The Real World
Owl City Lyrics

I saw the autumn leaves peel up off the street
I noticed the colorful leaves of autumn lift off the ground and float away on a warm breeze.

Take wing on the balmy breeze and sweep you off your feet.
The leaves were carried away by the gentle wind, and it seemed to sweep you off your feet in a beautiful manner.

And you blushed as they scooped you up on sugar maple wings
The sight of autumn leaves carrying you away on their maple wings was so charming that you became blushingly happy.

To gaze down on the city below, ablaze with wondrous things.
You were able to look down on a city that was sparkling with so many beautiful sights and was full of wonder.

Downy feathers kiss your face and flutter everywhere.
The light feathers of the leaves were gently brushing against your face and fluttering around you.

Reality is a lovely place but I wouldn't want to live there.
The real world is a beautiful place, but the awe-inspiring moments like this are what make life worth living and give us escape.

Weighed down by heavy lids and lunar lullabies,
You were feeling heavy with sleep and being lulled by the music of the moon.

I knew you were wide awake because you smile with your eyes.
Although your eyes were heavy, the happiness you felt inside shone through your expression and made it clear you were fully awake.

From the green belt balcony, the wildfires look so pretty.
When standing on the lush and forest-filled balcony, watching the wildfire spread can look quite lovely with its contrasting beauty.

Ponderosa canopy, I'd never leave if it were up to me.
The canopy of ponderosa trees is so attractive and peaceful that one would prefer to be there forever.

To the ruby redwood tree, and to the velvet climbing ivy:
To both the vibrant redwood tree and the soft and luxurious ivy plant that climbs upon it:

Painted all mahogany, I'd never leave if it were up to me.
The deep reddish-brown color of mahogany creates an inviting atmosphere that entices one to stay forever.

With a starry brush, paint the dusk Venetian blue,
With a brush full of stars, paint the sky a deep blue like that seen in Venice during dusk.

Because in the evening hush, you'll never believe the view.
The quiet and calm of the evening creates an undisturbed view that is so incredible it's hard to believe it's real.

And when the leaves return and their whisperings fill the night,
When leaves return and rustle in the night, creating hushed sounds like whispers,

They'll freeze and burn where fire and ice collide.
The leaves will feel as if they're frozen and burning at the same time, where fire and ice come into contact.

Can you feel a silk embrace in the satin air?
Can you experience a soft and gentle feeling in the smooth air around you?

If we dissolve without a trace, will the real world even care?
If we were to disappear entirely, would the real world even take notice or mourn our absence?