Where in the Simile Am I?
Proof and Proving Lyrics
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a source of pride, and accomplishment through time;
moments pass, structures fail or fall;
or get the sweet kiss of a wrecking ball
all in the name of progress or time
while the architect watches idly by.
But where in the simile am I?
The lyrics in Proof and Proving's song, "Where in the Simile Am I?" expresses the abstract nature of comparing oneself to a building, specifically an architect's building. The song uses a cogent simile to describe how an architect's building is a source of pride and accomplishment through time, but eventually, it may fail or fall due to the inevitable passage of time or progress, symbolized by the wrecking ball. While the structure is observable, the architect remains passive in its fate, an observer in a timeless fade between the past and the future.
However, the crux of the song's message comes from the rhetorical question posed in the final line: "But where in the simile am I?" This line sets up ambiguity, challenging the listener to consider where they stand in their metaphorical building. In other words, are we the architect or the building itself? This could be interpreted as a reflection on the human condition, wherein people strive for permanence and accomplishment in life, leaving behind a legacy. Still, like a building, our fate ultimately rests in the hands of time, more significant forces that we have no control over.
Line by Line Meaning
A cogent simile: an architect's building -
A powerful comparison can be made between an architect's building and a simile.
a source of pride, and accomplishment through time;
Just like an architect takes pride in their building, writers feel a sense of pride and accomplishment over time when crafting great similes.
moments pass, structures fail or fall;
Buildings may meet their end, just as individual similes may not stand the test of time and become forgotten.
or get the sweet kiss of a wrecking ball
Just like a building being demolished, a once-great simile may be disregarded or abandoned to make way for new, fresh ones.
all in the name of progress or time
It is important to push forward and leave the past behind in order to make progress, even if it means abandoning previously used similes.
while the architect watches idly by.
The writer may go back and forth on the effectiveness of a simile, even while it may not be noticed by anyone else.
But where in the simile am I?
The writer questions their role within the simile, wondering where they stand in relation to the overall effectiveness and impact of their literary comparison.
Contributed by Andrew J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.