One Thousand Paper Cranes
Motion City Soundtrack Lyrics


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I thought that you knew her
I thought that you cared
But what am I to do at four in the morning
With her back against us all

Running out of runarounds
Gently down the stream
How could you make me who I am
When I made you who you are

I thought that you knew her
I thought that you cared
But what am I to do at four in the morning
With her back against us all

Gently to the end with me, rowing at your side
Through Denver's cold and frozen eyes
I thought I saw, I thought I saw you standing there

I thought that you knew her
I thought that you cared
But what am I to do at four in the morning
With her back against us all

Unclouded end, clearly words work themselves back to me
"From the top of the bottom it's all the same, it's all the same"
She screamed, she screamed, "It's all the same"

I thought that you knew her
I thought that you cared




But what am I to do at four in the morning
With her back against us all

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Motion City Soundtrack's "One Thousand Paper Cranes" are open to interpretation, but ultimately they speak to a sense of disappointment and betrayal in a relationship. The singer expresses confusion and frustration with the other person, whom they believed knew and cared for a woman (perhaps the singer themself) but who now seems distant and uninvolved. The idea of "her back against us all" could suggest that the woman is facing difficulties or opposition, but neither the singer nor the person they're addressing seem willing to help or support her.


The second verse introduces some confusion - "running out of runarounds" and "gently down the stream" are both phrases that suggest an attempt to soothe or placate someone, but it's unclear who is offering or receiving these gestures. The line "how could you make me who I am when I made you who you are" suggests a power imbalance, with the other person taking credit for the singer's successes while not reciprocating support. The reference to "Denver's cold and frozen eyes" could suggest a bleak or desolate environment that the two are rowing through together.


The final verse introduces an element of resolution, with "clearly words work themselves back to me" implying a better understanding between the two parties. However, the woman's scream of "It's all the same" suggests that things may not have truly been resolved, or that she feels powerless to change her circumstances. Overall, the song is a poignant reflection on the complexities and challenges of relationships, particularly when one person feels let down by another.


Line by Line Meaning

I thought that you knew her
I believed that you were acquainted with her


I thought that you cared
I believed that you showed concern


But what am I to do at four in the morning
But what options do I have in the middle of the night


With her back against us all
With her opposition against everyone


Running out of runarounds
Exhausted of excuses


Gently down the stream
Quietly moving along within life


How could you make me who I am
How could you shape my identity


When I made you who you are
When I influenced your personality


Gently to the end with me, rowing at your side
Supporting each other until the end, working together towards it


Through Denver's cold and frozen eyes
Despite the harshness and bitterness of the situation


I thought I saw, I thought I saw you standing there
I had believed I spotted you standing at that place


Unclouded end, clearly words work themselves back to me
At the final moments, the truth becomes crystal clear


"From the top of the bottom it's all the same, it's all the same"
"No matter the perspective or circumstance, it's all equal"


She screamed, she screamed, "It's all the same"
She exclaimed in frustration, that everything is equal


I thought that you knew her
I believed that you were acquainted with her


I thought that you cared
I believed that you showed concern


But what am I to do at four in the morning
But what options do I have in the middle of the night


With her back against us all
With her opposition against everyone




Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: JESSE MACK JOHNSON, JOSHUA ALLEN CAIN, JUSTIN PIERRE COURTNEY, MATTHEW SCOTT TAYLOR, TONY RICHARD THAXTON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

DE SG

AMO ESTA CANCION, LA MEJOR DE MOTION POR SIEMPRE!!!

Chris

Classic. I remember driving to San Diego out of high school for the first time and jamming to this on a compilation. My favorite Motion City Soundtrack song ever. Hard to find. Thank you for this. Brings me back.

Bobby

Brings me back to the days of going to random venues to hear or see new bands and driving to warped tour. Miss those days for sure.

Bobby

Simpler times.

Ben McRae

@Jarrod Doern consider this your 5 month reminder to listen to this song again

Ben McRae

@Jarrod Doern absolutely!

Jarrod Doern

The Atticus CD’s!?

1 More Replies...

Sr. Imperial

que buena cancion

c'est la vegan

Anyone know if this whole album is available somewhere on YouTube?

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