People first began noticing Duane Dolieslager’s music when his new take on … Read Full Bio ↴People first began noticing Duane Dolieslager’s music when his new take on Michael Penn’s “I Can Tell” became a fast favorite on the online Penn tribute album “Look What the Fans Drug In.” In early 2007, Dolieslager released his first CD, “The Opposite of Optimist,” which can be purchased (and previewed) on CDBaby.com and iTunes. Dolieslager describes his debut album as "twelve tracks of melodic, indie pop for you to savor as you stumble through life." When questioned as to why the album wasn't simply titled "Pessimist," the singer/songwriter explains that being the opposite of optimist is the optimistic way of looking at being a pessimist. So goes the album. Having already made his full band debut at the House of Blues on Hollywood's Sunset Strip, Dolieslager recently celebrated his CD release, opening for major label artist Tyrone Wells in front of a sold out crowd at the Roxy Theatre.

Fireflies
Duane Dolieslager Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I always let the games begin

If I'm for you and you're for me

Shouldn't we win?

If we start over again

It's like we let shooting stars burn clear through our skin then let 'em go

Let 'em go

You never promise me you will

Staring down the barrel but you never shoot to kill

Yeah you just do it for the thrill

Like catching fireflies at night up on the hill just to let 'em go

Let 'em go

Let 'em go

Let 'em go

Just like the sand in an hourglass drains till it runs out

I know this moment is doing the same

And there's no doubt

The fireflies no sooner came than burned out

Let 'em go

Let 'em go

Let 'em go

Let 'em go

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Duane Dolieslager's song Fireflies are filled with metaphors and analogies that describe the fleeting nature of love and the transience of life. The opening lines convey a sense of excitement and anticipation for a new relationship. The singer is ready to take a chance and start playing the games of love, but questions if winning should be the ultimate goal if they are for each other. The idea of starting over again suggests a fresh beginning or a second chance at love. However, the imagery of shooting stars burning through their skin implies that love can be painful and intense, and letting go can be equally challenging.

The chorus of the song is a repetition of the phrase "let 'em go," which is a way of acknowledging the temporary nature of life and love. The singer seems to suggest that holding on to something that is not meant to last can be destructive, and it is better to let it go. The second verse continues with the same analogies of fireflies, hourglass, and sand, all of which describe the inevitability of change and the importance of accepting it.

Overall, the lyrics of Fireflies are an insightful reflection on the fleeting nature of life and love. The song urges the listener to appreciate every moment, but not to hold on too tightly, as everything is transient.

Line by Line Meaning

I always let the games begin
I am always ready to start the games.

If I'm for you and you're for me
If we are on the same team.

Shouldn't we win?
Shouldn't we be victorious?

If we start over again
If we begin anew.

It's like we let shooting stars burn clear through our skin then let 'em go
It's like we let the amazing moments pass us by without realizing it.

Let 'em go
We just let them go without seizing the moment.

You never promise me you will
You never make any commitment to me.

Staring down the barrel but you never shoot to kill
You are hesitant to take decisive action even when the opportunity arises.

Yeah you just do it for the thrill
You seem to be motivated only by the excitement of the moment.

Like catching fireflies at night up on the hill just to let 'em go
You just catch fireflies for the thrill and let them go without appreciating their true beauty.

Just like the sand in an hourglass drains till it runs out
Time is like sand in an hourglass; it keeps running out.

I know this moment is doing the same
This moment will not last forever.

And there's no doubt
It's certain that this moment will pass.

The fireflies no sooner came than burned out
The moment was brief, and now it's gone.

Let 'em go
We should just let it go and move on.

Let 'em go
There's no point in dwelling on the past; we should just let it go.

Let 'em go
It's time to move on; let's just let it go.

Let 'em go
No use crying over spilt milk; it's better to let it go.

Contributed by Kaitlyn A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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