The Build-Up
Kings of Convenience Lyrics

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The build-up
Lasted for days
Lasted for weeks
Lasted too long

Our hero
Withdrew
When there was two

He could not choose one
So there was none

Worn into the vaguely announced
Worn into the vaguely announced

The spinning top made a sound
Like a train across the valley
Fading, oh so quiet
But constant 'til it passed
Over the ridge into the distances
Written on your ticket
To remind you where to stop
And when to get off

The spinning top made a sound
Like a train across the valley
Fading, oh so quiet
But constant 'til it passed
Over the ridge into the distances
Written on your ticket
To remind you where to stop
And when to get off

The spinning top made a sound
Like a train across the valley

Fading, oh so quiet
But constant 'til it passed
Over the ridge into the distances
Written on your ticket
To remind you where to stop
When to get off

When to get off
When to get off
When to get off

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Kings of Convenience's song The Build-Up are about the difficulties that come with indecision and the realization that sometimes the choices we make determine the outcomes of our lives. The build-up referred to in the first stanza suggests that the indecision has been going on for far too long and has become something that has been worn into the singer's mind. The lyrics suggest that the singer of the story has been faced with a decision in which they were unable to make a choice, ultimately leading to them being left with nothing.

The second stanza describes the sound of a spinning top that resembles that of a train, fading out into the distance until it's no longer audible. This could represent the singer's indecision, which resulted in missed opportunities, leading to the sound ultimately fading out. The reference to the ticket is a reminder to that person to know when to stop, to make decisions to avoid missed opportunities, and to ultimately get off the train before it has passed them by.

Overall, the lyrics suggest that indecision and the inability to make choices can lead to missed opportunities and unfulfilled lives. It's a warning to be present, make decisive choices, and live life to the fullest.

Line by Line Meaning

The build-up
The tension between two people

Lasted for days
Went on for a long time

Lasted for weeks
Continued for an extended period of time

Lasted too long
Lasted longer than it should have

Our hero
A main character in the story

Withdrew
Pulled away or disconnected

When there was two
When there were two options or people to choose from

He could not choose one
He was unable to make a decision

So there was none
And so he ended up with neither option

Worn into the vaguely announced
Quite familiar with the vaguely defined

The spinning top made a sound
A metaphor for the passing of time