Heavy
Ocha La Rocha Lyrics
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And arc out on over the plains
I don't know when you'll return
And anyway it's not our turn to learn how to burn from both ends
It gets heavy in this town
It gets heavy when you're down
It gets heavy in this town
I seen you walking down my street like I wasn't there
Taking our time not to stare
And as we brushed by each other with the grace of a lover
You just smiled and tossed back your hair
It gets heavy in this town
It gets heavy when you're down
It gets heavy in this town
It gets heavy when you're down
-INST BREAK-
The opening lines of the song refer to the singer's observation of a friend or someone they know hopping on a bus and traveling over the plains with people they can trust. It seems like this person is going away for a while, and the singer isn't sure when they'll return. The line "and anyway it's not our turn to learn how to burn from both ends" suggests that the singer understands the need for this person to take a break and prioritize their own well-being. The phrase "burning the candle at both ends" means working too hard or exhausting oneself, so the singer is saying that they don't want to learn how to do that just yet.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "It gets heavy in this town" several times. This could refer to the weight of expectations or pressures that come with living in the city or the struggles of daily life. The second line of the chorus, "It gets heavy when you're down," suggests that this weight can become especially unbearable when someone is feeling low or struggling.
The second verse describes the singer seeing the same person walking down their street, but the interaction is one of restraint and distance. Despite brushing past each other, the vibe is awkward and uncomfortable. The final lines suggest that this person may be struggling with some personal issues as well, represented by the tossing back of their hair in a gesture of frustration.
Overall, the song seems to be about the struggles of daily life and the weight that can come with living in a city. It touches on themes of burnout, personal struggle, and the importance of taking breaks to prioritize self-care.
Line by Line Meaning
I saw you hop on the bus with some people I trust
I witnessed you board a bus with some of my trustworthy acquaintances.
And arc out on over the plains
You departed and moved over vast lands and territories.
I don't know when you'll return
I have no idea when you'll come back.
And anyway it's not our turn to learn how to burn from both ends
In any case, it's not our time to exhaust ourselves from both ends.
It gets heavy in this town
The weight of the town can be overwhelming sometimes.
It gets heavy when you're down
It becomes burdensome when you're feeling low.
I seen you walking down my street like I wasn't there
I observed you strolling down my street as if I didn't exist.
Taking our time not to stare
Being careful not to look too long.
And as we brushed by each other with the grace of a lover
As we passed each other with the elegance of a lover.
You just smiled and tossed back your hair
You merely smiled and flipped your hair.
It gets heavy in this town
The weight of the town can be overwhelming sometimes.
It gets heavy when you're down
It becomes burdensome when you're feeling low.
Writer(s): Roger Rocha
Contributed by Michael J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.