Lightning
Kelsey Wild Lyrics


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I still remember every word you said
I've got a catacomb of words up in my head
Now all our dreams are thrift-store ready
Like they used to be that way
When we're looking at a one-track get-away

And a moment's all it takes to find
The grey matter is suddenly defined
And if I stare too long at another face
Sometimes I see your own
Outrun the realization that I'm alone

When the lightning strikes you can try to run
But it never fails to strike at home
Now you're all shook up
And you can feel the burning deep inside your bones
And if you try hard enough
You might make it back in time

It's been greyer for this time of year
I've been sitting around waiting for a sign to appear
Something in me says stick it out, wait another day
But what I wait for, want I wanted
It always stays the same

When the lightning strikes you can try to run
But it never fails to strike at home
Now you're all shook up
And you can feel the burning deep inside your bones
And if you try hard enough
You might make it back in time

And the maker of this puzzle
I wanted to commend
I can't see the whole picture
Guess I haven't figured it out yet
And even though these times are trying
And it's hard to keep your head above
Oh the water rolling over
You just gotta hold on

When the lightning strikes you can try to run
But it never fails to strike at home
Now you're all shook up
And you can feel the burning deep inside your bones




And if you try hard enough
You might make it back in time

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Kelsey Wild's "Lightning" tell a story of nostalgia, loss, and perseverance. The singer is haunted by memories of a past love, with a "catacomb of words up in [her] head" from conversations and dreams they once shared. However, as time passes, those dreams become more distant and unattainable, like abandoned thrift-store finds. Instead of dwelling in the past, the singer tries to move forward, yet even in the midst of new experiences, she sees echoes of her former partner in strangers' faces. The lightning serves as a metaphor for the inevitable strike of loss and pain in life; one can try to escape it, but it will always come "home," to the deepest parts of one's being. Despite the hardship, the singer urges herself and the listener to hold on and keep pushing forward - even when the full picture is not yet visible.


One interesting aspect of this song is how Wild blends folk and pop elements, incorporating acoustic guitar and piano with electronic beats and vocal layering. The chorus's repetition and catchiness create a sense of momentum and determination, while the verses reveal more introspection and vulnerability. Another notable feature is the use of imagery and figurative language, such as "catacomb of words," "thrift-store ready dreams," and "water rolling over," which add depth and richness to the lyrics.


Line by Line Meaning

I still remember every word you said
I can recollect all the words that you said to me and they are still fresh in my memory.


I've got a catacomb of words up in my head
There's a labyrinth of words in my head that I can't seem to get rid of.


Now all our dreams are thrift-store ready
Our once precious dreams have become meaningless and are now worth second hand prices.


Like they used to be that way
Our dreams were once very important to us, but not anymore.


When we're looking at a one-track get-away
We're constantly thinking of running away and starting a new life somewhere else.


And a moment's all it takes to find
All it takes is just a moment to realize something important.


The grey matter is suddenly defined
The ambiguity is finally cleared and everything becomes clear in your mind.


And if I stare too long at another face
When I stare at someone's face for too long, I can sometimes see your face in theirs.


Sometimes I see your own
I see your face in their face.


Outrun the realization that I'm alone
I try to avoid the fact that I'm alone and think of other things instead.


When the lightning strikes you can try to run
When disaster hits, you might try to escape it.


But it never fails to strike at home
But somehow the calamity finds you no matter where you go.


Now you're all shook up
Now you're frightened and nervous.


And you can feel the burning deep inside your bones
You can sense the fear deep in your heart and soul.


And if you try hard enough
If you make an effort.


You might make it back in time
You might succeed and overcome the obstacles in time.


It's been greyer for this time of year
The weather has been gloomier than it should be for this time of year.


I've been sitting around waiting for a sign to appear
I've been lounging, hoping that something will inspire me or tell me what to do next.


Something in me says stick it out, wait another day
Part of me believes that I should stay patient and not give up hope just yet.


But what I wait for, want I wanted
What I've been waiting for and hoping for hasn't come to fruition.


It always stays the same
Everything remains as they were and nothing changes.


And the maker of this puzzle
To whoever created this complex picture,


I wanted to commend
I wish to congratulate you for doing such a great job.


I can't see the whole picture
Unfortunately I can't understand the entirety of the situation.


Guess I haven't figured it out yet
I still haven't found the answer.


And even though these times are trying
Although these times are difficult and challenging.


And it's hard to keep your head above
It's challenging to stay positive and optimistic.


Oh the water rolling over
Despite all the challenges and struggles.


You just gotta hold on
You must remain strong, hold on and not give up.




Contributed by Jayden M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@griffinmpable

I got to see Kelsey back around 2007/08 at the ELB in Rockford. She was doing a lot of county Fair shows and small coffee shop sets for a long time. Unfortunately kinda disappeared from the area scene. I fell in love with her voice and playing in a church basement at age 16. 14 years later I still check around to see if she's performing

@jakep7706

2019 still playing this jam

@Newportbanking

Ill never forget meeting her at your sisters in Chicago

@fearlesslo

I love Kelsey. Amazing and beautiful inside and out, glad I got to meet her at an IMEA school function back in high school. It was literally like meeting a celebrity.

@summerthomas619

Thank you Jaclyn for introducing me. I'm in love

@StevenCromer187

Kelsey Wild is an incredible musician.

@PeterPanRoxs1303

Loved her since the very beginning! Love ya Kelsey <3 =D

@sydneycooper33

this is what true beauty is 😍

@Rebecca-fu7bx

She's so incredible 💗

@xkristinnx

Jaclyn Hill sent me. Love it💛

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