So Long
Radiation City Lyrics
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could swoon but instead it’s ok
to get a kind of apathy that only you could wrap with ease
and give it to us on holiday
and under all the scrutiny as moody as you too can be
this mutiny is barely a phase
so pray tell say you’ll crack the gate
for a break in the way it’s arranged
So long to the notion of gentle gesticulation
the salt in the air is a prayer you can taste
so long to the notion of gentle gesticulation
the salt in the air is a prayer you can taste
Take my hand and give it to the parrots and the picketers
you wouldn’t want it if it was gold,
so you plant it in a soil of clay and oil
and it’s clear the more the water boils
the longer that position would hold
and then you cried into a river
cause you heard it in a song
but it didn’t feel better
if not plenty wrong
so give it away, give it a day, or string it along
So long to the notion of gentle gesticulation
the salt in the air is a prayer you can taste
so long to the notion of gentle gesticulation
the salt in the air is a prayer you can taste
so long to the notion of gentle gesticulation
the salt in the air is a prayer you can taste
The opening lines of Radiation City's "So Long" depict a paradoxical situation. The first line compares the situation to something as bloody as the moon, but then proceeds with "too funny too soon" which seems to negate the gravity of what was previously stated. This recurring theme of contrasting ideas continues as the lyrics dive into the notion of apathy, which is characterized as something that is easy for the person in question to wrap themselves in. The lyrics then talk about scrutiny and the idea of mutiny, painting a picture of a situation where rebellion is barely a phase but still present. The chorus begins with bidding farewell to the notion of gentle gesticulation while reminding us that the salt in the air is a prayer that can be tasted. This could be taken as a metaphor for a kind of nihilistic view, where the notion of acting with grace and purpose is dismissed as pointless and only the presence of salt in the air, something that is not under anyone's control, provides a kind of solace.
The next portion of the song takes on a somewhat more introspective tone as it urges the listener to take their hand and give it to the parrots and picketers. This is most likely a reference to people who have strong beliefs and are willing to fight for them. The next line, "you wouldn't want it if it was gold," seems to suggest that the person in question does not want to get involved in such things. The lyrics then talk about planting something in soil and how the longer it is exposed to boiling water, the longer the position would hold. This is once again a metaphor but is somewhat difficult to decipher. The song ends with the final chorus, emphasizing the idea that the notion of gentle gesticulation is over and all that is left is the salt in the air, the prayer that can be tasted.
Line by Line Meaning
As bloody as the moon too funny too soon
Things are chaotic and happening too fast, before we can even process them. It's overwhelming.
could swoon but instead it’s ok
We could get caught up in the chaos, but instead we're choosing to accept it and be okay with it.
to get a kind of apathy that only you could wrap with ease
We've developed a sense of detachment from everything that's happening, and it's become effortless for us to do so.
and give it to us on holiday
We're sharing this apathy and detachment with others during a time that's supposed to be joyful and relaxing.
and under all the scrutiny as moody as you too can be
Despite being judged and criticized, we're still able to remain moody and aloof.
this mutiny is barely a phase
Our rebelliousness and detachment is just a passing phase for us.
so pray tell say you’ll crack the gate
We're asking someone to open up and let us experience something new and different.
for a break in the way it’s arranged
We're seeking a change from the current state of affairs, something that would shake things up and give us a fresh perspective.
Take my hand and give it to the parrots and the picketers
We're willing to let go of control and let others take charge, even if they're unconventional or disruptive.
you wouldn’t want it if it was gold
We're suggesting that material wealth and success aren't important to us.
so you plant it in a soil of clay and oil
We're nurturing something (possibly an idea or belief) that's not immediately valuable or impressive, but has potential to grow.
and it’s clear the more the water boils
The more pressure and stress we face, the clearer things become to us.
the longer that position would hold
The more we persevere and hold onto our beliefs, the stronger they become.
and then you cried into a river
We've experienced deep emotional pain and sadness.
cause you heard it in a song
We heard something in music that resonated with us emotionally.
but it didn’t feel better
Despite hearing something that should've been comforting, we didn't feel any better. The pain was still there.
if not plenty wrong
In fact, things might've felt even worse than before.
so give it away, give it a day, or string it along
We're considering different options for dealing with the emotional pain and sadness - giving up, persevering through it for a while, or dragging it out indefinitely.
So long to the notion of gentle gesticulation
the salt in the air is a prayer you can taste
We're saying goodbye to the idea of gentle or soft actions and instead embracing something raw and authentic, like the taste of salt in the air.
so long to the notion of gentle gesticulation
the salt in the air is a prayer you can taste
Repeated line for emphasis and to reinforce the idea of embracing something raw and authentic.
Contributed by Gabriel K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.