Fly
James Collins Lyrics

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We used to whip the Firebird through the fields
Milk crate for a seat, a death grip on the steering wheel
cnd I believed in something
That simply wasn't real
We used to shake the fishing bait from the trees
cnd sell it to the sheriff on his way to the creek
cnd I'm afraid that it might've been the only honest dollar I've ever seen

My oh my how time flies
Is this the way I wanted things to be
I simply cannot decide
Who in the hell is behind those eyes
I guess it's okay to wonder until the day I die
But who knows... who knows
You gotta turn turn the page to know how the story goes
Who knows... not yet
Hold on to what you got for now and let time take care of the rest

I used to sing my heart out on a dare
Headed home with nothing to show but a flower for your hair
cnd I got to wondering
If this life would ever seem fair
cnd now we get our kicks out on the road
It doesn't matter where the money comes from we know where it's gonna go
cnd I'm afraid that the sweetest days
They might've gone and given up the ghost

cnd if you choose to walk on alone
You run the risk of finding trouble looking for a home

But we ain't afraid of what's out there
We got everything we need in spades with a little to share

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to James Collins's song "Fly" depict a nostalgic reflection on the past and contemplation of the present. The opening lines reminisce about carefree days, driving around in a Firebird with a makeshift seat, highlighting the singer's belief in something that wasn't real. This could metaphorically represent the youthful innocence and idealism that often fades with time and experience.

The mention of shaking fishing bait from trees and selling it to the sheriff adds a touch of rebelliousness and resourcefulness to the narrative. The singer reflects on this memory as possibly the only honest means of making money that they have ever experienced, suggesting a longing for simpler times and a feeling of disillusionment with the present.

The chorus, "My oh my how time flies, is this the way I wanted things to be, I simply cannot decide," expresses the confusion and uncertainty the singer feels about their current life. They question the person they have become, wondering who is behind their eyes, and express a willingness to continue wondering until their last day. The line "you gotta turn the page to know how the story goes" implies the need for embracing change and accepting that the future holds unknown possibilities.

The second verse introduces another nostalgic memory, where the singer used to sing their heart out on a dare, but only returning home with a flower for someone's hair, suggesting a possible unrequited love or a sense of unfulfilled dreams. The mention of getting kicks on the road and not caring where the money comes from emphasizes a carefree and adventurous lifestyle, where experiences outweigh material possessions. However, the fear is expressed that the best days may have already passed and been lost.

The final lines convey a sense of contentment with the present and a belief that they have everything they need, emphasizing the value of friendship and sharing. The mention of choosing to walk alone and the risk of finding trouble looking for a home suggests that it's better to have companionship and support than to face the challenges of life alone.

Overall, the lyrics of "Fly" delve into themes of nostalgia, self-reflection, the passage of time, and the importance of relationships and contentment.

Line by Line Meaning

We used to whip the Firebird through the fields
In the past, we would drive recklessly across open fields in a Firebird car

Milk crate for a seat, a death grip on the steering wheel
We couldn't afford proper seats, so we sat on a milk crate while holding the steering wheel tightly

And I believed in something that simply wasn't real
I had faith in something that turned out to be a false belief

We used to shake the fishing bait from the trees
We would vigorously shake the trees to make the fishing bait fall down

And sell it to the sheriff on his way to the creek
Then, we would sell the bait to the sheriff who was going fishing at the creek

And I'm afraid that it might've been the only honest dollar I've ever seen
I worry that this might have been the only legitimately earned money I have ever had

My oh my how time flies
Time passes quickly and it surprises me

Is this the way I wanted things to be
I question if this is how I desired my life to turn out

I simply cannot decide
I am unable to make a firm decision

Who in the hell is behind those eyes
I am unsure about the true nature of the person behind those eyes

I guess it's okay to wonder until the day I die
I suppose it is acceptable to have uncertainties and ponder until my last day

But who knows... who knows
In the end, nobody truly knows the answers

You gotta turn turn the page to know how the story goes
To discover the unfolding of the story, you must keep progressing forward

Who knows... not yet
We still do not possess the knowledge of what lies ahead

Hold on to what you got for now and let time take care of the rest
It is essential to cling onto what you presently have and allow time to handle the rest

I used to sing my heart out on a dare
In the past, I would bravely sing with all my heart due to a challenge or a bet

Headed home with nothing to show but a flower for your hair
Returning home empty-handed, only possessing a flower to gift you

And I got to wondering if this life would ever seem fair
I started to contemplate whether this existence would ever feel just or equitable

And now we get our kicks out on the road
Currently, we find excitement and enjoyment while traveling on the road

It doesn't matter where the money comes from, we know where it's gonna go
The source of money is irrelevant because we already know where it will be spent

And I'm afraid that the sweetest days, they might've gone and given up the ghost
I fear that the most delightful times have passed and faded away

And if you choose to walk on alone
If you decide to continue your journey alone

You run the risk of finding trouble looking for a home
There is a possibility of encountering difficulties while searching for a place to belong

But we ain't afraid of what's out there
Nevertheless, we are not scared of the unknown

We got everything we need in spades with a little to share
We have an abundance of everything required and even a bit extra to offer others

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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