Don't Look Down
Foxtails Brigade Lyrics


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Joseph Caraway orphaned unwise
took short cuts to his demise:
footsteps treading on only the cracks
leave the shapes of cloven tracks.
Innocent, innocent found
misery, misery bound
penitence, penitence sound._
Vera Vandemark, all dressed in white
never slept without the light.
Headless rattlesnakes inside their caves
preying on the souls of slaves.
Innocent innocent found
misery misery bound
penitence penitence
sound the church bells
burn the flowers
call upon the darkest hours
story teller's pen preserving
strike the pure and undeserving.
Silver serving knives all in a line
waiting to commit their crimes.
Chisled china dolls, their bitter meat
stain red pearly canine teeth.
Innocent innocent found
misery misery bound
penitence penitence
sound the church bells
burn the flowers
call upon the darkest hours
story teller's pen unswerving
strike the pure and undeserving.

Don't look down
don't look down
don't look down.

Innocent innocent found
misery miser bound
penitence penitence
sound the church bells
burn the flowers
call upon the darkest hours




story teller's pen submerging
strike the pure and undeserving.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Foxtails Brigade's "Don't Look Down" tell a dark and ominous story of two characters: Joseph Caraway and Vera Vandemark. Joseph Caraway is described as an orphan who took shortcuts and ultimately met his demise. The imagery of his footsteps treading only on the cracks and leaving the shapes of cloven tracks creates a sense of impending doom. Similarly, Vera Vandemark is described as always sleeping with the light on, as headless rattlesnakes prey on the souls of slaves in their caves.


The repeated lines "Innocent innocent found, misery misery bound, penitence penitence" give a haunting sense that these characters are trapped in a cycle of suffering and repentance. The imagery of storytelling working to "strike the pure and undeserving" suggests that the characters may be victims of circumstance or larger societal issues. The final repetition of "Don't look down" creates a sense of danger or urgency, perhaps warning listeners not to fall into the same traps as these characters.


Overall, the lyrics of "Don't Look Down" create a sense of foreboding and darkness, with vivid imagery and repetition intensifying the mood. The meaning of the lyrics may be up for interpretation, but the intensity and emotion of the song is unmistakable.


Line by Line Meaning

Joseph Caraway orphaned unwise
Joseph Caraway, who lost his parents and lacked guidance, made unwise decisions.


took short cuts to his demise:
He took shortcuts in life that led to his downfall.


footsteps treading on only the cracks
He walked only on the cracks in the pavement, leaving behind footprints like those of a devil.


leave the shapes of cloven tracks.
His footsteps left marks that resembled those made by a cloven hoof, a symbol of the devil.


Innocent, innocent found misery, misery bound penitence, penitence sound.
Although he was innocent in the beginning, he ended up finding and being trapped in misery, but he seeks repentance.


Vera Vandemark, all dressed in white never slept without the light.
Vera Vandemark, who always wore white, never slept without a light on, suggesting she was afraid of the dark and what it symbolized.


Headless rattlesnakes inside their caves preying on the souls of slaves.
Rattlesnakes without heads lurk in their caves, preying on the souls of those enslaved, representing evil forces out to do harm.


Innocent innocent found misery misery bound penitence penitence sound the church bells burn the flowers call upon the darkest hours story teller's pen preserving strike the pure and undeserving.
Even the innocent sometimes find themselves in misery and need to repent for their sins, while the church bells ring and the flowers burn, calling upon the darkest hours. The storyteller's pen is preserving the stories of those who strike the pure and undeserving.


Silver serving knives all in a line waiting to commit their crimes.
Silver knives used for serving sit in a line, waiting to be used for evil purposes, suggesting that evil is always lurking.


Chisled china dolls, their bitter meat stain red pearly canine teeth.
Delicate china dolls, with bitter meat, have red stains on their teeth, suggesting they have already inflicted harm and evil.


Innocent innocent found misery misery bound penitence penitence sound the church bells burn the flowers call upon the darkest hours story teller's pen unswerving strike the pure and undeserving.
The innocent may find themselves in misery and in need of penitence, while the church bells ring and the flowers burn during the darkest hours. The storyteller's pen remains unswerving in recording the stories of those who strike the pure and undeserving.


Don't look down don't look down don't look down.
Do not look down and give up in times of hardship.


Innocent innocent found misery miser bound penitence penitence sound the church bells burn the flowers call upon the darkest hours story teller's pen submerging strike the pure and undeserving.
The innocent may end up finding misery and languishing, so they seek penitence. The church bells ring and the flowers burn during the darkest hours, while the storyteller's pen is submerged in the stories of those who strike the pure and undeserving.




Contributed by Juliana W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Barameitsu

That Percussionist was NAILING it! Absolutely on fire. Loved this, all of this. heading over and Subbing of course.. BUT before I do I have to say, DEAR GOD I miss me some Jack Conte video's!

Eileen Holowka

You honestly have no idea - this is the song I have been waiting my entire life for. I'm absolutely, madly in love. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

sherbetheadmusic

Really good song. Also the lead singer makes singing in front of camera feel very natural, it doesn't feel forced like she has to stare down the lens. Very impressed.

paholskig

OMG her voice is so freaking amazing.

Kate Walker

I cannot put words to how much I like this song.

BassByTheBay

I can: I LOVE this song! Okay, I'll use more words 😁: Their creativity and artistry are evident here. This song is firing on all cylinders. The lyric, the melody, the incredible arrangement... it's all just brilliant. Wish they had been able to find a wider audience to support their art.

Porto Franco Records

Awesome to see this up - sounds and looks so good. Was fun shooting it with Foxtails and Jack.

Patty Martin

I found these lyrics via Google and they seem to be accurate: Joseph Caraway, orphaned, unwise, Took shortcuts to his demise. Footsteps treading on only the cracks Leave the shapes of cloven tracks. Innocent, innocent ground Misery, misery bound Penitence, penitence found Vera Van Denmark, all dressed in white, Never slept without the light. Headless rattlesnakes inside their caves, Praying on the souls of slaves

Michael Lewinger

She has one of those rare voices that are perfectly tuned. Beautiful music and well produced by the genial Jack Conte. Thank guys !

Nic Moen

Pretty awesome when you consider she's singing AND tearing it up on the guitar!!!

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