<… Read Full Bio ↴Jon Shaban plays guitar and saxophone for Cape Town band, Captain Stu.
He also has a project named "Jon Shaban and the Suave Koalas"
The Fire
Jon Shaban Lyrics
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Let's shake hands
Let's agree on a deal where we both benefit
And then let's smile
Let's smile when our faces won't let us
Life's a trick
It's magic
To remind you you're a slave to your eyes
And I'll always remember
The place we returned where to learn how to watch the world burn
It was a beautiful place
Let's have lunch
In the sun
Let's spend a bunch of money on average things
Well-designed
To make themselves look expensive
Make a wish
Be selfish
Take your own name and put it on top of the list
A list we've designed a commitment in time for our eyes
And I'll always remember
The place we returned where to learn how to watch the world burn
Let's move on
The flames are gone
There's nothing left to burn, fire happens in turn with its fuel
Lets move on
Let's move on
There's nothing left to burn, fire happens in turn with its fuel
And I'll always remember
The place we returned where to learn how to watch the world burn
It was a beautiful place
In "The Fire," Jon Shaban explores themes of negotiation, self-indulgence, and the transient nature of existence. The first verse sets the tone for the song, emphasizing the importance of finding a mutually beneficial agreement and maintaining a pleasant facade, even when faced with adversity. The repeated phrase "Let's shake hands" and the mention of smiling despite inner turmoil suggests a need to maintain harmony and compromise in relationships.
The second verse delves deeper into the metaphorical concept of life as a magic trick. The lyrics speak of "setting roses on fire," symbolizing sacrificing something beautiful or valuable for the sake of realization. This sacrifice acts as a reminder that one can become enslaved by appearances and the desire to please others. It hints at the idea that one's own eyes or desires can lead them astray, emphasizing the need for self-reflection.
In the third verse, the focus shifts to the indulgence of materialistic pleasures. The lyrics suggest spending money on superficial, average things that are designed to create an illusion of luxury. The act of making a wish and prioritizing oneself by putting their own name at the top of a list portrays self-centeredness and a desire for personal gain. It implies a commitment to satisfying personal desires above all else, particularly external expectations.
The chorus acts as a reminder of a significant place where the singer and someone else learned to watch the world burn. This place is described as beautiful, suggesting that this act of observation or detachment can be captivating and transformative. It invites reflection on how a change in perspective can occur when one lets go and allows the world to unfold without interference.
The final verse explores the concept of moving on when there is nothing left to burn. This refers to a point in life where one has exhausted their resources or been through transformative experiences. The lyrics emphasize the cyclical nature of fire and its inevitable relationship with fuel. In this context, moving on becomes an essential step in accepting the transience of life and recognizing that growth and change are inherent.
Overall, "The Fire" speaks to the need for negotiation and compromise, the danger of being enslaved by appearances, the allure of self-indulgence, and the acceptance of the impermanence of all things. It offers a reflective journey through various aspects of human existence, urging the listener to embrace transformation and find beauty in the chaos and uncertainty life often presents.
Line by Line Meaning
Let's shake hands
Let's come to an agreement where both of us can benefit
Let's agree on a deal where we both benefit
Let's reach a mutual agreement that is advantageous for both of us
And then let's smile
Let's put on a smile even when our true emotions don't allow it
Let's smile when our faces won't let us
Let's display happiness outwardly, despite our true feelings
Life's a trick
Life can often be deceptive or elusive
It's magic
Life holds a mysterious and enchanting quality
We'll take this bunch of roses and set it on fire a sacrifice made
We will willingly destroy something beautiful as a symbolic offering
To remind you you're a slave to your eyes
To emphasize that we are controlled by our own desires and visual perceptions
And I'll always remember
I will forever hold in my memory
The place we returned where to learn how to watch the world burn
The location we revisited to understand the destruction and chaos in the world
It was a beautiful place
Despite the devastation, it held a unique allure
Let's have lunch
Let's share a meal together
In the sun
Under the warm and bright illumination of the sun
Let's spend a bunch of money on average things
Let's invest a significant amount of money in ordinary items
Well-designed
Carefully crafted with aesthetic appeal
To make themselves look expensive
To create the illusion of luxury or high value
Make a wish
Formulate a desire in your mind
Be selfish
Prioritize your own needs and desires
Take your own name and put it on top of the list
Give yourself the highest priority or importance
A list we've designed a commitment in time for our eyes
A carefully crafted agenda or set of goals that we are dedicated to fulfilling
Let's move on
Let's progress and leave behind what has already happened
The flames are gone
The destructive forces have ceased
There's nothing left to burn, fire happens in turn with its fuel
There is nothing remaining to be consumed by the fire, as it naturally extinguishes when it has exhausted its fuel source
And I'll always remember
I will forever hold in my memory
The place we returned where to learn how to watch the world burn
The location we revisited to understand the destruction and chaos in the world
It was a beautiful place
Despite the devastation, it held a unique allure
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind