Foundations
Newton Fawkner Lyrics
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Except you've got that look in your eye
When you're telling a story and you find it boring
You're thinking of something to say
You'll go along with it then drop it
And humiliate me, in front of our friends
Then I'll use that voice that you find annoying
Why don't you have another glass of wine?"
Then you'll call me a ...
And everyone we're with will be embarrassed
And I won't give a ...
My fingertips are holding onto
The cracks in our foundation
And I know that I should let go, but I can't
And every time we fight I know it's not right
Every time you get upset and I smile
I know I should forget, but I can't
Oh you said I must eat so many lemons
'Cause I am so bitter
I said: "I'd rather be with your friends mate
'Cause they all much fitter"
Yes it was childish and you got aggressive
And I must admit, I was a bit scared
It gives me thrills to wind you up
Oh my fingertips are holding onto
The cracks in our foundation
And I know that I should let go, but I can't
And every time we fight I know it's not right
Every time I get upset and I smile
I know I should forget, but I can't
Your face is pasty 'cause you've gone and got so wasted
What a surprise, I can't look at your face
'cause it's makin' me sick
You've gone and got sick on my trainers
I only got these yesterday
Oh my gosh, I can't be bothered with this
My fingertips are holding onto
The cracks in our foundation
And I know that I should let go, but I can't
And every time we fight I know it's not right
Every time I get upset and I smile
I know I should forget, but I can't
Oh my fingertips are moulding into the shape of a crustacean
And I try to play with Lego. but I can't
And every time we fight I know it's not right
Every time you get upset and I smile
I know I should forget, but I can't
"Foundations" is a song that tells a story of a tumultuous relationship, conveying the fragility of a partnership through the cracks in their foundation. The lyrics go back and forth between both perspectives of the couple, with the male singer accusing the female singer of humiliating him in front of their friends when she finds his story boring, while she snaps back and accuses him of being bitter and childish. The chorus reveals the underlying issue of their dysfunctional relationship, with the male singer acknowledging the cracks in their foundation but unable to let go of the relationship despite its flaws.
The lyrics of "Foundations" demonstrate the cycle of fighting and forgiving that can be seen in toxic relationships. Both parties are at fault and hold onto the relationship despite its cracks, unable to let go. The song’s message is relatable, as many people have experienced the pain of holding onto a broken relationship, enduring fights and betrayals, and remaining in love despite it all.
Line by Line Meaning
Thursday night and everything's fine
The night is going well for everyone
Except you've got that look in your eye
You seem displeased or unhappy
When you're telling a story and you find it boring
You are uninterested in the story you are telling
You're thinking of something to say
You are trying to come up with a response
You'll go along with it then drop it
You will pretend to agree before dismissing it
And humiliate me, in front of our friends
You will mock or embarrass me in front of our friends
Then I'll use that voice that you find annoying
I will speak with a tone that bothers you
And say something like: "Yes intelligent input darling
I will sarcastically respond to you
Why don't you have another glass of wine?"
I will suggest you drink more wine
Then you'll call me a ...
You will insult me
And everyone we're with will be embarrassed
Our friends will feel uncomfortable
And I won't give a ...
I will not care about their discomfort
My fingertips are holding onto
Metaphorical language to express holding onto something
The cracks in our foundation
There are issues in our relationship
And I know that I should let go, but I can't
I acknowledge that I should move on, but I am unable to
And every time we fight I know it's not right
I understand that our frequent arguments are not healthy
Every time you get upset and I smile
I find amusement when you are angry
I know I should forget, but I can't
I realize I should move on, but I cannot
Oh you said I must eat so many lemons
You insulted me by saying I am bitter
'Cause I am so bitter
You think I am negative or unpleasant
I said: "I'd rather be with your friends mate
I made a sarcastic comment about being with your friends instead
'Cause they all much fitter"
I implied that your friends are more attractive than you
Yes it was childish and you got aggressive
My behavior was immature and you reacted with anger
And I must admit, I was a bit scared
I confess that I was intimidated
It gives me thrills to wind you up
I enjoy provoking you
Your face is pasty 'cause you've gone and got so wasted
You appear pale because you are heavily intoxicated
What a surprise, I can't look at your face
I find it difficult to look at your face due to your condition
'cause it's makin' me sick
Your appearance is causing me discomfort
You've gone and got sick on my trainers
You have vomited on my new shoes
I only got these yesterday
I bought the shoes recently
Oh my gosh, I can't be bothered with this
I am frustrated and do not want to deal with this situation
My fingertips are moulding into the shape of a crustacean
Another metaphorical description of holding onto something
And I try to play with Lego. but I can't
I am unable to focus on anything else
Contributed by Taylor L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
YTMonica
I absolutely love this version.
Steven Black
This is a class version of this song, I like Kate Nash's, but Newton Faulkner does it brilliantly! The reggae sections are really well expressed. Give us more, NF!
Samuel Monaghan
this man is the word epic incarnate..... a musical genius in every aspect!!
Savage McCabbage
This guy is everything entertainment should be. Was at his gig in Dublin months ago and he's not only an amzing musician, but he's very funny and light-hearted. Wish more people were that laid back :( By the way you guys should check out Xavier Rudd & John Butler trio if you haven't heard of them. No doubt you will like them if you like Newton
Shambles Ensemble
they are both so so different and they cross genre so it's really, really hard to compare them, but there both sooo good!
Nathan Croucher
He played in Newquay a few weeks ago and it was one of the most funs gigs I have ever seen. Such a brilliant guy.
SJ.
i absolutely love both versions & can seriously not choose which one i prefer, their so different but both amazing (:
Frank Mooney
Two things I love about this guy... He changes 2 things with this song from the original... (Apart from he makes it epic)... Num 1: He changes Beer to Wine... I love that lol. And num 2: he doesn't swear :] He's such a nice dude! :D
jedihuffer
"My fingertips are moulding into the shape of a crustacean/And I try to play with lego but I can't"...brilliant haha! Fantastic cover =)
Kieran Barlow
This man is the reason i went and bought a guitar today. I've a long long way to go yet ( correction i will never be as good as him ) The guy is a legend