Sway
Elder Brother Lyrics

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Sway, sway in all your fancy clothes
Nobody knows you but everyone knows
Stay, stay inside with the ghosts
Some nights I swear I just want to go home

Can you believe the ceiling's made of leaves?
And nobody beneath us knows of anything we've seen
Can you believe the ceiling's made of leaves?

Where do you go now you know?

Sway, sway knee deep in the stream
Break down at the very sight of me
I crossed my heart and prayed to God to never leave me be he said
Save your breath and just breathe

Can you believe the ceiling's made of leaves?
And nobody beneath us knows of anything we've seen
Can you believe the ceiling's made of leaves?
But where do you go when you know
When you know that you're wrong
But you know that it helps

I know I'm not the only one to poison myself
But I poison myself

And I poison myself
And I poison myself

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Sway" by Elder Brother evoke a sense of introspection and contemplation within the listener. The opening lines, "Sway, sway in all your fancy clothes, Nobody knows you but everyone knows," may suggest a feeling of inner conflict and disconnect. The juxtaposition of external appearances and inner truths is highlighted, hinting at a struggle with authenticity and identity.

As the song progresses, the imagery of a ceiling made of leaves symbolizes a sense of shelter and protection, yet also a barrier between the singer and the outside world. The repeated questioning of "Can you believe the ceiling's made of leaves?" may reflect a sense of disbelief or awe at the complexities of life and the unknown. This imagery could also suggest a desire to escape or seek refuge from the pressures and expectations of society.

The mention of ghosts and the desire to go home conveys a longing for comfort and familiarity in the face of inner turmoil. The lyrics, "Save your breath and just breathe," may offer a sense of solace and a reminder to stay grounded amidst chaos. The theme of seeking solace and finding peace within oneself is further emphasized in the lines, "But where do you go when you know, When you know that you're wrong, But you know that it helps."

The repeated self-deprecating lines, "I know I'm not the only one to poison myself, But I poison myself," convey a sense of self-destructive tendencies and internal struggles. The repetition of "And I poison myself" hints at a cycle of negative behavior or thought patterns that the singer may be grappling with. In essence, the lyrics of "Sway" explore themes of self-awareness, inner conflict, and the quest for peace and authenticity in a complex and uncertain world.

Line by Line Meaning

Sway, sway in all your fancy clothes
Enjoying the attention while wearing your best attire

Nobody knows you but everyone knows
Feeling misunderstood by others while being well-known

Stay, stay inside with the ghosts
Choosing to be alone with haunting memories or emotions

Some nights I swear I just want to go home
Longing for a sense of comfort and familiarity

Sway, sway knee deep in the stream
Feeling emotionally overwhelmed and vulnerable

Break down at the very sight of me
Being emotionally affected to the point of breaking down

I crossed my heart and prayed to God to never leave me be he said
Seeking comfort and reassurance from a higher power

Save your breath and just breathe
Advice to remain calm and focus on breathing

But where do you go when you know when you know that you're wrong but you know that it helps
Questioning where to turn when you recognize harmful behavior as a coping mechanism

I know I'm not the only one to poison myself
Acknowledging self-destructive tendencies

But I poison myself
Continuing to engage in self-sabotaging behavior

And I poison myself
Repeating the cycle of harmful actions

And I poison myself
Persisting in destructive patterns

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Dan Rose, Kevin Geyer

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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