Main Theme
Gareth Williams Lyrics


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If on every ocean the ship is a throne
And for each mast cut down another sapling is grown
Then I could believe that I`m bound to find
A better life than I left behind

But as you ascend the ladder
Look out below where you tread
For the colors bled as they overflowed
Red, white and blue
Green, white and gold

So I had to leave from my country of birth
As for each child grown tall
Another lies in the earth
And for every rail we laid in the loam
There`s a thousand miles of the long journey home

But as you ascend the ladder
Look out below where you tread
For the colors bled as they overflowed




Red, white and blue
Green, white and gold

Overall Meaning

In Gareth Williams's Main Theme, the lyrics reflect on the complexities and contradictions of leaving one's homeland in search of a better life. The first stanza begins with a metaphorical comparison of a ship on the ocean to a throne, suggesting that the voyage represents an opportunity to claim a better life. However, the idea of progress is undermined by the second line, which describes the loss of one natural resource for the sake of another. This puts into question the idea of progress being made at all. The singer then cautiously concludes that they could find a better life but they are not entirely convinced.


The second stanza delves deeper into the journey and the losses involved. The singer recounts having to leave their country of birth, perhaps due to political upheaval or economic reasons. The imagery of growth and death is used metaphorically to describe the sacrifices and losses that come with seeking a better life elsewhere. The final lines of the stanza, "There's a thousand miles of the long journey home", reflect the difficult journey that awaits, both physically and emotionally. The chorus is repeated, serving as a warning to pay attention to the consequences of progress and taking risks.


Overall, Main Theme is a poignant reflection on the sacrifices and difficulties that come with leaving one's homeland in search of a better life. It highlights the complex and often contradictory nature of progress and encourages listeners to think critically about the costs and benefits of pursuing a brighter future elsewhere.


Line by Line Meaning

If on every ocean the ship is a throne
The sea is a vast kingdom where ships reign supreme and navigate with ease.


And for each mast cut down another sapling is grown
Every time a mast is cut down, another sapling is raised, continuing the cycle of life and death and growth.


Then I could believe that I'm bound to find
If this is true, then I can be hopeful that I will find a better life than the one I left behind.


A better life than I left behind
A life that is an improvement from the one I had before, despite the difficulties of the journey.


But as you ascend the ladder
As you make progress and strive for success,


Look out below where you tread
Be careful not to neglect or harm those who are beneath you.


For the colors bled as they overflowed
The ideals and values that were once pure and vibrant have been corrupted and diluted over time.


Red, white and blue
A reference to the American flag and its colors, which have been tarnished by political and social unrest.


Green, white and gold
A reference to the Irish flag and its colors, which have also been tainted by political and social turmoil.


So I had to leave from my country of birth
Due to the difficult conditions and circumstances, the artist had to leave the country where they were born.


As for each child grown tall
For every child who grows up and reaches their full potential,


Another lies in the earth
Another child dies and is buried, a reminder of the fragility of life.


And for every rail we laid in the loam
For every railroad track that was built with hard work and effort,


There's a thousand miles of the long journey home
There's still a long way to go before the goal is achieved or the journey is completed.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, BMG Rights Management
Written by: ELVIS COSTELLO, PADDY MOLONEY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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