Formed in Austin, TX, Pompeii are best known for their melodic and ambient … Read Full Bio ↴Formed in Austin, TX, Pompeii are best known for their melodic and ambient rock sound, which features the addition of a cello. Their two releases, Assembly and Nothing Happens for a Reason are both distributed through Eyeball Records (WEA/ADA), Bad News Records (Japan) and Cargo Distribution (Europe).

Pompeii has received worldwide attention and critical acclaim from such outlets as American Songwriter Magazine, Alternative Press, Filter, NPR, Apple and MTV.

The band is currently working on a third full length.

Pillars
Pompeii Lyrics

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There is a carrot dangling outside a window narrowing,
And it's teasing me.
But it's the nerve that you lack,
Cut the strings that hold you back.
Your body is still alive but buried under your head.

I'm thinking I think too much.

Because there will not be a turn unless your cornered.
Not be a side if you're not bordered.
Not be a guilt without a care
You're throwing them up into the air.

You never expect to have things operate like that.

It's taken awhile...

It's got to take care of it's self.
What a joke to think your problem is a problem at all.
Pass the torch until it's spent.
I think your snapping out of it.
Force yourself through the motions...

You never expect to have things operate like that.

Steps we trace, falling on my face was the best way it
Could have been.

Overall Meaning

In the song "Pillars" by Pompeii, the opening lines provide a metaphorical image of a carrot dangling outside a window, which acts as a temptation towards something unattainable. This could represent the idea of chasing after something that is beyond our reach or trying to achieve a goal that seems impossible. The second line, "and it's teasing me", reflects how the idea of temptation can play on our minds and cause us to become restless or distracted.

The lyrics then move on to discuss the idea of overcoming obstacles and breaking free from the things that hold us back. The line "but it's the nerve that you lack, cut the strings that hold you back" could be interpreted as encouraging the listener to take control of their life and not let fear prevent them from achieving their goals. However, the following line "your body is still alive but buried under your head" could indicate that despite feeling trapped or limited by our own thoughts, we are still capable of making progress and finding a way forward.

As the song progresses, the lyrics become more uplifting, focusing on the idea of taking action and breaking through barriers. The lines "force yourself through the motions" and "pass the torch until it's spent" suggest the importance of perseverance and continuing to push ourselves even when things seem impossible. The final line "steps we trace, falling on my face was the best way it could have been" is a reminder that failure and setbacks are often necessary steps towards success and that we should embrace the challenges we face.

Line by Line Meaning

There is a carrot dangling outside a window narrowing,
There is something enticing within reach, but just out of grasp due to limited access.

And it's teasing me.
It's trying to provoke a reaction or response from me.

But it's the nerve that you lack,
It's not the carrot or object of desire that's the root issue, but a lack of courage.

Cut the strings that hold you back.
Release yourself from whatever is hindering or restraining you.

Your body is still alive but buried under your head.
You may physically exist, but mentally or emotionally you feel buried or trapped.

I'm thinking I think too much.
I'm realizing that overthinking isn't always productive or helpful.

Because there will not be a turn unless your cornered.
Changes or progress often only happen when you're faced with challenges or obstacles.

Not be a side if you're not bordered.
You can't pick a side or have a strong opinion if you don't have strong boundaries or limitations.

Not be a guilt without a care
There can't be genuine regret or remorse if there wasn't concern or consideration in the first place.

You're throwing them up into the air.
You're abandoning or letting go of your responsibilities or concerns.

You never expect to have things operate like that.
You're surprised or caught off guard by how things are unfolding or progressing.

It's taken awhile...
It's been a long or challenging journey.

It's got to take care of it's self.
It's necessary to prioritize self-care and look out for one's own well-being.

What a joke to think your problem is a problem at all.
Your issues or struggles may seem insignificant or trivial in the grand scheme of things.

Pass the torch until it's spent.
Pass on the responsibility or obligation to someone else until it's been fully completed or used up.

I think your snapping out of it.
I think you're beginning to recover or move past a difficult situation or mindset.

Force yourself through the motions...
Push or motivate yourself to keep going and carrying out necessary actions, even if it's difficult or challenging.

Steps we trace, falling on my face was the best way it Could have been.
Making mistakes or experiencing failures can actually be beneficial or necessary learning experiences, even if they're painful or embarrassing.

Contributed by Jack H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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