Shallow
Poets of the Fall Lyrics


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More in my face than is my taste
I grow so weary I'll surrender
to what they say Let them lead the way
Till' I can no longer remember
my darling dreams Prewritten scenes,
whatever felt my own
So to save face I'll take my place
Where I may safely feel alone

Glad the waters are so shallow
When the river runs so cold
Glad the waters are so shallow
When the river runs cold
Glad the waters are so shallow
When the river runs so cold
Glad the waters are so shallow
When the river runs cold

I'm quick to wait, and so to hate
They call me gracious for my patience
And I feel proud under that shroud
And all the while it's all evasion

Some humor here to fend off fear
And I'm a little more lost, oh dear
So to save face I'll hold my place
So I may safely feel alone

Glad the waters are so shallow
When the river runs so cold
Glad the waters are so shallow
When the river runs cold
Glad the waters are so shallow
When the river runs so cold




Glad the waters are so shallow
When the river runs cold

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Poets of the Fall's "Shallow" paints a picture of an individual who is struggling with conformity and the pressure to follow societal norms. The singer surrenders to what others say, leading them to lose track of their own dreams and desires. Instead, they take solace in the safety of being alone. However, the use of the phrase "safely feel alone" suggests that perhaps the singer does not find true comfort in isolation, but rather uses it as a coping mechanism.


The repetition of the phrase "Glad the waters are so shallow when the river runs cold" serves as a metaphor for the singer's desire for simplicity in a complex and overwhelming world. The singer may be grateful for the small things that make life more bearable, like shallow waters, but deep down, they are haunted by the coldness of the overarching river. These lyrics suggest that despite the singer's efforts to fit in and stay safe, they are struggling to maintain their own identity.


Overall, "Shallow" is a poignant commentary on the struggles of conformity and the desire for individuality. The lyrics are haunting and insightful, encouraging listeners to question their own motivations and desires.


Line by Line Meaning

More in my face than is my taste
I am dealing with things that are overwhelming and not to my liking.


I grow so weary I'll surrender
I am tired and ready to give up.


to what they say Let them lead the way
I am letting others take charge and guide me.


Till' I can no longer remember
This will continue until I forget my own desires and goals.


my darling dreams Prewritten scenes,
My own dreams and aspirations have been replaced with scripted scenarios.


whatever felt my own
I have lost touch with what I truly want or feel.


So to save face I'll take my place
To avoid embarrassment, I will conform to what others expect of me.


Where I may safely feel alone
This allows me to be alone without judgment.


Glad the waters are so shallow
I am relieved that the situation is not as difficult as it could be.


When the river runs so cold
Despite the challenges, I am grateful that the situation is not worse.


I'm quick to wait, and so to hate
I find myself becoming impatient and resentful.


They call me gracious for my patience
Others perceive me as calm and understanding, even though I am struggling internally.


And I feel proud under that shroud
I take pride in concealing my true emotions and appearing strong to others.


And all the while it's all evasion
This behavior is really just a way for me to avoid confronting my own fears and insecurities.


Some humor here to fend off fear
I use humor as a defense mechanism to cope with my anxieties.


And I'm a little more lost, oh dear
Despite my efforts to appear in control, I am actually feeling more confused and uncertain.


So to save face I'll hold my place
I will maintain the facade of confidence and stability to avoid appearing weak.


So I may safely feel alone
This allows me to isolate myself from the pressures of the situation.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MARKO SAARESTO, MARKUS KAARLONEN, OLLI TUKIAINEN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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