Century After Century
Idlewild Lyrics


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Since your breathing, is it all that a space can fill?
So just by looking in, I'll be looking still
You find and follow stories well
You're naked except for a newspaper, the headline telling me
That fortune favours the brave
I've been known to be that brave
What I want is on it's way out
All I needed was an easier way to stay

Walking around the city as the light fades (is it all that you remain?)
I'm thinking about each promise that I have ever made

But I know what they will never say, I know what they will never say
Century after Century they remain

And if I read to remember that the entire Earth is outside this room
So close the windows, keep the curtains shut forever
And if I need to remember that the entire Earth is outside this room
So close the windows, close the windows

Isn't it romantic, to be romantic
When you don't understand what you love
Or if a word like that couls ever mean anything
When what you want is on it's way out
I didn't hear cheerleading for creative writers
And your cheekbones don't taste of anything at all
It's on it's way out, it's just an easier way to stay

Talking about a city that the light made (is it all that you remain?)
It's the same story that's been told
But it's been stories that don't fade

I know what they will never say, I know what they will never say
Century after Century they remain





Is it all that you remain?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Century After Century" by Idlewild create a sense of reflection on life and the passing of time. The opening lines, "Since your breathing, is it all that a space can fill? So just by looking in, I'll be looking still" describe the human need for connection and understanding. The singer is trying to understand the person they are speaking to and the space around them, hoping to find meaning and purpose.


The song goes on to describe the power of storytelling, as the person being described "find[s] and follow[s] stories well." This appreciation of storytelling continues with a reference to a newspaper, and the idea that "fortune favours the brave." The singer sees themselves as brave and takes comfort in the fact that what they want is on its way out.


The second half of the song describes the passage of time and the idea that stories remain through the ages. The line "Century after Century they remain" suggests that even though the world changes, some things stay the same. The idea of closing the windows and staying inside forever represents the fear of change and the idea that time and the outside world are daunting. In the end, the singer is left pondering whether it is enough to simply remain, or if there is more to life than that.


Overall, the song is a poignant reflection on life, time, and the human need for understanding and connection.


Line by Line Meaning

Since your breathing, is it all that a space can fill?
Is your existence all there is to fill the void, just by being alive?


So just by looking in, I'll be looking still
Even if I look inside, I'll still be searching for something more


You find and follow stories well
You have a talent for discovering and pursuing narratives


You're naked except for a newspaper, the headline telling me, that fortune favours the brave
You're bearing your truth, armed only with the knowledge that courageous choices can bring success


I've been known to be that brave
I'm not afraid to make daring choices


What I want is on it's way out
My desire is fading away


All I needed was an easier way to stay
I just wanted to find a simpler path to remain where I was


Walking around the city as the light fades (is it all that you remain?)
As darkness descends upon the city, do you question the essence of your being?


I'm thinking about each promise that I have ever made
I'm reflecting on every pledge I've ever given


But I know what they will never say, I know what they will never say
I understand the unspoken truths that go unsaid


Century after Century they remain
Regardless of time, these timeless truths persist


And if I read to remember that the entire Earth is outside this room, so close the windows, keep the curtains shut forever
If I need to remind myself that the world is waiting outside, close the drapes tightly and seal myself away


Isn't it romantic, to be romantic
Isn't it poetic to engage in the feelings of love?


When you don't understand what you love
When you're uncertain about the subject of your affection


Or if a word like that couls ever mean anything
Or if the concept of love has any real significance


Talking about a city that the light made (is it all that you remain?)
Contemplating the city illuminated by light, is just existing all that remains?


It's the same story that's been told, but it's been stories that don't fade
It's a familiar tale, but one that never loses its vibrancy


I know what they will never say, I know what they will never say
I understand what will remain unsaid


Century after Century they remain
These truths persist through the ages


Is it all that you remain?
Is mere existence enough for you?




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BOB FAIRFOULL, COLIN NEWTON, ROD PRYCE-JONES, RODDY WOOMBLE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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