what will become of us
Passenger Lyrics


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Well wood burns and metal rusts
So darling what to become of us?
When the weather turns and they say it must
Well we'll need coats for the both of us

But the wool is thin and it's full of holes
And there's no heat in this abandoned bus
So will we go alone out on our own?
Oh, darling what to become of us?

Well boats sink into the sea
And aeroplanes crash like computer screens
And signals fail, trains derail
And car bonnets crumple like magazines

Till they're are put in piles like stacks of tiles
In a yard full of fridges and broken stuff
Will we go alone out on our own?
Oh, darling what will become of us?

We will bite our noses off to spite our faces, both of us will
Rust like metal fences in the rain
You will pour the gasoline and I will spark the matches
We will burn within our fire, we will burn within our flames

Well yeast ferments and milk sours
When it's out of the fridge for too many hours
Will we'll lament in separate towers
Never knowing if we're brave or if we're cowards

For they'll pour cement down this hole of ours
And we'll be stuck under stones and flowers




Will we go alone out on our own?
Oh, darling that's what will become of us?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of the song "What Will Become of Us" by Passenger are deeply reflective of the impermanence of life and the uncertain fate that awaits us all. The song speaks to the inevitability of change, decay, and loss, and the sense of existential dread that can accompany these realities. The repeated refrain of "darling what to become of us" throughout the song highlights the singer's anxiety and uncertainty about the future, and his desire for companionship and solidarity in the face of the unknown.


The first verse of the song sets the tone for the rest of the lyrics, drawing on the metaphor of wood and metal to convey the fragility and transience of human life. The mention of weather turning and the need for coats reinforces the theme of vulnerability, and the final lines of the verse suggest the possibility of isolation and abandonment. The second verse expands on this idea, listing a range of disasters and accidents that can befall us, from sinking boats to crashing airplanes. The reference to the pile of broken stuff in a yard implies a sense of resignation and despair, as if the singer is resigned to being just another piece of refuse in a world gone to ruin.


The final verse of the song sees the singer grappling with the finality of death, using the metaphor of yeast and milk to reflect on the inevitability of decay and dissolution. The reference to lamenting in separate towers highlights the idea that even in death, we are often alone and isolated. The mention of being stuck under stones and flowers suggests the finality of the grave, and the idea that we are all destined for the same fate.


Overall, "What Will Become of Us" is a poignant and thought-provoking song that captures the essential uncertainty and transience of life. It speaks to our deepest fears and anxieties, but also to our shared humanity and the desire for connection and companionship in the face of adversity.


Line by Line Meaning

Well wood burns and metal rusts
Natural elements like wood burn when set on fire and metal rusts over time due to exposure to air and moisture


So darling what to become of us?
The uncertainty and unpredictability of the future makes one question what will happen to their relationship


When the weather turns and they say it must
Changes are inevitable and one cannot predict when they will occur


Well we'll need coats for the both of us
Preparing for the future is important, as one should take necessary measures to ensure their well-being


But the wool is thin and it's full of holes
Even with precautions taken, there may still be weaknesses and vulnerabilities


And there's no heat in this abandoned bus
Sometimes, circumstances may arise where even the most basic necessities may not be available


So will we go alone out on our own?
The possibility of facing obstacles alone creates fear and uncertainty


Oh, darling what to become of us?
Reiterating the theme of the uncertainty of the future and its impact on their relationship


Well boats sink into the sea
Accidents happen and disasters occur that are sometimes unavoidable


And aeroplanes crash like computer screens
No matter how advanced technology may be, there is always the possibility of failure


And signals fail, trains derail
Even systems that are highly organized and run smoothly can experience glitches and malfunctions


And car bonnets crumple like magazines
Car accidents and collisions can cause severe damage and destruction


Till they're are put in piles like stacks of tiles
Objects that were once important and valuable can become nothing more than piles of debris


In a yard full of fridges and broken stuff
Metaphorically representing a place where abandoned and discarded things go


Will we go alone out on our own?
Questioning whether they will be able to rely on each other when faced with adversity


Oh, darling what will become of us?
Expressing the overwhelming anxiety and uncertainty surrounding their future


We will bite our noses off to spite our faces, both of us will
Acknowledging the self-destructive tendencies that both parties possess


Rust like metal fences in the rain
Comparing their relationship to the way metal rusts and corrodes over time


You will pour the gasoline and I will spark the matches
Implying that they are capable of causing each other harm and destruction


We will burn within our fire, we will burn within our flames
One question becomes whether their love will be a destructive force or a positive one


Well yeast ferments and milk sours
Even natural processes have a negative side effect, as yeast and milk can go bad if not properly stored


When it's out of the fridge for too many hours
If not given the proper environment and care, even things that are normally reliable can deteriorate


Will we'll lament in separate towers
The possibility of being separated and dealing with pain and suffering alone


Never knowing if we're brave or if we're cowards
Questioning whether they will rise to the occasion or crumble in difficult times


For they'll pour cement down this hole of ours
It is easy to get stuck in difficult situations and unable to move forward


And we'll be stuck under stones and flowers
Metaphorically representing being trapped under the weight of loss and grief


Will we go alone out on our own?
Expressing the fear of facing difficulties alone and without the support of a partner


Oh, darling that's what will become of us?
Reiterating the theme that they are unsure of what the future holds for their relationship




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Michael David Rosenberg

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

Karen Mendes

Lyrics:

Well wood burns and metal rusts
So darling what to become of us?
When the weather turns and they say it must
Well we'll need coats for the both of us

But the wool is thin and it's full of holes
And there's no heat in this abandoned bus
So will we go alone out on our own?
Oh, darling what to become of us?

Well boats sink into the sea
And aeroplanes crash like computer screens
And signals fail, trains derail
And car bonnets crumple like magazines

Till they're are put in piles like stacks of tiles
In a yard full of fridges and broken stuff
Will we go alone out on our own?
Oh, darling what will become of us?

We will bite our noses off to spite our faces, both of us will
Rust like metal fences in the rain
You will pour the gasoline and I will spark the matches
We will burn within our fire, we will burn within our flames

Well yeast ferments and milk sours
When it's out of the fridge for too many hours
Will we'll lament in separate towers
Never knowing if we're brave or if we're cowards

For they'll pour cement down this hole of ours
And we'll be stuck under stones and flowers
Will we go alone out on our own?
Oh, darling that's what will become of us?
💛



sarah conant

Well wood burns and metal rusts
So darling what to become of us?
When the weather turns and they say it must
Well we'll need coats for the both of us
But the wool is thin and it's full of holes
And there's no heat in this abandoned bus
So will we go alone out on our own?
Oh, darling what to become of us?
Well boats sink into the sea
And aeroplanes crash like computer screens
And signals fail, trains derail
And car bonnets crumple like magazines
Till they're are put in piles like stacks of tiles
In a yard full of fridges and broken stuff
Will we go alone out on our own?
Oh, darling what will become of us?
We will bite our noses off to spite our faces, both of us will
Rust like metal fences in the rain
You will pour the gasoline and I will spark the matches
We will burn within our fire, we will burn within our flames
Well yeast ferments and milk sours
When it's out of the fridge for too many hours
Will we'll lament in separate towers
Never knowing if we're brave or if we're cowards
For they'll pour cement down this hole of ours
And we'll be stuck under stones and flowers
Will we go alone out on our own?
Oh, darling that's what will become of us?



All comments from YouTube:

Desiree Russell

I'm only 13 and sometimes I feel like no one else can understand this kind of music because their all worried about what has the most downloads or the catchiest beat but Passenger is one of my favorite artists❤️

MistyHorse 14

I am 13 and I feel the same

Uhu W

Ok holly shit you are now 20, how is life?

PerroGaláctico04

Passenger is still the best for me, I hope it has helped you in your life, now you have 20 years

Tường Lâm Thái

Hey, come and listen to it one more

Osahenru

You should be 21 now I hope your taste hasn't changed

Ani

I always come back to this song at low points in life.
I’m glad this song exists, it will always be a favorite 💛

MrAdamakakis

Blind Love and this song are my two faves by Passenger. Beautifully thoughtful poetic lyrics with music to make you yearn to be able wrap yourself in it.

Callum Brown

Seriously why isn't passenger famous ? He's got an amazing voice and his lyrics are awesome !!

jokerswearblack

The best songwriter in Britain by a country mile. He has whimsy with his emotion, like Alice through the looking glass. It is a rare gift to combine meaning and melody.

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