Witless Or Wise
Neil Halstead Lyrics

Sturdy and bright, oh, giver of life
The sun is described as strong and radiant for its ability to give life to all living things on Earth.

Are you witless or wise?
The singer questions whether the sun is thoughtless or intelligent in its actions.

Government warnin?, this lover may bore you
The singer warns that their love for someone may become tedious or uninteresting over time, as is often the case with long-term relationships.

Tattooed to my back
The love for this person is deeply ingrained and permanent, like a tattoo.

Tenements fell from the skies
The artist describes the profound impact that love had on their life, comparable to buildings falling from the sky.

When love lights fell from your eyes
The moment the person they loved looked at them with affection, it felt like being lit up by a powerful light.

Flags flyin? high, weary patient may rise
Despite feeling exhausted and downtrodden, a person's spirit can be lifted by certain symbols and imagery associated with success or hope.

I don't think so, no, I don't think so, no
The artist disagrees with the idea that these symbols or images can actually change one's circumstances or mindset.

Chasin' the cars down around marble arch
The artist recalls a time when they were chasing after something completely unattainable, like trying to catch a car speeding down a busy street.

A memory too far
This pursuit seems like a distant memory now, too far removed from their current reality.

Once lost in your eyes
The singer was once captivated and entranced by the person they loved, falling deeply into their gaze.

Now caught between thighs
But now, they find themselves trapped in the physical aspect of their relationship, unable to recapture that emotional connection.

Should we ask for the bill?
Metaphorically, the singer wonders if it's time to settle the tab and bring closure to their relationship.

Never did get to the edge
The singer never fully took a risk or committed themselves to their love to the fullest extent, always holding back.

Never jumped no my life carried on
They never took the leap of faith in love that might have changed the course of their life.

Should I give you my head?
The artist muses on whether they should trust and commit themselves to their partner fully, even at the risk of losing their independence or identity.

My kidney, my bed?
The artist wonders if they should sacrifice parts of themselves like their physical health or emotional wellbeing for their partner.

Should I run far way?
The idea of running away from their problems or relationship becomes attractive to the singer, as a way of avoiding confrontation or discomfort.

Those ghost in your eyes
The person they love has a haunted quality to them, with emotional baggage that they bring into the relationship.

Well, they cry when you smile
This emotional weight can have a negative impact on both of them, causing pain or sadness to surface even when things seem to be going well.

And it?s hurts to be near
Being around this person can be painful and difficult, in spite of their deep love for them.

Not at all, not at all, not at all
The artist reinforces their earlier point that they do not believe that external symbols or images can truly change one's outlook or situation in life.