This Low
Glen Hansard/Marketa Irglova Lyrics
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So whatever was it works out we both get the blame
In the arms of this low
And you took the wind right out of my sails
By sweating me out on all the little details
In the arms of this low
In the arms of this low
So thread the light
We made a choice and we knew we would pay
For stealing the joy and trying to escape
From the arms of this low
And if by some chance you break from the pack
You know I'll be waiting to welcome you back
Into the arms of this low
In the arms of this low
Thread the light,
Thread the light,
Thread the light,
Thread the light,
Shine the light,
Don't hide the light,
Live the light,
And give the light,
Seek the light,
And speak the light,
Crave the light, and brave the light,
Stare the light,
And share the light,
Show the light,
And know the light,
Raise the light,
And praise the light,
Thread the light,
And spread the light.
The lyrics to Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova's song "This Low" describe a complicated relationship between two people who made a plan that was "subject to change." They both get the blame for whatever works out, making it seem like they are in it together, but at the same time, they take each other and themselves down by obsessing over small details that don't matter. They are in the "arms of this low," which could mean they are both stuck in a negative place, whether it's in their lives, the relationship, or both. The singer feels deflated as if someone took the "wind right out of [their] sails," signaling an end to their motivation and energy. However, they hold on to hope that if they can "thread the light," they can find a way out of it.
The use of light imagery in the song's chorus is a metaphor for finding a way out of the darkness. They want to "thread the light," "shine the light," and "spread the light." However, they recognize that it takes bravery to face the light and accept it. The lyrics suggest that they made a choice that they knew they would pay for, "stealing the joy," and trying to escape. By welcoming each other back into the "arms of this low," they acknowledge that running away doesn't solve the problem. They need to find the courage to face it together, thread the light, and find a way out of it.
Line by Line Meaning
We made a plan that was subject to change
We formed a plan, but we knew it was flexible and could be modified.
So whatever was it works out we both get the blame
No matter what happens, we both accept responsibility.
In the arms of this low
We are currently in a state of sadness or despair.
And you took the wind right out of my sails
You completely deflated my enthusiasm.
By sweating me out on all the little details
You constantly pressed me for every small piece of information or decision.
So thread the light
We should try to find a path towards positivity.
We made a choice and we knew we would pay
We deliberately chose a path that we knew would have negative consequences.
For stealing the joy and trying to escape
We robbed ourselves of happiness and attempted to run away from our problems.
And if by some chance you break from the pack
If you decide to leave our group and try something different.
You know I'll be waiting to welcome you back
I'll still be here for you if you decide to return.
Into the arms of this low
You'll still be joining me in this state of sadness.
Thread the light
We should try to find a way out of the darkness.
Shine the light
We should make a conscious effort to be positive and hopeful.
Don't hide the light
We shouldn't keep our positivity to ourselves, but share it with others.
Live the light
We should embody positivity in our actions.
And give the light
We should share our positivity with others.
Seek the light
We should actively search for positivity in our lives.
And speak the light
We should communicate positivity and hope.
Crave the light, and brave the light
We should desire positivity and have the courage to pursue it.
Stare the light
We should keep our focus on positivity.
And share the light
We should share our positivity with others whenever possible.
Show the light
We should exhibit positivity in our daily lives.
And know the light
We should acknowledge the positivity that exists within us and in the world.
Raise the light
We should increase positivity and strive for a brighter future.
And praise the light
We should celebrate the positivity around us.
Thread the light
We should keep pursuing happiness and positivity.
And spread the light.
We should share our positive attitude with others to make the world a better place.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GLEN HANSARD, Colm Macconiomaire, David Odlum, Graham Downey, Noreen O Donnell, Paul Brennan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind