High January
Marker Starling Lyrics

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Music is a form of expressionIt's how I express myselfIf it comes from the heartYou can never go wrongIf it comes from the heartYou can never go wrongOh noOh noMusic is an entertainmentA mirror upon itselfIt's a craft, not an artAnd mistakes are unlovelyThen fashion may changeAnd what once was thoughtUgly's in styleThe winner by a mileAlive in a place where the light is beautifulAlive in a place where the sky is beautifulAnd where night follows dayWith a light of its ownAnd where sodium orange and roseCome aglow with a sparkIn the electric dark(If it comes from the heartYou can never go wrongIf it comes from the heartYou can never go wrong)I lie in a field where the sky is beautifulI drink from the stream where the light is beautifulI can do nothing elseAll my life's been this wayBetween dreaming and finding my wayI prefer getting lost(If it comes from the heartYou can never go wrongIf it comes from the heartYou can never go wrong) Music is a problem for solvingA puzzle with changing partsIf you listen quite closeYou will hear the true melodyHere comes the changeYou say what are you selling me now?

Overall Meaning

Marker Starling's song High January is an introspective ode to music and its various meanings in our lives. The singer uses music as a metaphor for life's various moods and emotions. In the opening lines, he declares that music is a form of expression, and it's how he can express himself. He believes that music can never go wrong if it comes from the heart, which is a subtle way of saying that sincerity and authenticity are the keys to creating timeless music.

The song explores the dichotomy between music as entertainment and music as a craft. The singer suggests that music is a mirror upon itself, and it's not just about creating catchy tunes. He implies that music-making requires skill, discipline, and artistry to create something that resonates with people's souls. In this context, the song also highlights the transitory nature of fashion and how certain styles and genres can become popular or unpopular over time. However, the singer emphasizes that good music will always stand the test of time because it comes from the heart.

The song's chorus describes an idyllic place where the light is beautiful, the sky is beautiful, and night follows day. It's a place where one can get lost in the beauty of the world around them. The singer juxtaposes this imagery with the metaphor of music as a problem that needs solving. He suggests that music is like a puzzle with changing parts, and if you listen close enough, you can hear the true melody. The final lines of the song ask the listener what they are selling, which is a sardonic commentary on the music industry's commercialism that often prioritizes profit over artistry.

Line by Line Meaning

Music is a form of expression
The song is about how music is used to express oneself.

It's how I express myself
The songwriter uses music to express themselves.

If it comes from the heart
Music that is genuine and heartfelt will never be wrong.

You can never go wrong
Sincerity in music is key, as it will always be good.

Music is an entertainment
Music is a form of entertainment, and a reflection of society.

A mirror upon itself
Music reflects society and its trends.

It's a craft, not an art
Music is a skill that must be honed, rather than being something you're born with.

And mistakes are unlovely
Mistakes in music can be jarring and ruin the overall affect.

Then fashion may change
Musical trends and preferences fluctuate over time.

And what once was thought
Something that was once popular...

Ugly's in style
...can fall out of fashion, only to come back into style at a later time.

The winner by a mile
Musical tastes can often be very divisive, with some dominating while others are left behind.

Alive in a place where the light is beautiful
The songwriter is alive in a place with stunning natural beauty and gorgeous scenery..

Alive in a place where the sky is beautiful
The songwriter is alive in a place with stunning, picturesque skies.

And where night follows day
This place has a predictable day and night cycle.

With a light of its own
Even at night, there is still a kind of glow or illumination to the surroundings.

And where sodium orange and rose
The colors of sodium orange and rose...

Come aglow with a spark
...are brought to life with a kind of electric glow or vibe that is difficult to describe.

I lie in a field where the sky is beautiful
The songwriter is surrounded by natural beauty, and finds peace and serenity in a picturesque field.

I drink from the stream where the light is beautiful
The songwriter finds purity and freshness in a stream blessed with stunning rays of light.

I can do nothing else
The songwriter feels content and fulfilled with their current way of life.

All my life's been this way
The songwriter has always found fulfillment in the beauty of nature.

Between dreaming and finding my way
The songwriter is content to drift between the worlds of dreaming and navigating their way through life.

I prefer getting lost
The songwriter is content to just let go and allow themselves to get lost in the beauty of their surroundings.

Music is a problem for solving
Music can often be a challenge, requiring careful thought and problem-solving.

A puzzle with changing parts
As time goes on, musical tastes and styles are constantly evolving.

If you listen quite close
By paying attention and listening intently, one can hear the true beauty of music.

You will hear the true melody
Dedicated listeners will be able to hear the true essence of a song, beyond just its surface level.

Here comes the change
At this point, the song changes to a new part or idea.

You say what are you selling me now?
The songwriter is aware of the constant evolution of music and the skepticism that people can have towards new styles or trends.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Chris A Cummings

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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