Retrospect
Francis Dale Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
my concrete coated soul
hours soflty roam
through tides of liquid hope
seasons die alone
so we behold
substance is ephemeral
maybe we are just a strand in a rope
human as our scope
to understand
maybe we'll burn tonight
before the stars expire
and feed the land again
when this winter halts
and frees my mind to pause
time's gravity
breaths bow in words
memories rest assure
and i may fade to stone
maybe we are just a strand in a rope
human as our scope
to understand
maybe we'll burn tonight
before the stars expire
and feed the land again
The lyrics of Francis Dale's song "Retrospect" speak of the fleeting nature of life and the impermanence of all things. The first few lines conjure up an image of someone walking through a city, their "concrete coated soul" indicating a sense of weariness or disconnection from reality. As the hours pass by, the singer reflects on the ebb and flow of life - the "tides of liquid hope" that give way to the inevitable passing of time. The changing of the seasons serves as a metaphor for the transience of life itself, and the futility of trying to hold onto things that are destined to slip away.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of resignation and acceptance of life's impermanence - "maybe we are just a strand in a rope, human as our scope, to understand." But even as the singer laments the transience of all things, there is a recognition that there is beauty to be found in the passing of time. "Maybe we'll burn tonight before the stars expire and feed the land again" suggests that even in death, there is a sense of renewal and rebirth - a reminder that life is cyclical, and that even as one chapter ends, another begins.
Overall, "Retrospect" is a poignant, introspective song that invites the listener to reflect on the fleeting nature of human existence, and to appreciate the beauty and joy of life even in the midst of its impermanence.
Line by Line Meaning
Moments born to stroll
Life is a collection of fleeting moments.
my concrete coated soul
The singer feels trapped and weighed down by the mundane aspects of life, represented by concrete.
hours softly roam
Time passes gently and without force.
through tides of liquid hope
The artist flows through life's ups and downs, navigating with optimism and positivity.
seasons die alone
The passing of time is a solitary experience.
so we behold
We observe the passage of time with wonder and awe.
substance is ephemeral
Everything in life is temporary and fleeting.
maybe we are just a strand in a rope
The artist wonders if our individual lives are insignificant in the grand scheme of things.
human as our scope
As humans, we are limited in our ability to understand the complexities of life.
to understand
The desire to comprehend the mysteries of existence.
maybe we'll burn tonight
Perhaps our lives will be short and intense, like the flicker of a flame.
before the stars expire
Before the end of time itself.
and feed the land again
The cycle of life and death continues, with death providing nourishment for new life.
when this winter halts
When a difficult time or situation ends.
and frees my mind to pause
The opportunity to reflect and take a break from the chaos of life.
time's gravity
The relentless force of time that governs all aspects of life.
breaths bow in words
Words can have a powerful impact and leave a lasting impression.
memories rest assure
Memories provide comfort and reassurance that life has meaning and purpose.
and i may fade to stone
The singer recognizes their own mortality and that eventually they will become a memory themselves.
Contributed by Jackson T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Sara Robalo
Beautiful! What a tune!
Equilíbrio 4600
Brutal! Lindo!
Glad Vlad
Can't wait to see you at NOS!!
francis dale
It's going to be awesome! See you there!
Glad Vlad
Can I get any backstage passes?!??!?!?! 😂
francis dale
Ahah!
I don't think I'll be able to!
Esther Cameron
r u comin 2 taranaki