Lost Lander is a project founded by songwriter/fore… Read Full Bio ↴Portland, Oregon
Lost Lander is a project founded by songwriter/forester Matt Sheehy when he began work on a new album with producer Brent Knopf. The two often worked remotely - using the internet to communicate ideas - and from time to time they met at majestic spots on the Oregon coast to work in closer proximity.
Kangaroo
Lost Lander Lyrics
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Steeled away in a northern town.
And there upon a wishing well,
A father's son, a mother's hell,
And I know those were the cards for me,
Those were the cards for me.
Cause I want fast,
And caught a glimpse,
And I know those were the cards for me,
Those were the cards for me.
And I had it once, but I lost the trail,
And I might get better,
But I won't get well.
And know those were the cards for me,
Those were the cards for me.
I know what's right,
I've done my time.
I know what's right,
I've done my time.
I know what's right,
And I've done my time.
I know what's right,
I won't change my mind.
One more chance to match the pieces,
You can't believe the odds I'm up against.
Roll the dice,
And I'm again.
Roll of the dice.
Those were the cards for me,
Those were the cards for me.
Those were the cards for me,
Those were the cards for me,
Those were the cards for me,
Gold teeth and slight of hand,
Steeled away to a northern town.
And there upon a wishing well,
A father's son, a mother's hell.
I know what's right,
I've done my time.
I know what's right,
I won't change my mind.
One more chance to match the pieces,
You can't believe the odds I'm up against.
Roll the dice,
And I'm again.
Roll of the dice.
And I'm up again,
The roll of the dice.
The song "Kangaroo" by Lost Lander consists of several lines that seem loosely threaded together, forming a story of lost chances, regret, and fate. The first few lines are about someone with gold teeth and sleight of hand who lives in a northern town. The use of the word 'sleight of hand' suggests someone who is good at deception or illusion, hinting at a person who may not always be truthful or transparent. The next lines suggest that perhaps this person has a difficult past, with a father and mother who are in conflict. The phrase "those were the cards for me" suggests that the person has accepted their circumstances, perhaps feeling that fate has dealt them an unfortunate hand.
The chorus seems to be the singer trying to assert their agency, claiming that they know what is right, and they have done their time, implying they have paid their dues or suffered the consequences of past mistakes. The line "I won't change my mind" suggests someone who is determined to stick to their own path, regardless of what others may say or do.
The latter half of the song returns to the idea of taking chances, with the singer given another opportunity to "match the pieces" or make things better. The line "you can't believe the odds I'm up against" reinforces the idea that the singer is up against a difficult challenge, perhaps suggesting that the past mistakes or misfortunes have left them with few options. The line "Roll the dice, and I'm up again, the roll of the dice" suggests that the singer is willing to take risks and gamble on their future, even if it means they might lose again.
Overall, the song seems to be about someone who has had a tough past and is struggling to chart their own course in life. They are willing to take chances and keep fighting, even if it means they will face adversity again.
Line by Line Meaning
Gold teeth and slight of hand,
A person skilled in deceit and thievery, who has stolen valuable items and hidden themselves away in a far-off location.
Steeled away in a northern town.
They are hiding in a town that is far away and difficult to access.
And there upon a wishing well,
While at a wishing well, they came to a realization about themselves or their situation.
A father's son, a mother's hell,
They are the child of a father and mother whose relationship caused a lot of pain and suffering.
And I know those were the cards for me,
They accept their circumstances and believe that they were meant to experience certain events.
Cause I want fast,
They desire immediate gratification and quick results.
And caught a glimpse,
They briefly saw something that piqued their interest or curiosity.
Turned like a cog in a vast machine,
They feel like they are merely one small part of a larger system or mechanism, and their actions are predetermined or out of their control.
And I had it once, but I lost the trail,
They had a certain opportunity or advantage in the past, but they were not able to maintain it.
And I might get better,
They have the potential to improve their situation or themselves.
But I won't get well.
Despite the possibility of improvement, they do not believe they will ever completely heal or recover.
I know what's right,
They have a clear sense of what actions or decisions are morally or ethically correct.
I've done my time.
They have already endured their fair share of difficulties or hardships.
I won't change my mind.
They are firm in their convictions and refuse to alter their beliefs or plans.
One more chance to match the pieces,
They have another opportunity to make the right moves or decisions to improve their situation.
You can't believe the odds I'm up against.
They are facing extremely difficult or unlikely circumstances that others may not understand or believe.
Roll the dice,
They are taking a risk and relying on chance to determine their fate.
And I'm again.
They are back in the same situation and starting over again.
Those were the cards for me,
Once again, they accept that their circumstance is predetermined and beyond their control.
And I'm up again,
They have once again started over and face similar struggles.
The roll of the dice.
Their reliance on chance and luck continues to determine their path in life.
Writer(s): Matthew Thomas Sheehy
Contributed by Jacob M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.