Timbuktu
Holly Macve Lyrics


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Timbuktu

I'll be waiting for the train to Timbuktu
I'll be waiting for my chance to run from the truth
And as the wind blows and the rain hits hard on my skin
I find shelter from escaping this heart of sins.

I'll sail through this lonely dark night
Searching for anything but the light
Uh, I'll close my eyes to the light I knew
Dreaming of anything but you

I've been thinking of the times when I was young and free
Standing steadily on my own two feet
And as the memory is turned to dust and set on the ground
I find comfort in forgetting this heart of mine

I'll sail through this lonely dark night
Searching for anything but the light
Uh, I'll close my eyes to the light I knew




Dreaming of anything but you
Dreaming of anything but you

Overall Meaning

Holly Macve's Timbuktu is a song that primarily deals with running away from one's own reality. In the first two lines, the singer is waiting for the train to Timbuktu, which is a metaphor even though the place does exist. It is a way for the singer to escape their life and whatever is bothering them. They are waiting for their chance to run from the truth, which could be a situation, emotions or anything that the singer doesn't want to confront. It indicates the singer's desire to leave everything behind and start anew.


The second verse is about the singer's state of mind. As they sail through the lonely dark night, they are searching for anything but the light. They want to escape into the darkness where they don't have to face their troubles. The singer also appears to be going through a breakup as they dream of anything but their partner. The line "I find comfort in forgetting this heart of mine" suggests that the singer's heart is broken, and they want to forget their feelings so they can start fresh.


Overall, Timbuktu captures the essence of escapism and longing for a new beginning. The song is an ode to running away from reality when things get too difficult or overwhelming.


Line by Line Meaning

I'll be waiting for the train to Timbuktu
I'm eagerly, desperately waiting for an escape route or a way out of my current situation, as if waiting for a train to take me far, far away to Timbuktu.


I'll be waiting for my chance to run from the truth
I'm avoiding the harsh reality, looking for an opportunity or an excuse to escape from the truth, which could be painful or hard to swallow.


And as the wind blows and the rain hits hard on my skin
I'm feeling the impact of the outside world, being exposed to the elements of nature that can be harsh and unforgiving, reflecting the hardships of life.


I find shelter from escaping this heart of sins.
I'm seeking refuge from my troubled heart, which is burdened by guilt, shame, or regret, trying to escape my own mistakes and misgivings.


I'll sail through this lonely dark night
I'll keep going, trying to navigate through the difficult, isolating times, where I feel lost or alone, without giving up or giving in.


Searching for anything but the light
I'm actively trying to avoid the good or positive aspects of life, rejecting the light that could brighten my path, and instead focusing on the darkness or negativity.


Uh, I'll close my eyes to the light I knew
I'm deliberately shutting out the memories or experiences that were once meaningful, happy, or comforting, and resigning myself to the darkness or uncertainty of the present.


Dreaming of anything but you
I'm longing for anything that distracts me from my troubles or pain, and trying to forget about you, who may represent a source of hurt or disappointment for me.


I've been thinking of the times when I was young and free
I'm reminiscing about the past, recalling the days when I felt more carefree, adventurous, or unencumbered, before the weight of maturity or responsibility caught up with me.


Standing steadily on my own two feet
I'm proud of my independence or self-sufficiency, feeling confident and strong when I'm self-reliant and not relying on others for support or guidance.


And as the memory is turned to dust and set on the ground
I'm realizing that the past is just a memory, and it's fleeting and fragile, as it can be easily forgotten or lost, like turning to dust and fading away on the ground.


I find comfort in forgetting this heart of mine
I find solace in not dwelling on my emotional state or inner turmoil, and instead trying to forget or ignore my own feelings or desires, even if it means numbing myself to the world.


Dreaming of anything but you
I'm still preoccupied with escaping my current reality, fantasizing about anything else but you, who may represent the source of my pain or discomfort.




Contributed by Audrey M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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