Fire Escape
Fanfarlo Lyrics


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On the fire escape
We stopped and we looked down
Through the broken glass, on the sirens on the spies
When you're still midway
It's not too late to just turn back

The winter is cruel round here
The future is not down there
“Why can't they just think like us?”

If you've got flags to wear
You should be careful what you sell
On the fire escape
I think I slipped, I think I fell
But you're still midway
It's not too late to just turn back

We were raised by strangers




The life that you had in mind
Was just a moth and a light

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Fanfarlo's song "Fire Escape" are introspective and thought-provoking, and delve into themes of alienation and societal pressure. The fire escape serves as both a metaphor for escaping one's surroundings and a physical place in which the singer is situated, looking down at the broken glass and the sirens below.


The first verse is a commentary on the chaos and violence that surround the singer, and his desire to escape it all. Looking down from the fire escape, they feel a sense of detachment, as if they are removed from the situation. The singer's perspective shifts in the second verse, as they question why people can't just "think like us." This line can be interpreted as a critique of conformity and the pressure to fit in with a certain group, and perhaps a longing for more individual thinking.


The final verse reveals a deep sense of loneliness and isolation, as the singer reflects on a life that is not quite what they had imagined. The metaphor of the moth and the light suggests that the singer was drawn to something they thought would bring them happiness, only to be disappointed. The song ends on a hopeful note, as the singer suggests that it's not too late to turn back and find a new path.


Line by Line Meaning

On the fire escape
Standing on the fire escape


We stopped and we looked down
We paused and gazed down


Through the broken glass, on the sirens on the spies
We peered through shattered windows, observing police cars and undercover agents


When you're still midway
When you're still in the middle


It's not too late to just turn back
You can still decide to retreat


The winter is cruel round here
The cold season is harsh in this area


The future is not down there
The future isn't found on the streets below


“Why can't they just think like us?”
Why can't they possess views similar to our own?


If you've got flags to wear
If you have symbols to display


You should be careful what you sell
Be cautious regarding the messages you endorse


On the fire escape
Standing on the fire escape


I think I slipped, I think I fell
I believe I slipped and fell


But you're still midway
However, you're still in the middle


It's not too late to just turn back
You can still choose to retreat


We were raised by strangers
We were brought up by unfamiliar faces


The life that you had in mind
The existence you'd envisioned


Was just a moth and a light
Was merely a fantasy that lured you in like a moth to a flame




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Catherine Genevieve Mary Lucas, Leon Eric Beckenham, Simon Aurell

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Lily Graves

I found Fanfarlo about two years ago, and you are my favourite band ever. Like seriously you've beat Paramore and Ben Howard. I love this song, album, everything! Thank you so much for making your music, you are forever in my heart :) x

kim wilmoth

He's one of the greatest vocalists I've ever heard and I know a LOT of music....It's beautiful

TheXTVproductions

Fanfarlo=one of the best bands of all time

crazeegurl101

This band is amazing

Ash

Awesome. Loved it! And would love to have you guys back in Birmingham, Alabama someday. Y'all were amazing! :)

CMJ Live

This is amazing. I see it on mtvU all the time.

Kimmy Kilgannon

Love this song. The video is touching :) I <3 Fanfarlo!!!

Mazza4Azza

What a lovely song and a nice inspiring video! It's little things like this that gets me DISTRACTED FROM MY HOMEWORK :@ But it's all good because I have a good excuse. I was listening to Fanfarlo too much!

-T S-

I feel warm and full of purpose. No other song as ever made me happy about not attempting death than this one. Thank you :)

Adriana Quiñones

Loved this ending....good positive vibe. The other ending....well, not so much. But still love the song! You all are great!!!

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