Sinkin' Soon
Lee Alexander/Norah Jones Lyrics
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And the honey in the tea
We're the sugar cubes, one lump or two
In the black coffee
The golden crust on an apple pie
That shines in the sun at noon
We're a wheel of cheese high in the sky
But we're gonna be sinkin' soon
In a boat that's built of sticks and hay
We drifted from the shore
With a captain who's too proud to say
That he dropped the oar
Now a tiny hole has sprung a leak
In this cheap pontoon
Now the hull has started growing weak
And we're gonna be sinkin' soon
We're gonna be
Sinkin' soon
We're gonna be
Sinkin' soon
Everybody hold your breath 'cause
We're gonna be sinkin' soon
We're gonna be
Sinkin' soon
We're gonna be
Sinkin' soon
Everybody hold your breath 'cause
Down and down we go
Like the oyster cracker on the stew
The honey in the tea
The sugar cubes, one lump or two?
No thank you, none for me
We're the golden crust on an apple pie
That shines in the sun at noon
Like the wheel of cheese high in the sky
Well, we're gonna be sinkin' soon
The lyrics in Lee Alexander and Norah Jones's song Sinkin' Soon showcases a metaphorical representation of a sinking boat. The first verse highlights the comparison of the oyster cracker in the stew, the honey in the tea, sugar cubes in coffee, golden crust on apple pie, and the wheel of cheese high in the sky all belonging to something that is both essential and aesthetically pleasing. It’s like these elements work together to make a complete meal. However, immediately in the next verse, we’re introduced to the problem of the boat built on sticks and boat that has a captain who's too proud to admit his mistakes. The cheap pontoon gets a tiny hole and then becomes weakened, and everything starts to fall apart. The band members encourage people to hold their breath as the boat sinks deeper and deeper.
This song is a commentary on the fragility of life and how everything can fall apart in just a matter of moments. The comparison to the ingredients in a meal is not accidental as food is an essential need of human life, and just like a boat is a necessity for a sailor. However, it’s no longer about enjoying delicious food or living out your seafaring apogee; it’s now about survival. People need to hold their breath, so they don’t go under with the sinking ship.
Overall, the lyrics of Sinkin' Soon illustrate a dark and moody masterpiece that gives a metaphorical respect for survival and human living. Everything from food to water is essential, and when these elements fail, then it probably is time to hold onto the reins of life and hope for better things to come along.
Line by Line Meaning
We're an oyster cracker on the stew
We are a small and insignificant part of this much bigger whole.
And the honey in the tea
We add sweetness to this situation.
We're the sugar cubes, one lump or two
We have options and choices to make here, but they might not matter in the end.
In the black coffee
We are part of the darkness in this situation.
The golden crust on an apple pie
We might seem shiny and impressive on the outside, but we are still just a part of this bigger whole.
That shines in the sun at noon
Our value might only be visible in certain circumstances, but not all.
We're a wheel of cheese high in the sky
We might be considered high and mighty by some, but we are still at risk of falling.
But we're gonna be sinkin' soon
Despite all of this, we know that our fate is sealed and we are going down soon.
In a boat that's built of sticks and hay
We are in a vulnerable and fragile situation.
We drifted from the shore
We are lost and directionless.
With a captain who's too proud to say
We are being led by someone who is too arrogant to admit their mistakes.
That he dropped the oar
Their mistake is the reason we are in this predicament.
Now a tiny hole has sprung a leak
Our situation is getting worse, and we are losing control.
In this cheap pontoon
Our vessel is not sturdy and reliable.
Now the hull has started growing weak
Our situation is becoming increasingly dire.
And we're gonna be sinkin' soon
We know that our situation is hopeless and that we are going down soon.
Everybody hold your breath 'cause
We are bracing ourselves for the worst.
Down and down we go
Our descent is inevitable and ongoing.
Like the oyster cracker on the stew
We are still just an insignificant part of this bigger picture.
The honey in the tea
We are still contributing sweetness in our final moments.
The sugar cubes, one lump or two?
Our previous choices and opinions are now irrelevant.
No thank you, none for me
It's too late to change our minds now.
We're the golden crust on an apple pie
We are still shiny, but our fate is sealed.
That shines in the sun at noon
Our final moments might still have some beauty and value, but they are fleeting.
Like the wheel of cheese high in the sky
We are still at a great height, but we are about to fall.
Well, we're gonna be sinkin' soon
Our fate is inevitable, and we are going down soon.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LEE ALEXANDER, NORAH JONES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind