The Architect
O.A.R Live Lyrics


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The Architects frequency is cutting out
The Architects frequency is cutting out
And I have not made mine
This canvas only helps divide
Where reality lies
So...
They've got you thinking up is down
CONFORM
CONTROL
And when they start to lose their grip
Their masks
They'll fall
Well something pulled me down
To find the chords back
To play a game called time
And realize we're all intact
Slow it down
Be calm
Just slow it down
Be calm
Your cell memory
Haunts you from birth
Sent to an island I know
To an island I know
Cause I've got no answers or money to throw
Just this island I know
Just this island I know
You're crossing and fading pulling me in and out through time
With love
Your crossing and fading pulling me in and out through time
With love
Slow it down
Be calm
Just slow it down
Be calm
You're looking for the center when it's all around
You'll translate meanings of machines you have found
Did you hear the sounds?
That brought the whole world in crowds
Get you to hear the sounds
That brought the whole world in crowds
Thought I could lead this time around
Waves come I feel sands the only one to hold my hand
They should have known better than to block our past
Memories wash up on shores of dreams held last
I heard some say that we're gonna kill ourselves out
Yes I heard some say that we're gonna kill ourselves out




All we ever wanted was sunshine
All we ever wanted was sunshine

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to O.A.R Live's song "The Architect" are focused on the main idea of building a new life for oneself. The first verse of the song begins with a young man asking for a smoke from the singer who is described as an "architect." The young man then proceeds to explain how hard life is and how he wishes it would be different. The artist illustrates the yearning to build something that represents what he sees as his ideal life. The lyrics also reflect the frustration that comes when people don't align with what one wants of them. The singer seeks the thrill of creating something new when it is finally time. He/she sings about laying out plans for a new foundation while everyone else is sleeping, and building a space for themselves and redefining their life. This hope is what keeps the architect going.


The chorus consists of the artist stating how they want to build a new life by the ocean. They want to build a place where they can leave the doors open and just sing, and where they can see everything that is happening around them. The idea of a home by the ocean is portrayed as a metaphor for the new life the artist is trying to build. The ocean symbolizes change and new beginnings while the home represents a comfortable space where the artist can let loose without worrying about what others think. The artist is seeking freedom in how they want to exist.


The overarching message is that life is hard but building a new foundation, a new space will give us comfort and bring us one step closer to fulfilling our true selves.


Line by Line Meaning

Young man, come to me and ask me for a smoke
A young man approached the architect and asked for a smoke.


Straight off of Bourbon Street alley cat with a dirty coat
The young man smelled of alcohol and had a disheveled appearance.


He said it's hard out here just being me
The young man expressed how difficult life can be for him.


When the people light the way that I want them to be
The young man feels that he is not able to get people to see things his way.


When I get the chance to build just what I see
The young man feels that if given the opportunity, he could create something of value.


Make me believe this life's for me and I will be free
The young man wants to feel like he has a purpose in life and will feel liberated if he can find it.


That night, the architect can't sleep
The architect is anxious and unable to rest.


He's laying out his plans
The architect is mentally planning a new construction project.


For the building with a new foundation
The architect wants to create something new and solid.


Built together by a million hands
The architect wants to involve many people in the construction process.


Beyond the wires, just meant to fly
The architect desires to break free from the limits of current construction methods.


Getting out there beyond the fences into the sky
The architect wants to create a structure that extends beyond the physical limitations of the ground.


You know I'll find the place for my design
The architect is confident that he will find a location suitable for his envisioned design.


A new space for me and my piece of mind, yeah
The architect wants to create a space that will bring him personal satisfaction and peace of mind.


I wanna build a home by the ocean
The architect wants to build a beach house.


Underneath the sky, gonna leave the door wide open
The architect wants to have open access to the outside world.


So I can see everything, gonna build a home by the ocean
The architect wants to have a panoramic view of the ocean.


Buried in the sand, gonna leave the door wide open so I can sing
The architect wants to immerse himself in the beach environment and be free to express himself.


Oh, yeah, yeah yeah
Exclamation without a specific meaning.


I'm gonna build a home by the ocean
The architect is determined to achieve his goal.


Gonna leave the door wide open
The architect wants to remain open to the world.


So I can sing
The architect wants to have the freedom to express himself.


Build a home by the ocean
The architect wants to build a house by the beach.


So I can sing
The architect wants to have the freedom to express himself.


Leave the door wide open
The architect wants to remain open to the world.


So I can see everything
The architect wants to have a panoramic view of the ocean and natural surroundings.




Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Steven Salinas III

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

damaxpowerway

Starting with a gripping story by Marc and some cool melodic guitar by Richie🎸..The Architect began as a great song although not fitting the profile of the usual OAR reggae musical vibe...glad they stuck with it, matured it and found a place for it. The added production quality, horns, etc of this, really did the song justice. One of my faves for sure!

slamendra

its been a really long time to hear a really good music, EPIC!!

damaxpowerway

Marc wrote this after he was inspired by a homeless man in his neighborhood. Marc got to talking to him about life and learned the man used to be an architect. The experience and talk stuck with Marc and he eventually wrote out the story ..

Nate Metcalf

This is a song they have been playing for quite a while.  Some different lyrics and tempos....Sigh...What ever happened?

snowyx

What happened to you guys? I miss the crazy game of poker days. You guys went too mainstream

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