one by one
Flipper Lyrics


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Each moment
Each road
Every wall
All prisons
Every bank
Shall cease to exist

One by one
The waves crash
Onto the rock




And the rock will fall
The rock will fall

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of "One by One" by Flipper resonate with themes of impermanence and the fleeting nature of all phenomena. The phrase "each moment" draws attention to the present and encourages the listener to live in the moment. The following lines make use of vivid imagery to convey the idea that everything is temporary and will eventually disappear. "Each road" and "every wall" symbolize the barriers and obstacles that people encounter in life, while "all prisons" and "every bank" represent institutions that limit individual freedom.


The repeated refrain of "shall cease to exist" serves as a powerful reminder that nothing lasts forever. The lyrics suggest that the transience of existence can be liberating, as it allows for the possibility of change and transformation. However, the song also acknowledges the inevitability of loss and the pain that can come with it. The final lines of the chorus use natural imagery to emphasize this sense of loss: "One by one, the waves crash / onto the rock / and the rock will fall / the rock will fall."


In many ways, "One by One" is a song about acceptance, about coming to terms with the impermanence of life and finding meaning in the face of loss. By acknowledging the fleeting nature of all things, the song encourages listeners to live in the present and appreciate the beauty of the world around them.


Line by Line Meaning

Each moment
Every passing moment


Each road
Every path or journey


Every wall
Any obstacle or hindrance


All prisons
Any form of captivity or confinement


Every bank
Any system of power or wealth


Shall cease to exist
Will one day no longer exist


One by one
Individually or gradually


The waves crash
The powerful forces of nature or change


Onto the rock
Against the stable or unyielding


And the rock will fall
Even the strongest or most secure will eventually crumble


The rock will fall
Nothing is forever and all things are subject to change




Contributed by Audrey G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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