1901
Phœnix Lyrics
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Past and present, they don't matter
Now the future's sorted out
Watch her moving in elliptical pattern
Think it's not what you say
What you say is way too complicated
For a minute, thought I couldn't tell how to fall out
Lie down, you know it's easy like we did it all summer long
And I'll be anything you ask and more, going "Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey"
It's not a miracle we needed, and no I wouldn't let you think so
Fold it, fold it, fold it, fold it
Fold it, fold it, fold it, fold it
Girlfriend, oh, your girlfriend's drifting away
Past and present, 1855-1901
Watch them build up a material tower
Think it's not gonna stay anyway
Think it's overrated
For a minute, thought I couldn't tell how to fall out
It's twenty seconds 'til the last call, going, "Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey"
Lie down, you know it's easy like we did it all summer long
And I'll be anything you ask and more, going "Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey"
It's not a miracle we needed, and no I wouldn't let you think so
Fold it, fold it, fold it, fold it
Fold it, fold it, fold it, fold it
Fold it, fold it, fold it, fold it
Fold it, fold it, fold it, fold it
The lyrics of Phœnix's song "1901" paint a picture of transition and reflection, as the singer contemplates the passage of time and the fluidity of life. The opening lines, "Counting all different ideas drifting away, Past and present, they don't matter, Now the future's sorted out," suggest a sense of detachment from the past and present, focusing instead on what lies ahead. The imagery of watching someone move in an elliptical pattern conveys a sense of circular motion and predictability in life, yet the complexity of communication is highlighted with the line "Think it's not what you say, What you say is way too complicated." This could be interpreted as a commentary on how words can often fail to fully convey our thoughts and feelings.
As the song progresses, the theme of fleeting moments and easy living emerges in the chorus, with references to the carefree days of summer ("Lie down, you know it's easy like we did it all summer long"). The singer offers to be anything the other person asks for, suggesting a willingness to adapt and please, while also acknowledging that what they have is not a miracle, but something that was simply needed. The repetition of "Hey, hey, hey" adds a playful and rhythmic element to the song, reinforcing the idea of simplicity and ease.
The mention of a "girlfriend drifting away" and the years 1855-1901 indicate a broader historical context, perhaps reflecting on the passage of time and the inevitability of change. The image of a material tower being built up only to eventually fall suggests the impermanence of earthly pursuits and possessions. The repeated refrain of "Fold it, fold it" at the end of each verse can be seen as a metaphor for letting go, releasing control, and accepting the transient nature of life's experiences.
Overall, "1901" by Phœnix is a contemplative and introspective song that explores themes of time, impermanence, and the complexities of communication. The juxtaposition of carefree moments with deeper reflections on the nature of relationships and existence adds layers of depth to the lyrics, inviting listeners to ponder the transient and sometimes elusive nature of life and love.
Line by Line Meaning
Counting all different ideas drifting away
Reflecting on various thoughts and concepts that are fading from view
Past and present, they don't matter
The past and present are irrelevant in the face of the future
Now the future's sorted out
Looking towards a clear and organized future
Watch her moving in elliptical pattern
Observing her in a cyclical and predictable movement
Think it's not what you say
Believing that words are not as important as actions
What you say is way too complicated
Feeling overwhelmed by complex communication
For a minute, thought I couldn't tell how to fall out
Briefly unsure how to move on from a situation
Girlfriend, oh, your girlfriend's drifting away
Acknowledging the emotional distance in a relationship
Past and present, 1855-1901
Referencing a historical timeframe to highlight change over time
Watch them build up a material tower
Witnessing the construction of a superficial structure
Think it's not gonna stay anyway
Doubting the longevity of something transient
Think it's overrated
Believing that something is not as valuable as others think
It's twenty seconds 'til the last call, going, 'Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey'
Counting down to a final moment with a sense of urgency
Lie down, you know it's easy like we did it all summer long
Relaxing and reminiscing about carefree times
And I'll be anything you ask and more, going 'Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey'
Promising to go above and beyond for someone special
It's not a miracle we needed, and no I wouldn't let you think so
Recognizing that a miracle wasn't necessary and not allowing false expectations
Fold it, fold it, fold it, fold it
Symbolically folding away a situation or emotion
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Christian Mazzalai, Frederic Moulin, Laurent Mazzalai, Thomas Croquet
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Darkopolypse98
[LYRICS]
Counting all different ideas drifting away
Past and present, they don't matter
Now the future's sorted out
Watch her moving in elliptical pattern
Think it's not what you say
What you say is way too complicated
For a minute, thought I couldn't tell how to fall out
It's twenty seconds 'til the last call, going, "Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey"
Lie down, you know it's easy like we did it all summer long
And I'll be anything you ask and more, going "Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey"
It's not a miracle we needed, and no I wouldn't let you think so
Fold it, fold it, fold it, fold it
Fold it, fold it, fold it, fold it
Girlfriend, oh, your girlfriend's drifting away
Past and present, 1855-1901
Watch them build up a material tower
Think it's not gonna stay anyway
Think it's overrated
For a minute, thought I couldn't tell how to fall out
It's twenty seconds 'til the last call, going, "Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey"
Lie down, you know it's easy like we did it all summer long
And I'll be anything you ask and more, going "Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey"
It's not a miracle we needed, and no I wouldn't let you think so
Fold it, fold it, fold it, fold it
Fold it, fold it, fold it, fold it
Fold it, fold it, fold it, fold it
Fold it, fold it, fold it, fold it
@discountano
can't be the only one thinking Phoenix killed it at the Paris 2024 closing ceremony.
@KAH-7
I finally found them here,
from that after searching
by lyric Since '09⁉ 👀
@andyman10
Definitely did!
@BloodyDeeJay
Man they stole the show , they were just so good and so cool , effortless and will have done great for their streaming numbers and well deserved
@awesomepsume
Yeah, except for the strangely anti-christian vibe of the ceremony, it was pretty lit.
@jzzycaprice
Greetings from the Olympics 2024!
@joesalazar2778
My early 2010s self is happy right now seeing them perform this and other songs at the closing ceremony for the Summer Olympics in Paris.
@natalialee3018
Same 😊
@ChelleBear7
Ong me too I would listen to this on repeat and dance around my room
@camilaalarcon6918
ME TOO I AM SO PROUD OF THEM