"Please Come Home" is very proggy, but it’s more about atmosphere than technical expertise, inspired by his love of science fiction and interest in the evolution of the human race.
False Lights
Lonely Robot Lyrics
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So distantly terrestrial, but feeling not without
It's whispered at horizons but they only turn away
A sad lament the clouds forgot til a breeze stole them away
False lights fading, false lights failing me now
Flickering dark again
Lost in maybes and endless save me
She's spinning in the whirlpool, a dizzying fulfil
I strive to ride the ebb and flow but it beleaguers still
If only for a moment, she could set the compass free
And swim towards this flickering sad beacon out at sea
False lights fading, false lights failing me now
Flickering dark again
Lost in maybes and endless save me
False lights may be my only friend
The Lonely Robot's song, False Lights, speaks to the disorientation and uncertainty that we experience as we strive to make sense of our lives. The opening verse uses the metaphor of being adrift in a vast ocean to convey a sense of being untethered and separate from the world around us. However, despite this sense of isolation, there is still a sense of purpose and meaning to be found. This is expressed through the line "feeling not without," which suggests that there is still a sense of connection and belonging, even if it is not immediately apparent.
The chorus of the song is where the title comes in, as the singer laments the false lights that they have been following. These could be literal navigational beacons, but they also represent the false hopes and dreams that we sometimes cling to in order to survive. The fact that they are "failing" and "fading" suggests that the singer is becoming aware of their shortcomings, and is starting to lose faith in them. However, even as they acknowledge the falseness of these lights, they are still hesitant to let go of them, as they fear being left in the dark.
The second verse introduces a second character, referred to as "she", who is also struggling to find her way in the world. The image of her spinning in a whirlpool creates a sense of disorientation and confusion, a feeling that is echoed in the singer's own struggles. Despite this, there is still a sense of hope that they might be able to find their way out of the swirling waters and towards a more stable future. This is represented by the image of the "flickering sad beacon out at sea," which offers some comfort in the darkness.
Overall, False Lights is a beautiful and introspective song that speaks to the human experience of disorientation and uncertainty. It uses powerful metaphors and imagery to convey a sense of struggle and longing, while also offering a sense of hope and purpose.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm drifting in the ripples and slowly floating out
I feel lost and adrift, slowly gliding away from reality.
So distantly terrestrial, but feeling not without
I am disconnected from the earthly world, but not without emotions.
It's whispered at horizons but they only turn away
The answers that I seek are on the horizon, but they elude me.
A sad lament the clouds forgot til a breeze stole them away
My sorrowful thoughts were forgotten by the clouds until a breeze carried them away.
False lights fading, false lights failing me now
The illusions I've been chasing are fading, no longer able to deceive me.
Flickering dark again
My world is becoming darker, as the false lights are extinguished.
Lost in maybes and endless save me
I am lost in uncertainty and seeking an escape from my pain.
False lights may be my only friend
The illusions that have been leading me astray may be the only companions I have left.
She's spinning in the whirlpool, a dizzying fulfil
Someone else is caught up in the whirlpool of life, finding it thrilling.
I strive to ride the ebb and flow but it beleaguers still
I am trying to go with the ups and downs of life, but it is still a struggle.
If only for a moment, she could set the compass free
If only she could break free from her own limitations, she could find direction.
And swim towards this flickering sad beacon out at sea
And head towards the elusive light on the horizon, even though it is tinged with sadness.
Writer(s): John Mitchell
Contributed by Madelyn W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.