Life In Prison
Mitchell Lyrics


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As the moon rises
And shines into your eyes
All the things I wish I could've said to you

I tried to write you a letter
But there's a reason the latter-half of what I am
Is attached to song
So here's your letter darling

And if I held you, you'd fall apart
And if I were to tell you
Just how much I love you, it'd take a million years
And by then you'd be working
In some new apartment complex




And I'd say "Hi"
And you wouldn't know who I am

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of the song set a poetic and introspective tone. The metaphor of the moon rising and shining into someone's eyes suggests a moment of vulnerability and emotional connection. The singer then expresses regret for not being able to convey their feelings to the person they are addressing. This could indicate a missed opportunity or a lack of courage to express their emotions directly.


The next lines highlight the singer's struggles in expressing themselves through writing. They mention attempting to write a letter but ultimately find that their true emotions are best conveyed through song. This could suggest that the singer finds solace and authenticity in music as a medium for self-expression. It also implies that the remainder of the song may serve as a substitute for the unsent letter, containing the words the singer wishes they could have shared.


In the third paragraph, the singer acknowledges the complexity of their feelings towards the person they are addressing. Holding them would cause them to "fall apart," suggesting that the weight of their emotions is too heavy to bear. This could reflect a fear of overwhelming the other person or possibly a fear of their own vulnerability. The singer then explains that declaring their love would take an impossibly long time, possibly implying that their love is too immense or profound to be expressed adequately.


The final lines evoke a sense of melancholy and resignation. The singer imagines a future where the person they loved is working in a new apartment complex, signifying a different phase in their life. In this imagined encounter, the singer would greet them, yet the person would not recognize or remember them. This could symbolize the fear of being forgotten or the pain of unrequited love. Overall, "Life in Prison" explores themes of missed opportunities, unspoken emotions, and the complexities of love that can sometimes lead to emotional imprisonment.


Line by Line Meaning

As the moon rises
Just like the moon rises in the sky, I am reminiscing about our past and the emotions that come with it.


And shines into your eyes
The moon's glow represents the deep connection and love I feel towards you, which is reflected in your eyes.


All the things I wish I could've said to you
There are numerous thoughts and emotions I desired to express to you but couldn't articulate in person.


I tried to write you a letter
I attempted to convey my feelings through a written letter, seeking an alternative means of communication.


But there's a reason the latter-half of what I am
However, there is a specific rationale behind why a part of my identity is attached to music and songs.


Is attached to song
Music serves as the medium through which I can express myself openly and honestly, breaking through barriers that hindered me otherwise.


So here's your letter darling
Hence, this song acts as the equivalent of a heartfelt letter addressed to you, my beloved.


And if I held you, you'd fall apart
If I were to physically embrace you, it would cause you to emotionally break down due to the overwhelming love and affection I possess for you.


And if I were to tell you
Even if I were to express openly and explicitly


Just how much I love you, it'd take a million years
the extent of my love for you is immeasurable, transcending time and spanning countless moments.


And by then you'd be working
And when that immeasurable time passes, you would have moved on with your life, pursuing your career.


In some new apartment complex
You will have found a new place to live, settling into a different environment.


And I'd say "Hi"
If our paths were to cross again, I would greet you casually.


And you wouldn't know who I am
However, you would no longer recognize me, as our connection and past would have faded away with time.




Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Quentin Mitchell

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@nonniibear

Another great song by Mitchell!

@vijaykumar311

very good

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