The light shines on the dust, symbolizing the clarity that comes with understanding.


The singer acknowledges that they don't know from which direction the help they need will come. They thank whoever helped them lift the shroud off of them so they could see the gray for what it is, which is everything. The wait for history is not up to the singer; time decides when things happen. The terra-cotta fountains all dried up signify things that were once beautiful but are now gone. When the dirty sidewalk becomes sheet rock, and history becomes geology, it signifies that everything is impermanent and will eventually decay.


Overall, the lyrics of "Wait for History" explore the themes of time, impermanence, and the importance of understanding the past to move towards the future.


Line by Line Meaning

Sanwa bank
There is no apparent meaning to this line. It could be interpreted as a reference to a specific bank or a building.


building the temple of karnak
This line could be a reference to the act of creating something monumental, such as a great temple. It may speak to the long history of human achievement and the lasting impact of what we build.


and the scent of a steam engine
This line could refer to the nostalgia associated with older technologies or the passing of time. It may suggest an appreciation for the industrial past and the change it brought about.


and the halls of the faces
This line may speak to a sense of reverence for those who came before, or an appreciation for the history of a place. It could refer to a literal hall of faces, such as a gallery or museum.


that came before me
This line suggests a recognition of the past and how it informs the present. It could be interpreted as a nod to those who have paved the way for the artist.


and the pillars we placed there
This line could refer to the act of building something enduring or the idea of laying a foundation for something greater. It speaks to the singer's participation in creating a structure or community.


the more you push it
This line could speak to the idea that effort can be counterproductive or that one should not overly force an outcome. It may suggest that certain things are beyond the control of the singer.


the more it falls down
This line suggests that the act of trying to control or manage something can have the opposite effect. It may speak to a sense of resignation in the face of unpredictable outcomes.


trapped in a musty room
This line creates a sense of claustrophobia or confinement. It could be interpreted as a metaphor for a difficult situation or mental state.


till the process punch puts a hole
This line suggests the idea of a breakthrough or epiphany. It may refer to an event that allows the artist to see a situation in a new way, or to make progress towards a goal.


through the boards on all the windows
This line could be interpreted literally or metaphorically. It may speak to a sense of confinement or restriction being lifted, or refer to a sense of new perspective or understanding.


and the light comes streaming in
This line speaks to the sense of new discovery or illumination. It may suggest that the artist has gained new insights or is seeing something in a new light.


and it shines on the dust
This line suggests that something unremarkable or overlooked is being given attention. It may refer to the idea of finding value in something that is not typically regarded as valuable.


who am I to know
This line could suggest a sense of humility or uncertainty. It may represent the singer questioning their own knowledge or understanding of a situation.


from which direction
This line may speak to a sense of confusion or uncertainty regarding the future. It could be interpreted as the singer questioning the path they are on or the decisions they have made.


from where the help
This line suggests that the artist may be looking for assistance or support. It may represent a sense of vulnerability or uncertainty that requires the help of others to overcome.


I needed would
This line suggests that the artist was lacking something important. It may speak to a sense of unfulfilled need or desire for assistance or guidance.


come thank you so much
This line expresses gratitude. It may be interpreted as the singer thanking someone for assistance or support in a time of need.


for lifting the shroud off of me
This line suggests that the singer was previously in a state of darkness or confusion, and that someone has helped them to see things more clearly. It may be interpreted as a metaphor for personal growth or enlightenment.


so again I can see the grey
This line suggests that the artist was previously unable to see nuance or complexity in a given situation, but can now understand the subtleties involved. It may represent a newfound sense of understanding or empathy.


for what it is which is everything
This line suggests that the artist has gained a greater appreciation for life and the world around them. It may represent a sense of wonder or awe at the vastness of existence.


the wind and an unselfconscious breast
This line creates a sense of poetic imagery. It may speak to the beauty of nature, or the idea of finding value in simplicity or the unremarkable.


the wait for history it's not up to me
This line suggests that the singer is waiting for something to happen, but has little control over the outcome. It may represent a sense of patience or acceptance in the face of something beyond the singer's control.


it's time that decides terra-cotta fountains
This line suggests that time is a powerful force that determines the fate of things. It may represent a sense of inevitability or powerlessness in the face of change.


all dried up leave it all again
This line suggests that something has come to an end or is no longer viable. It may represent a sense of loss or resignation.


to the roaches when our dirty
This line suggests that something has declined to a state of decay or disrepair. It may be interpreted as a metaphor for broader societal or environmental issues.


sidewalk becomes sheet rock
This line may represent a literal change in the environment, or be interpreted as a metaphor for change in general. It may speak to the idea of things being transformed or repurposed in unexpected ways.


and history becomes geology.
This line suggests that everything eventually becomes part of the larger history of the world. It may be interpreted as a metaphor for the transience of human life and the enduring power of natural forces.




Contributed by Caden I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Mark Ramsey

This album contains, far and away, Dave Navarro's best work. So many textures. So raw.

Jason Houlihan

My absolute favourite disc on this album. I remember when I bought it (on cassette first) and got through the entire album not only was I blown away by the textures and sounds on this album but the moods each song have. Of all the moods this song stood out so much. How it eventually builds towards that final ending STILL gets me 16yrs later. Dave's solos are just pure awesomeness.

ximStudio

one of the best albums by far...great track too, plus the sample from "Pole Position"

lux lux

and the light comes screaming in and shines on the dust........
The guitar after that lyric is FUCKING EPIC!
This album doesn't get clearly enough credit. I bought this when it came out, and picked this bad boy to pieces. Fell in love immediately with the twists and turns Avery and Navarro take you on.
My cousin and I would trip balls and just listen for hours. Takes me back every time I listen to it.
So........
lock the doors, and wait for me.
I'll be right back,
with my medicine...

Janesfan

Me too one the best albums ever produced.

musicmankenn

This song and "Get at Em" are my favorites on this CD/Album.......

MJ Gordon

@JJJJay Well put. This band is timeless.

Crann Óg

The pinnacle.

Garse70

Fuck...love this album!

Toto Tobares

Erik Satie - Gymnopédie No.1 classical sample, vieja

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