Lament
Paul Gemignani Lyrics


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This is the world I meant
Couldn't you listen?
Couldn't you stay content?
Safe behind walls, as I could not

Now you know what's out there in the world
No one can prepare you for the world, even I
How could I, who loved you as you were
How could I have shielded you from her or them?

No matter what you say
Children won't listen
No matter what you know
Children refuse to learn

Guide them along the way
Still they won't listen
Children can only grow




From something you love
To something you lose

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Paul Gemignani's song Lament express the feelings of an individual who tried to protect someone they loved from the harsh reality of the world but failed. The singer is regretful as they watch their loved one face the harshness of the world they tried to shield them from. They wanted their loved one to learn from them without having to experience everything themselves. But as the singer acknowledges, no one can prepare someone for the world - even they could not. The singer loved their loved one for who they were but unfortunately, they could not shield them from the negative aspects of life.


The following stanzas emphasize the themes of rebellion and growth that are inherent in the nature of children. The singer laments that no matter what they say or do, children refuse to listen or learn. Children grow and rebel, and that is something that the singer could not prepare their loved one for. But at the same time, children can only grow from something they love to something they lose. The singer realizes that their loved one had to learn and grow on their own, and the only result of that process is separation. The singer acknowledges that this is a difficult pill to swallow, especially because of the love they have for their loved one.


In summary, the song Lament is a poignant expression of the difficulty that comes with loving and trying to protect someone from the harsh reality of the world. It is an acknowledgement of the fact that no one can truly prepare someone for the world as it is. Lament is a song that deals with themes of regret, growth, and separation that arise from the strife of trying to protect someone you love.


Line by Line Meaning

This is the world I meant
This is the world I envisioned and hoped for


Couldn't you listen?
Were you unable to understand and perceive my vision?


Couldn't you stay content?
Were you not satisfied with the safety and protection provided to you?


Safe behind walls, as I could not
You were secure within the boundaries I set for you, unlike me who was not


Now you know what's out there in the world
You have become aware of the harsh reality and dangers present in the world


No one can prepare you for the world, even I
It is impossible for anyone, including me, to fully equip you for the challenges of the world


How could I, who loved you as you were
As someone who loved you unconditionally, how could I have changed or influenced you?


How could I have shielded you from her or them?
Was it possible for me to prevent you from encountering adverse situations and people?


No matter what you say
You cannot make children listen by using words alone


Children won't listen
Children fail to heed warnings, instructions or advice given to them


No matter what you know
Even with awareness, knowledge, and experience Children resist learning


Children refuse to learn
Learning is challenging for children and they may have trouble accepting new ideas


Guide them along the way
It's about the experience and advice you provide, which could make learning more efficient


Still they won't listen
Even if shown the right path, Children may still be unable to comprehend or appreciate it


Children can only grow
Children progress from 'something you love' to 'something you lose' as they attain independence


From something you love
Initially, children are cherished and treasured for who they are


To something you lose
Gradually, children leave the nest and parents have a sense of loss, as they mature and become independent




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: J J JOHNSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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