Dé Danann were first to find her - see her web site www.mauraoconnell.com for more information.
Shotgun Down the Avalanche
Maura O'Connell Lyrics
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Tumbling and falling down the avalanche
So be quiet tonight the stars
Shine bright
On this mountain of new fallen snow
But I will raise up my voice into
The void
I love you so much and its so bizarre
A mystery that goes on and on and on
This is the best thing and the very
Most hard
And we don't get along
After countless appeals we keep
Spinning our wheels
On this mountain of new fallen snow
So I let go the catch and we are
Over the edge
You have left me nowhere to go
I'm riding shotgun down the avalanche
Sometimes you make me lose my will
To live
And just become a beacon for your soul
But the past is stronger than my will
To forgive
Forgive you or myself, I don't know
I'm riding shotgun down the avalanche
Tumbling and falling down the avalanche
So be quiet tonight be sure to
Step lightly
On this mountain of new fallen snow
But I will raise up my voice into
The void
You have left me nowhere to go
I'm riding shotgun down the avalanche
The lyrics to "Shotgun Down the Avalanche" by Maura O'Connell are a metaphorical representation of a relationship falling apart. The singer is riding "shotgun" down an "avalanche" which signifies the out of control downward spiral of a relationship. They are tumbling and falling, unable to stop the inevitable end. The snow-covered mountain represents the accumulation of problems and issues that have built up over time.
Despite the clear turmoil and pain in the relationship, the singer is still in love and finds the situation "bizarre." The mystery of why they still love each other even though they "don't get along" is an ongoing struggle. They continue to try and make it work, but they are "spinning their wheels" with no progress. Finally, the singer decides to let go of the catch and allow themselves to fall over the edge, realizing that the other person has left them with "nowhere to go."
The refrain "I'm riding shotgun down the avalanche" is a powerful image of being out of control and letting go. The final verse suggests that the past is too strong to forgive and forget, leaving the singer unsure of how to proceed. The end of the song is unresolved, leaving the listener with a sense of unease and uncertainty.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm riding shotgun down the avalanche
I am helplessly tumbling down the avalanche, with no control over my situation
So be quiet tonight the stars shine bright
It's a peaceful and beautiful night, with the stars shining brightly
On this mountain of new fallen snow
A snow-covered mountain surrounds me
But I will raise up my voice into the void
I will scream out into the empty abyss, feeling lost and alone
You have left me nowhere to go
I am trapped without any choices or options
I love you so much and its so bizarre
My love for you is intense and confusing
A mystery that goes on and on and on
There is no clear explanation for the nature of our relationship
This is the best thing and the very most hard
Our relationship is both wonderful and incredibly difficult
And we don't get along
Despite our love, we have constant conflicts and disagreements
After countless appeals we keep spinning our wheels
We keep trying to work things out, but we're not making any progress
So I let go the catch and we are over the edge
I give up and we are heading towards a disastrous end
Sometimes you make me lose my will to live
You cause me so much pain and despair that I feel hopeless and powerless
And just become a beacon for your soul
I become the only source of hope and light for you
But the past is stronger than my will to forgive
I struggle to forgive you, as the pain of the past still haunts me
So be quiet tonight be sure to step lightly
On this peaceful night, be gentle and cautious
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHN LEVENTHAL, SHAWN COLVIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind