Orion
Rachel zamsteen Lyrics
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It better keep you away
I've learned to never say never
Out of fear of what you might say
That it's a song only I could write
But I'm dampened by desire as I wait in the fire
By the time I step out for a smoke
They already turned down the lights
They turned the day into night
And sent me packing with my stage fright
Orion's belt is wrapped on my arm
I got one suitcase packed and one chance to bomb but
After the smoke clears I'll set the alarm off
The lyrics to Rachel Zamsteen's song "Orion" seem to speak to the pressure and anxiety one can feel when attempting to create or perform art. The singer of the song is clearly concerned about whether or not their work will impress others, or even worse, fall flat in front of an audience. There's a sense of wrestling with self-doubt here, with the singer warning themselves not to completely dismiss the possibility of success ("I've learned to never say never / Out of fear of what you might say"). Despite trying to psyche themselves up and believe in their own talent ("I should be able to convince myself / That it's a song only I could write"), they can't help but feel overwhelmed by their own desires and fears. The final lines, "After the smoke clears I'll set the alarm off," suggest that while the performance may be daunting, there's still a sense of determination to rise to the challenge and make something happen.
Line by Line Meaning
This song had better be clever
It's important for this song to be clever enough to impress the listener.
It better keep you away
The song should act as a deterrent for someone or something that she does not want to deal with.
I've learned to never say never
She has learned that it's better not to rule out anything completely.
Out of fear of what you might say
She avoids saying never because she is afraid of what someone might say in response.
I should be able to convince myself
She should be able to be confident in her ability to write the song.
That it's a song only I could write
She believes that the song should represent something unique to her.
But I'm dampened by desire as I wait in the fire
However, her perceived desire to impress others is affecting her ability to create.
By the time I step out for a smoke
When she steps out for a break, the situation changes.
They already turned down the lights
The venue has changed to nighttime performance.
They turned the day into night
The change from daylight to darkness represents the contrast between her perceived ability and her ability in reality.
And sent me packing with my stage fright
Her nervousness and anxiety about performing has overwhelmed her.
Orion's belt is wrapped on my arm
The stars of Orion's Belt are a reminder of the attempt to maintain balance in the chaos of reality.
I got one suitcase packed and one chance to bomb but
She only has one last chance to perform well and it feels like a risk.
After the smoke clears I'll set the alarm off
She plans to learn from her mistakes and take steps to be more successful in the future.
Contributed by Eliana T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.