Listen
Erin Dooley Lyrics
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I'm wondering who looks anything like me
Among the questions answers pointless hypocrites
The holy people are the ones hiding
I am listening
Someone's gotta be the audience
For all this silence around me
Down on your knees sister
Breathing slowly watching your chest rise
Watching you dream - watching you open your eyes
We are a beautiful distraction to everything that matters
Why can't we get it right
[chorus]
And the fiery ball is rolling on behind the distance
And in my prayers I say - there go my perfect visions
As the color spread out and collided with the night
Restlessness is fading, but so am I
[chorus]
The lyrics of Erin Dooley's song Listen can be interpreted as a meditation on the struggle to find meaning and purpose in a world that often seems chaotic and confused. In the first verse, the singer laments the prevalence of "faithlessness" and hypocrisy in the world around her, and searches for someone who can relate to her struggle. The line "The holy people are the ones hiding" suggests that even those who are supposed to have all the answers are often just as lost and uncertain as everyone else.
The second verse shifts to a more introspective tone, with the singer observing the beauty in the world - embodied by the image of watching someone sleep and dream - but still feeling a sense of disconnection from the things that really matter. The line "We are a beautiful distraction to everything that matters" implies that human connection and beauty are important, but ultimately fleeting and insubstantial.
The chorus seems to be a call to action, urging the listener to "listen" and be present in the moment, even if that means being silent and still. The imagery of "down on your knees" evokes a sense of humility and openness to being receptive to new ideas or perspectives.
The final verse introduces a sense of transcendence, with the singer observing the movement of the sun and the changing colors of the sky. The line "As the color spread out and collided with the night" suggests the coming of darkness or the end of something, but also implies the possibility of new beginnings.
Overall, the song seems to be a plea for listeners to be present in the moment, and to seek connection and meaning even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty.
Line by Line Meaning
Among the sea of faithlessness I see
Even in a world where it seems like everyone has given up on faith or is living without it, I still see it as important and valuable.
I'm wondering who looks anything like me
I am searching for people who share my beliefs and values, as it feels lonely to be the only one.
Among the questions answers pointless hypocrites
I am surrounded by people who pretend to have all the answers, but really don't understand the questions at all.
The holy people are the ones hiding
The people who truly practice their faith and live a holy life are usually the ones who keep it to themselves and don't flaunt it for others to see.
I am listening
I am willing to be the one who listens and provides support to others, even when it seems like there is nothing else to do.
Someone's gotta be the audience
I am willing to listen and be the one who witnesses others' struggles.
For all this silence around me
There is a lot of silence, loneliness and perhaps even pain that others are experiencing, and I am willing to bear witness to it.
Someone's gotta be the silent one, quiet one to listen
I am willing to be the one who sits quietly and listens when others need someone to simply be there for them.
Down on your knees sister
Sometimes we need to get down on our knees in prayer and humility, remembering that we are not in control of everything and need to seek a higher power or guidance.
Breathing slowly watching your chest rise
There is beauty in simply watching someone else breathe and exist, without feeling the need to fix or change anything.
Watching you dream - watching you open your eyes
I am there for the good moments in life, the ones that bring hope and optimism.
We are a beautiful distraction to everything that matters
Sometimes our trivial concerns and desires get in the way of the things that truly matter in life - love, connection, faith, and hope.
Why can't we get it right
Even though we sometimes fail or fall short, we continue to strive for happiness, meaningful relationships, and kindness.
And the fiery ball is rolling on behind the distance
The world keeps turning and time keeps moving forward, whether we are ready for it or not.
And in my prayers I say - there go my perfect visions
In spite of our best intentions and perfect plans, life often takes unexpected turns and we must adjust our expectations accordingly.
As the color spread out and collided with the night
The colors of life, the joys and sorrows, mix together in complex and unpredictable ways, reminding us that we are all connected in this journey.
Restlessness is fading, but so am I
As we age and gain wisdom, we may find peace and contentment, but we also recognize that our time on this earth is finite.
Contributed by Savannah Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Diana Kekule
Thank you So Much, Dear Erin! I watched your film, A Way to Forgiveness, and was very touched. Thank you for bravely sharing your journey of the heart through your physical journey. I cried at the end, for and with you, for we all walk the path of forgiveness of self and others thru life. Infinite Blessings to you always, Diana