Read Full Bio ↴Reg Vermue, a.k.a. Gentleman Reg, is a Canadian indie singer-songwriter.
Members of Royal City and The Constantines regularly appear as Vermue's supporting band on his solo recordings. He has regularly performed with The Hidden Cameras and Final Fantasy, aswell as contributing vocals on the Final Fantasy LP 'Has A Good Home'.
It's Not Safe
Gentleman Reg Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Impenetrable land made of cloud
With textures, rolling hills, white meadows
Movements that unsettle
And remind one where we are
Movements that unsettle
And remind one where we are
Seemingly graceful
Acting like birds, acting like birds
It's not safe to be naked,
Young or creative anymore
It's not safe to be naked,
Young or creative anymore
How close we pass water
How quickly the ground comes up
Arriving in California on a cloudy day
Is not what I expected
It's not safe to be naked,
Young or creative anymore
It's not safe to be naked,
Young or creative anymore
It's not safe to be naked,
Young or creative anymore
It's not safe to be naked,
Young or creative anymore
It's not safe to be naked,
Young or creative anymore
It's not safe to be naked,
Young or creative anymore
Anymore
Anymore
Anymore
Anymore
In Gentleman Reg's song "It's Not Safe", the lyrics paint a vivid picture of the anxiety and unease that comes with being vulnerable and different in a society that often demands conformity. The opening lines describe a world that seems impenetrable, with clouds obscuring the view outside of "tiny windows". The movements that unsettle serve to remind the listener of their own vulnerability and mortality. They are intentionally out of control, yet seemingly graceful, which highlights the delicate balance between vulnerability and strength that is required in order to be oneself in a world that does not always accept us for who we are.
The repeated refrain of "It's not safe to be naked, young, or creative anymore" reveals the underlying fear and longing for a time when self-expression and authenticity were more readily accepted. The singer is nostalgic for a time when they were able to be "naked" or vulnerable without the fear of being judged or rejected. This sense of loss is further emphasized through the final lines of the song, repeated as a refrain: "anymore, anymore, anymore".
The song's lyrical themes are complemented by the dreamy, atmospheric quality of the music. The gentle instrumentation and Reg's tender vocal delivery create a sense of introspection and vulnerability that underpins the song's message. Overall, "It's Not Safe" is a poignant and powerful exploration of the challenges of being true to oneself in a society that often demands conformity.
Line by Line Meaning
Outside of tiny windows
Looking through small windows, unable to see the bigger picture
Impenetrable land made of cloud
A foggy, unclear path ahead
With textures, rolling hills, white meadows
The beauty of nature, despite the uncertainty it brings
Movements that unsettle
Uneasiness caused by the unknown
And remind one where we are
Bringing us back to reality and our surroundings
Intentionally out of control
Recklessness in the face of danger
Seemingly graceful
Appearing beautiful and delicate despite the risk
Acting like birds, acting like birds
Emulating the freedom and carelessness of birds
It's not safe to be naked,
Being vulnerable is dangerous
Young or creative anymore
The world is not kind to those who are innocent or imaginative
How close we pass water
Navigating through life's obstacles with little room for error
How quickly the ground comes up
The harsh reality and consequences of our actions
Arriving in California on a cloudy day
Disappointment when expectations are not met
Anymore
The world has become more unforgiving and dangerous
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: AMY RIGBY, BILL DEMAIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind