Stallin'
Phlake Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Smoke up the cables as we move in ease
I think I get it now
You ain't supposed to be figured out
Fixing the papers for a minor fees
Taking a dip just for a quick release
We're making the sound unique
You can see me stallin'
Busy sobbin' something numb
Not in a rush
But I'm honestly alone
When I call bawling
In a way I'm crawling in the mud
Just for the rush
At the end of going on and on (yeah)
Always on the run
Busy doing nothing just for fun
Skinny dipping all these coloured swamps
Floating on the fog (yeah)
The lyrics to Phlake's song "Stallin" paint a vivid picture of a carefree lifestyle that's also kind of aimless. The first two lines set the scene, with someone bringing crackers on a tray of cheese and "smoking up the cables" as they move with ease. There's an air of nonchalance and a willingness to go with the flow, even if that means things don't always make sense. The chorus hints at some kind of internal struggle or emotional numbness, with the singer "stalling" and feeling "honestly alone" even when surrounded by friends. There's a sense of detachment from the world, with the line "I think I get it now / You ain't supposed to be figured out" suggesting that the singer is wrestling with some big existential questions.
The second verse continues with this theme of aimlessness and a reluctance to be tied down. There's an allusion to some kind of illicit activity, with "fixing the papers for a minor fee" and "taking a dip just for a quick release," but it's all done in the pursuit of a "unique" sound. The final lines of the verse are a call to stay awake and keep going, perhaps in an effort to stave off that sense of emotional numbness or disconnection that the singer feels.
Overall, the song seems to capture a feeling of being caught in between moments - neither fully engaged nor completely checked out. It's a powerful and relatable sentiment, beautifully expressed through Phlake's introspective lyrics and languid, dreamlike melodies.
Line by Line Meaning
You bring in the crackers on a tray of cheese
You try to impress me with small yet fancy things
Smoke up the cables as we move in ease
We create a hazy atmosphere with our relaxed state
I think I get it now
I finally understand what's going on here
You ain't supposed to be figured out
But I realize that your intentions are not clear
Fixing the papers for a minor fees
You engage in sketchy and underhanded deals for quick money
Taking a dip just for a quick release
You seek instant gratification with little regard for consequences
We're making the sound unique
Despite all the chaos, we create our own distinct vibe
Don't wanna fall asleep
But I'm afraid I'll miss out on something if I let my guard down
You can see me stallin'
I'm hesitant and unsure of how to proceed
Busy sobbin' something numb
I'm preoccupied with a feeling of emptiness
Not in a rush
I'm content with taking my time
But I'm honestly alone
But I'm aware that my actions may leave me isolated
When I call bawling
When I reach out for help in desperation
In a way I'm crawling in the mud
I feel like I'm sinking in despair and hopelessness
Just for the rush
But I can't resist the thrill of the moment
At the end of going on and on (yeah)
Despite it all, I keep chasing the high
Always on the run
I'm constantly searching for something new and exciting
Busy doing nothing just for fun
But sometimes my actions have little purpose other than enjoyment
Skinny dipping all these coloured swamps
I'm exploring new and unconventional experiences
Floating on the fog (yeah)
I'm lost in a haze of uncertainty and adventure
Contributed by Aiden V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.