On the Esplanade
Julian Plenti Lyrics


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On the esplanade
Down by the sea
Baby watch my back
I think somebody's been following me
You feel overcome
With trying to play it dead
You feel safe that way
Is it better than just playing instead?
Was a big step for me to roll up my golden light
Should have saved, saved my energy

I'm awake today
It's so nice to see the window, wash my dreams away
And I prop myself up on my pillow
We've been through shaky times
But I'm glad you found your way
There was too much panic then
From here on it will be straight all the way
Was a big step for me to roll up my golden light
Should have saved, saved my energy

Changing with time
I can't wait for the sign
Is this right?
Day turns your side, but the day brings the pride of the light
Oh the peace comes at night,
I will never break from this shadow of exile
To be blinded
Changing with time
I can't wait for the sign




Is this right?
Is this right?

Overall Meaning

In "On the Esplanade," Julian Plenti sings about feeling paranoid and afraid as he walks down by the sea, thinking that someone may be following him. The lyrics convey a sense of tension and unease, as he struggles to decide whether to hide and play dead or to confront his fear head-on. Plenti also reflects on his personal journey, acknowledging that it was a big step for him to embrace his inner light ("roll up my golden light"). He acknowledges that he should have conserved his energy for the challenges ahead, instead of wasting it on frivolous pursuits.


The song represents a subtle yet potent reflection on the challenges and uncertainties that we all face in life. By drawing on his own experiences of fear and doubt, Plenti offers a message of hope and resilience to his listeners. He reminds us that no matter how dark things may seem at times, we always have the power to channel our inner light and stand up for what we believe in.


Line by Line Meaning

On the esplanade
I am at a promenade by the sea, probably in search of peace


Down by the sea
Specifically, I am at a location near the sea


Baby watch my back
I am cautious, someone might be following me


I think somebody's been following me
I'm not sure, but I have a feeling that someone is following me


You feel overcome
You're exhausted and overwhelmed


With trying to play it dead
You're trying to remain unnoticed or appear dead


You feel safe that way
You feel more secure when posing as unbothered


Is it better than just playing instead?
Are you really better off not being more proactive in life?


Was a big step for me to roll up my golden light
Previous accomplishments have elevated my esteem and confidence levels


Should have saved, saved my energy
In retrospect, I should have conserved more energy for another task


I'm awake today
I am now alert and functional


It's so nice to see the window, wash my dreams away
The opportunity to experience the refreshing, natural light is comforting and a sign of hope


And I prop myself up on my pillow
I raise my head, ready to tackle the day ahead


We've been through shaky times
We've been through periods of great confusion and fear


But I'm glad you found your way
But I'm glad you were able to overcome despite the difficulties


There was too much panic then
We dealt with excessive stress and panic during that time period


From here on it will be straight all the way
Things will be clearer and obstacles will be easier to overcome moving forward


Changing with time
Things are evolving and changing as time goes on


I can't wait for the sign
Waiting for a clear indication or direction before making any decisions


Is this right?
Are my actions and decisions the right ones to make?


Day turns your side, but the day brings the pride of the light
Each day can bring new opportunities and a sense of pride and accomplishment


Oh the peace comes at night,
The night time is a time for reflection and peace


I will never break from this shadow of exile
I'll never forget the dark times of the past


To be blinded
To be unaware of what's really going on


Is this right?
Are my actions and decisions the right ones to make?




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Paul Julian Banks

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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