Asphalt
Ghostlimb Lyrics
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would cringe at the predicament
and every man I've ever been
would laugh at the experience because I know
that risk and desire go hand in hand
sometimes the cost of autonomy is suffering
when I looked down at bare feet
and see only asphalt beneath
echoed booming in my ears
"we're all flesh and bone
in a vessel so exposed"
to recognize and appreciate that crash into uncertainty
Context:
Asphalt
We are a product of experiences and learning during times of stress and adversity. In order to accomplish objectives and get things done, we make sacrifices that only make sense in hindsight, creating a situation of persistent risk that may only have a payoff in the future. In light of this, our perceptions of self change gradually and invariably over time, leading at least to some appreciation of the formative learning when things turn out a lot worse than you would have imagined. These are also some of the thoughts going through my head whilst sliding on my stomach down the freeway after some snide prick cut me off going 65 mph on my motorcycle.
The lyrics to Ghostlimb's song Asphalt reflect on the inherent risk and desire that accompanies certain experiences, and the cost of autonomy that is sometimes accompanied by suffering. The lines "every kid I ever was would cringe at the predicament, and every man I've ever been would laugh at the experience" speak to the evolution of self that comes with life experiences, from the fear and inexperience of childhood to the confidence and resilience that comes with maturity.
The idea that "risk and desire go hand in hand" is a powerful one, acknowledging the fact that sometimes the things we desire most require us to take risks that may have negative consequences. The reference to "bare feet" and "asphalt beneath" paints a vivid picture of vulnerability, as well as the potential for pain and injury. The line "we're all flesh and bone in a vessel so exposed" reinforces this sense of vulnerability, as well as the idea that we are all susceptible to harm and danger.
Despite the potential for suffering, the lyrics suggest that there is value in these experiences. The line "to recognize and appreciate that crash into uncertainty" speaks to the idea that even when things go wrong, we can learn from our mistakes and gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Ultimately, the lyrics to Asphalt offer a profound reflection on the human experience, and the risks and rewards that come with it.
Line by Line Meaning
Every kid I ever was
Throughout my life, my experiences and perceptions of myself have evolved and grown.
would cringe at the predicament
When looking back on some difficult situations, I may feel ashamed or embarrassed about how I handled them as a child.
and every man I've ever been
As I have grown and become an adult, my perceptions of self and experiences have also changed accordingly.
would laugh at the experience because I know
Despite the hardships I have faced, I can now look back on them and find some humor and appreciation for the lessons they taught me.
that risk and desire go hand in hand
To achieve our goals, we must take risks and put ourselves in potentially dangerous situations.
sometimes the cost of autonomy is suffering
In pursuing our independence and freedom, we may have to endure pain and hardship along the way.
when I looked down at bare feet
In a moment of vulnerability, I realized just how exposed and fragile my body really is.
and see only asphalt beneath
I am reminded of the unforgiving, hard reality that we are all vulnerable to the physical dangers of the world.
that gravel ridden voice
The harsh and gritty voice that echoes in my mind reminds me of the dangers of the world.
echoed booming in my ears
The voice that echoes in my mind is loud and insistent, as if to warn me of the dangers that surround me at all times.
"we're all flesh and bone
No matter how skilled or experienced we may be, we are all ultimately vulnerable to harm or injury.
in a vessel so exposed"
Our bodies are fragile and unprotected, leaving us vulnerable to the dangers of the world around us.
to recognize and appreciate that crash into uncertainty
Through hardship, we can learn to appreciate and recognize the risks inherent in our desires and goals, and the importance of being prepared for uncertainty.
Contributed by Hailey L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.