Foy Vance is a songsmith born in Bangor, County Down, who is now living in … Read Full Bio ↴Foy Vance is a songsmith born in Bangor, County Down, who is now living in London. He released his first single "Gabriel and the vagabond" c/w with "Indiscriminate Act of kindness" on December 18th, 2006 on Wurdamouth Records. The songs "Gabriel and the Vagabond" and "Homebird" was featured in the second season of the US TV drama Grey's Anatomy and received an incredible response and demand to release the track as a single.

"Indiscriminate Act of Kindness", one of Foy’s most popular tracks "live" was featured in the a TV commercial for Great Ormond Street Hospital which was aired in the UK up until Christmas of 2006. Foy often uses alternative tunings for his guitar, for example the song 'Indiscriminate Act of Kindness' he uses the tuning CGDGCe.

Foy has previously released two limited edition EPs on Wurdamouth records; "Live Sessions and the birth of the Toilet tour" and "Watermelon Oranges". His regular piano player is London based composer Jules Maxwell.

System
Foy Vance Lyrics

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She said, "Life's like trying to land an airplane
When you're circling the eye inside a hurricane"
It's hard to keep your confidence
You're only safe as your safest friend

Sometimes life with me is more like aquaplaning
Just hoping that the rubber grips the road again
When you can't rely on your safest friend

Well, you're only safe as your best defense

What she needs is a system

She loves life endlessly in soliloquy
Always lost in thought and never much to say
When you can't rely on your best defense
You're only safe as your common sense

What she needs is a system
What she needs is a system
What she needs is a system

We stopped on the One though we had time to make
Watched the sun descend and daylight fade away
You said, "I wish the sunset would never end
You know sometimes, daddy, you're my only friend"

What she needs is a system
What she needs is a system
What she needs is a system

What she needs is a system
What she needs is a system

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Foy Vance's song "A System" talk about the uncertainty and unpredictability of life. It portrays life as trying to land an airplane when you are inside a hurricane, which is a difficult and dangerous situation. The first stanza talks about the lack of confidence that people feel about life when they are not surrounded by their trusted friends. Life with the singer, as per the second stanza, is like aquaplaning, which is unsafe and unpredictable, where one is just hoping to get a grip on the road again. The chorus emphasizes the need for having a system, which is necessary when life is full of unpredictability.

The singer seems to be someone who is reserved and content in her soliloquies, where she can explore her thoughts without being judged. She is not very outspoken, and the lyrics imply that she cannot rely on her best defense, which is probably her silence. The singer needs a system, which can provide her with some guidance and order when life seems to be out of control. The last stanza talks about a moment of vulnerability, where the singer reveals that her father is the only person who she considers her friend.

Line by Line Meaning

She said, "Life's like trying to land an airplane
She compared life to trying to land an airplane.

When you're circling the eye inside a hurricane"
It's difficult to navigate life's challenges.

It's hard to keep your confidence
One's self-esteem can suffer as a result.

You're only safe as your safest friend
The people you surround yourself with can have a big impact on your sense of security.

Sometimes life with me is more like aquaplaning
Life with the artist can feel like losing control on a slippery road.

Just hoping that the rubber grips the road again
Hoping everything will work out alright in the end.

When you can't rely on your safest friend
If the people you usually turn to for help aren't available, you can feel vulnerable.

Well, you're only safe as your best defense
It's important to be able to rely on yourself.

She loves life endlessly in soliloquy
The artist's companion has a deep love for life, but often keeps it to herself.

Always lost in thought and never much to say
The companion is usually quiet, and spends a lot of time thinking.

When you can't rely on your best defense
If you can't depend on yourself to handle difficult situations, you can be at a disadvantage.

You're only safe as your common sense
Having good judgement can help you stay safe and make good decisions.

We stopped on the One though we had time to make
They chose to stop and enjoy the sunset, despite having other plans.

Watched the sun descend and daylight fade away
They quietly watched the beauty of the sunset.

You said, "I wish the sunset would never end
The companion expressed a desire to stay in the moment and enjoy the natural beauty around them.

You know sometimes, daddy, you're my only friend"
The companion feels a strong connection to the artist, and values their relationship.

What she needs is a system
The repeated line emphasizes the title of the song, suggesting that a more organized and dependable approach to life could be helpful.

What she needs is a system
Reiterating the idea that a more structured approach to life would be beneficial.

What she needs is a system
The phrase is repeated yet again, perhaps emphasizing the importance of the idea.

What she needs is a system
Another repeating line that drives home the message that organization could be helpful.

What she needs is a system
The final line of the song repeats the idea one more time, sealing the message that structure and order could make life more manageable.

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Foy Vance

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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