Countdown
Pheonix Lyrics
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God bless your miss somewhere
We're sick for the big sun
It doesn't matter what you did
And if you did it like you been told
True and everlasting that's what you want
True and everlasting that's what you want
Don't say no your breakfast tears are gone
Resist or let go, you're borderline withdrawn
Down, unlit from the bottom there is a misfit
Better than it looks, better than it looks
Better than it looks, better than it looks
We're sick
We're sick for the big sun
We rumble and trip
I realize that too
Hear the lonesome bell, is this knowledge?
Ask forgiveness you know somewhere
You're fixed to an atom
It doesn't matter what you did
And if you did right let's go
Cruel and everlasting that's what you want
Cruel and everlasting that's what you want
Don't say no your breakfast tears are wrong
Do you remember when 21 years was old?
Down unlit does it matter that you care the less?
Better than it looks, better than it looks
Better than it looks, better than it looks
We're sick
We're sick for the big sun
We rumble and trip
I realize that too
True and everlasting, it didn't last that long...
We're the lonesome, we're the lonesome yell
True and everlasting, it didn't last that long...
The lyrics to Phoenix's song Countdown feature a mix of abstract and specific imagery, creating a sense of uncertainty and urgency. The opening line, "Countdown unless you're juvenile let's go," sets a tone of impending action, while the following lines, "God bless your miss somewhere / We're sick for the big sun," are more difficult to interpret. It could be a reference to wanting to escape or transcend the mundane, but also possibly alludes to the destructive power of radiation (a "big sun" being a metaphor for a nuclear explosion).
The chorus, "True and everlasting that's what you want / Cruel and everlasting that's what you want," implies a sense of longing for something that is both permanent and somewhat painful. The verses continue to alternate between vague phrases ("Down, unlit from the bottom there is a misfit") and more direct statements ("Ask forgiveness you know somewhere / You're fixed to an atom"), adding to the sense of unease and urgency.
The final lines, "True and everlasting, it didn't last that long... / We're the lonesome, we're the lonesome yell" suggest a recognition that the desire for permanence and transcendence is futile, and that ultimately we are all alone in our struggles.
Overall, the lyrics to Countdown are open to multiple interpretations, but convey a sense of restlessness and yearning.
Line by Line Meaning
Countdown unless you're juvenile let's go
Let's start the countdown unless you're still immature and not ready
God bless your miss somewhere
May there be blessings for your missing someone or something
We're sick for the big sun
We have an intense longing for the grand, bright future
It doesn't matter what you did
Your past actions don't hold relevance now
And if you did it like you been told
If you followed the instructions while doing it
True and everlasting that's what you want
You desire something that is authentic and never-ending
Don't say no your breakfast tears are gone
Don't refuse it, your past sorrows have been forgotten
Resist or let go, you're borderline withdrawn
Either resist the inner conflict or give in, you are unsure and hesitant
Down, unlit from the bottom there is a misfit
From the murky depths, there is a sense of not fitting in
Better than it looks, better than it looks
Things are better than they seem
We're sick
We have an intense longing
We rumble and trip
We are disturbed and slowed down in our journey
I realize that too
I understand that feeling as well
Hear the lonesome bell, is this knowledge?
Hear the mournful sound - is this an awareness of something?
Ask forgiveness you know somewhere
Seek forgiveness from someone, you know where to find it
You're fixed to an atom
You are closely attached to an element or idea
Cruel and everlasting that's what you want
You desire something that is harsh and enduring
Don't say no your breakfast tears are wrong
Don't refuse it, your past sorrows were a mistake
Do you remember when 21 years was old?
Do you recall when you used to think 21 was old age?
Down unlit does it matter that you care the less?
In the murkiness and darkness, does it matter that you care less?
True and everlasting, it didn't last that long...
Something that was supposed to be authentic and enduring did not last very long
We're the lonesome, we're the lonesome yell
We are the ones who are lonely and screaming out for something
True and everlasting, it didn't last that long...
Something that was supposed to be authentic and enduring did not last very long
Contributed by Victoria D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.