Fences is the most recent project from Christopher Mansfield. The Berklee t… Read Full Bio ↴Fences is the most recent project from Christopher Mansfield. The Berklee trained and Brockton, Ma-native teamed up with producer Sara Quin (Tegan and Sara) to create a stunning 10 song, self-titled LP that was released in September 2010. About Fences, Spin Magazine said, "Fences mastermind Chris Mansfield looks like he could be a roadie for New Jersey hardcore band Thursday, but don't be fooled. It's his acoustic guitar and quiet stories of emotional torment that shine..."

Temple Dreaming
Fences Lyrics

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She was such a temple,
Compromised and sinful
Blonde hair, hands down
Movement from the eyes girl,
You will see that you were not alone
But skin and bones

Pray with me by dying knife

Down on your knees by the rain, sci-fi
Pray with me by dying knife
Down on your knees by the rain, sci-fi

I was such a temple,
Compromised and sinful
Shaved hair, hands down
Seen it in my eyes 'cause I know this body
Isn't mine to hold,
But skin and bones

Pray with me by dying knife
Down on your knees by the rain, sci-fi
Pray with me by dying knife
Down on your knees by the rain, sci-fi

Now we're dreaming with no ceiling
And I wonder where we are
If it all
Now we're dreaming with no ceiling
And I wonder where we are
If it all

Pray with me by dying knife
Down on your knees by the rain, sci-fi
Pray with me by dying knife
Down on your knees by the rain, sci-fi

Pray with me by dying knife
Down on your knees by the rain, sci-fi
Pray with me by dying knife
Down on your knees by the rain, sci-fi

She was such a temple (Hey Hey Hey!)
I was such a temple (Hey Hey Hey!)
She was such a temple (Hey Hey Hey!)
You will see that you were not

I was such a temple
I know this body isn't mine to hold.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Fences's song Temple Dreaming seem to be exploring the idea of feeling trapped in one's body, and the desire to escape from it. The first verse describes a woman who is portrayed as something of a religious figure, a "temple" who is both "compromised and sinful". Her appearance is important, as she is described as having "blonde hair" and "movement from the eyes". The singer acknowledges that she is "not alone", but despite this, she is still "skin and bones". The second verse is similarly introspective, as the singer describes himself as a temple. He has "shaved hair" and you can see his predicament in his eyes, but he too is just "skin and bones". Both verses end with the repeated refrain "pray with me by dying knife, down on your knees by the rain, sci-fi". This suggests a sense of desperation, a desire for some kind of release.

The chorus is more hopeful in tone, as it describes the two people "dreaming with no ceiling". However, there is still a sense of uncertainty, as the lyrics ask "where we are/if it all". The chorus ends with a reprise of the refrain from the verses. The song ends with a repeated chant of "she was such a temple/I was such a temple/you will see that you were not/I know this body isn't mine to hold". This suggests that the themes of the song are both personal (the desire to escape from one's own body) and universal (the recognition that our bodies are not truly ours to control).

Line by Line Meaning

She was such a temple
He is describing a woman as a temple, representing purity and perfection, but with flaws and mistakes compromising that ideal.

Compromised and sinful
The individual's mindset and actions were contrary to what they believed, and they made unrighteous decisions driven by temptation.

Blonde hair, hands down
The woman's physical appearance is described in detail, indicating that her beauty was evident to anyone who saw her.

Movement from the eyes girl,
Her expressions and body language conveyed a sense of emotion and depth, which could be discerned through her eyes.

You will see that you were not alone
Despite feeling isolated and withdrawn, others share the same feelings and are going through similar struggles.

But skin and bones
This refers to the fact that the person is just flesh and blood, a physical entity, and not an immortal spirit.

Pray with me by dying knife
The individual is using religious language to proclaim the need to die and have their life completely changed by God's power.

Down on your knees by the rain, sci-fi
The individual is suggesting that they are humbling themselves before God and seeking spiritual cleansing or transformation.

Now we're dreaming with no ceiling
The individual is imagining limitless possibilities for what they can achieve or experience, free from any physical constraints or restrictions.

And I wonder where we are
The individual is expressing confusion or doubt about their present circumstances or situation, questioning where they stand or what they are experiencing.

If it all
This phrase leaves the sentence incomplete, with the implication that it connects to the previous line to express a hypothetical outcome or possibility.

She was such a temple (Hey Hey Hey!)
This refrain from the chorus reinforces the idea that the woman was initially seen as pure and perfect but had become flawed and compromised.

I was such a temple (Hey Hey Hey!)
The repetition of this line from the chorus signifies that the singer is as guilty of compromising their own virtues and values as the woman they described earlier.

You will see that you were not
This phrase is followed by the cut-off word 'alone,' which likely is intended to convey that others face the same struggles and challenges as the individual.

I know this body isn't mine to hold.
This line is a final statement of humility and surrender, acknowledging that the individual is not in control of their life or destiny, but is subject to a higher power.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: BEN GREENSPAN, CHRISTOPHER MANSFIELD

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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