Drifting
Noel Shiri Lyrics
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A hull that shines
And engines gleaming
I am so full of it
You can’t be sure of
What you’re hearing
I’ve got a telephone
Sits in the corner
I’ve got a freighter ship
The decks are cold
The captain’s singing
I don’t know how to get this thing to go
I’ve been drifting on my own
I’ve got a fighter jet
The guns are loaded
For my offspring
I haven’t started yet
But when I do
You will have lost me
I’ve got some time to kill
I’ll use a pillow
Do it softly
I’ve got a fighter jet
The pilot don’t know what it cost me
She says
I, I don’t know how to get this thing to go
I’ve been drifting on my own
I’ve got a bullet train
The tracks have been detached for days now
When they get it up again
It won’t be back
There can be no doubt
Its engineers have done
The cunning things
That engineers do
I’ve got bullet train
But I’m the one
They did those things to
I don’t know how to get this thing to go
I don’t know how to get this thing to go
I don’t know how to get this thing to go
I’ve been drifting all alone
The lyrics of "Drifting" by Noel Shiri paint a vivid image of a person who is seemingly in control of powerful machinery like a freighter ship, a fighter jet, and a bullet train, but in reality, they are lost and aimless, unable to steer their own life in any particular direction. The opening stanza sets the scene with a freighter ship described as gleaming and well-equipped, but the singer admits they are "so full of it," suggesting a lack of authenticity or direction in their actions.
As the lyrics progress, the singer reveals their detachment from reality, as indicated by the telephone always ringing in the corner, symbolizing missed connections or opportunities. The repetition of not knowing how to get these powerful machines to go highlights their lack of control over their own life, leading to a sense of isolation and aimless drifting. This feeling is further emphasized by the cold decks of the ship and the detached tracks of the bullet train, both physical symbols of being adrift and disconnected.
The mention of a fighter jet with loaded guns for the singer's offspring hints at the burden of expectations or responsibilities that weigh heavily on them, even though they have not yet "started." The pilot of the jet, ignorant of the sacrifices made by the singer, reflects a sense of loneliness and misunderstood sacrifices. The use of a pillow to kill time softly implies a passive acceptance of drifting and a desire for tranquility amidst chaos.
Overall, the lyrics of "Drifting" convey a poignant message about feeling lost and directionless despite possessing impressive outward symbols of power and control. The repeated refrain of not knowing how to get things to go and drifting alone speaks to a deep sense of disconnection and uncertainty in the singer's life, ultimately painting a portrait of someone struggling to find their way in a world where they feel adrift and isolated.
Line by Line Meaning
I’ve got a freighter ship
I possess a vessel for transporting goods
A hull that shines
Its outer body gleams brightly
And engines gleaming
Engines that are polished and shiny
I am so full of it
I am filled with uncertainty or lies
You can’t be sure of what you’re hearing
What I say may not be trustworthy
I’ve got a telephone
I possess a communication device
Sits in the corner
It is placed in a corner
Always ringing
It constantly receives calls
The decks are cold
The floors are chilling in temperature
The captain’s singing
The leader is expressing themselves through song
I don’t know how to get this thing to go
I am uncertain how to make progress
I’ve been drifting on my own
I have been aimlessly moving by myself
I’ve got a fighter jet
I own a high-speed military aircraft
The guns are loaded
The weaponry is prepared for use
For my offspring
Intended for my descendants
I haven’t started yet
I have not initiated anything
But when I do
But once I begin
You will have lost me
You will no longer have my attention
I’ve got some time to kill
I have free time to pass
I’ll use a pillow
I will rest my head on a cushion
Do it softly
Perform in a gentle manner
The pilot don’t know what it cost me
The pilot is unaware of what I sacrificed
I’ve got a bullet train
I own a high-speed train
The tracks have been detached for days now
The rails have been disconnected for an extended period
When they get it up again
Once they reconnect it
It won’t be back
It will not return to its original state
There can be no doubt
It is certain
Its engineers have done the cunning things that engineers do
Skilled engineers have performed their crafty tasks
But I’m the one they did those things to
I am the individual affected by their actions
I’ve been drifting all alone
I have been aimlessly traveling by myself
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Noel Giesbrecht
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind