The signs keep changing on me
Like a shimmering bel… Read Full Bio ↴It can't stop now
The signs keep changing on me
Like a shimmering bell
Long waves enveloping me
And my plastic mind,
So chewed and shrieking all the time
Feels it whirling by
Morning, afternoon then night
And I can't get down
If I don't feel right
Polishing off the sand
Lay by me
And we'll erode
As gently as we can
Into twilight
Into twilight
An Orphan of Fortune
MGMT Lyrics
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The signs keep changing on me
Like a shimmering bell
Long waves enveloping me
And my plastic mind,
So chewed and shrieking all the time
Feels it whirling by
Morning, afternoon then night
If I don't feel right
Polishing off the sand
Lay by me
And we'll erode
As gently as we can
Into twilight
Into twilight
The lyrics of MGMT's song "An Orphan of Fortune" echo the feelings of being trapped in a cycle of change and the inability to escape it. The song begins with the line "It can't stop now," which sets the tone for the rest of the song. The singer describes how the "signs keep changing on me" and how their mind feels "chewed and shrieking all the time." It seems as though they are struggling to keep up with the rapid pace of life.
The second stanza tells of the singer's desire to escape this cycle of change. They speak of wanting to "lay by me and we'll erode as gently as we can into twilight." This line is especially poignant because it suggests a peaceful acceptance of fate.
Line by Line Meaning
It can't stop now
The situation is unfaltering and cannot be halted
The signs keep changing on me
Indications and cues are constantly changing without warning or predictability
Like a shimmering bell
The changes are as subtle and elusive as the sound of ringing rustles
Long waves enveloping me
Powerful and persistent circumstances are surrounding and engulfing me
And my plastic mind,
My mentality is adaptable and can be easily molded
So chewed and shrieking all the time
My mental state is constantly in turmoil and distress
Feels it whirling by
Sensations of constant movement and disorientation are present
Morning, afternoon then night
Time passes by continuously without distinction or separation
And I can't get down
I feel helpless and unable to escape from the current situation
If I don't feel right
When things don't align with my intuition and perception
Polishing off the sand
Ignoring or getting rid of small, insignificant details
Lay by me
Stay by my side to offer comfort and support
And we'll erode
We will gradually diminish or disintegrate
As gently as we can
Continuing with the process as delicately as possible
Into twilight
Transitioning into an ambiguous and uncertain state
Into twilight
Repeated to emphasize the uncertainty and ambiguity of the future.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ANDREW WELLS VANWYNGARDEN, BENJAMIN NICHOLAS HUNER GOLDWASSER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind