Lions
Handsome Ghost Lyrics


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we can be the lions among the cats
we will be forever fighting back

we were born in august
celebrate the summer and this early morning to airport lines
cheap seats and the open skies
give me foreign cities
give me late night rooftop movies
she's sad when night gets still
cigarettes by the window sill

your plans, your hands they rest on my knees
the promises we wanted to keep

know that we can both be better than that
we can be the colour beating black
we can be the lions among the cats
we will be forever fighting back

then again December
steady wait for a new disaster
the world works in wicked ways
hanging out with the whisky rays

your plans your hands they rest on my knees
the promises we wanted to keep

know that we can both be better than that
we can be the colour beating black
we can be the lions among the cats
we will be forever fighting back

we can be the colour within black

we can be the colour within black

even if you call me from your front steps
even if i'm waking to the sound
say you want to live it but you forget how

know that we can both be better than that
we can be the colour beating black
we can be the lions among the cats
we will be forever fighting back

we can be the colour within black





we can be the colour within black

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Handsome Ghost's song "Lions" paint a picture of two people who are determined to stand out and be extraordinary. The first verse speaks of being "lions among the cats," suggesting that they don't want to blend in with the ordinary people around them. They live life with passion and fight against the mundane things in life. They were born in August, which is a month associated with the end of summer, but also the beginning of new things. They celebrate the end of one thing while also embracing a new start. The mention of airports and cheap seats suggest that they are willing to go on adventures, even if they don't have much money. They crave the excitement of new places and new experiences.


The chorus suggests that the two of them will always be fighting against the tide. They are determined to be better and stronger than their current circumstances. They want to be the "colour within black," which can be interpreted as wanting to stand out and be unique. In the second verse, the lyric "steady wait for a new disaster" suggests that they know that life is hard, but they are strong enough to handle whatever comes their way. They hang out with the "whiskey rays," which could either mean people who drink whiskey or just the feeling of the warmth and happiness that alcohol can bring.


Overall, the song speaks to the universal human desire to be exceptional and to fight against the struggles of everyday life. It is a hopeful song that encourages listeners to embrace their individuality and stand out from the crowd.


Line by Line Meaning

we can be the lions among the cats
We can rise above the crowded mediocrity and be great leaders in our own fields.


we will be forever fighting back
We will never give up in the face of adversity and always keep pushing forward.


we were born in august
We were born in a time of living, enjoying, and creating without the weight of inhibition or expectation, much like summer.


celebrate the summer and this early morning to airport lines
We should take joy in the simple things like going to the airport early in the morning for a vacation, as a representation of new beginnings in life.


cheap seats and the open skies
Enjoying the small moments in life, like sitting in the cheap seats on a plane and looking out at the vastness of the sky.


give me foreign cities
An appreciation for diversity, adventure and the desire to learn about people and their stories from different cultures.


give me late night rooftop movies
Appreciation for simple joyous moments in life, like having a movie night on a rooftop late into the night, under the stars.


she's sad when night gets still
The stillness of the quiet dark adds up to negative emotions and creates a melancholic mood.


cigarettes by the window sill
Reflecting on the small moments of solitude and alone time, like smoking by the window watching the world go by in meditative thought.


your plans, your hands they rest on my knees
Though powerless on the surface, someone who has given up control to another, yearning to reach out to someone for guidance and support.


the promises we wanted to keep
Remembering and regretting broken promises made to oneself and loved ones.


know that we can both be better than that
Encouraging oneself and a loved one to strive for greatness and break free from mediocrity.


we can be the colour beating black
We can bring vibrant and dynamic energy to a dark, stagnant, and negative world.


then again December
Reflecting on another change of seasons - a time of introspection and analysis.


steady wait for a new disaster
Living with anxiety, bracing oneself for a new storm that life will bring.


the world works in wicked ways
Looking at and accepting the harsh ongoing realities of life.


hanging out with the whisky rays
Living in the moment and taking joy in the evening sun and its warmth on a troubled mind.


even if you call me from your front steps
Even when those we love are in a terrible state, we will still answer their call with love and support.


even if i'm waking to the sound
Even if the world is a terrible place, we will keep pushing and looking for hope and light in the darkest hours.


say you want to live it but you forget how
Finding yourself wanting to immerse in life and make the most of every chance, but somehow getting lost in your thoughts and worries.


we can be the colour within black
We can bring hope and light to a dark situation, and find beauty and positivity even in the most trying of times.




Contributed by Makayla A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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