The Keepers
Santigold Lyrics

I walk blind with smoke in my eyes
Feeling lost and disoriented, unable to see clearly

It's like we don't know where we been
Feeling directionless and lacking in purpose

That's it, boy, just state your case
Being challenged to explain oneself and defend one's actions

You're just as wrong as you were then
Being criticized for failing to change or learn from one's mistakes

One tough move throw your hands up
Feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do next

Say I don't make no rules
Not feeling responsible for creating or enforcing rules

No one even knows I'm here
Feeling invisible and unheard, like nobody cares about one's presence or ideas

Now it's on you to man up
Being challenged to take responsibility for one's actions and make tough decisions

You say no weight'll hang on what you say
Believing that one's words and actions have little or no impact on the world around them

We're the keepers
Referring to all of humanity as stewards or guardians of the planet

While we sleep in America
Suggesting that people are apathetic or unaware of serious issues happening in their own backyard

Our house is burning down
Metaphor for the earth's deterioration due to human activity and neglect

Our house is burning
Repeated for emphasis and urgency

Down, down it burns down
Further emphasizing the severity and urgency of the situation

Ask me why a dream gets you by
Reflecting on the power of hope and optimism to keep people going

But let it want, turns a dangerous thing
Warning that blindly pursuing one's dreams without caution or self-awareness can lead to disaster

Watch out for it, it snakes right past
Urging vigilance and alertness when trying to achieve one's goals, so as not to be swayed by temptations or distractions

Then turns around and it sucks you in
Describing how the pursuit of one's dreams can become all-consuming and potentially harmful

What happens when you get stuck?
Questioning what happens when someone becomes trapped or paralyzed by their fears, doubts, or failures

Get to the bottom of the illusion that you're in
Encouraging people to examine the root causes of their problems and break free from false beliefs or expectations

From the roots now it's shook up
Describing the process of uprooting old beliefs and habits in order to create lasting change

Know that what ails without will do you in
Asserting that ignoring problems or challenges only makes them worse in the end

And not a thing I've done
Acknowledging one's own failures and inability to solve all the world's problems single-handedly

Abates my fear
Admitting that despite one's best efforts, there is still much to be afraid of in the world

And still although our hearts can't run
Recognizing that although we may not have all the answers, we must still step up and take action

We are gone
Lines suggesting that the weight of human carelessness and neglect is wearing down upon the earth

On the heels of all we have done, know
Reflecting on the impact of humankind's collective behavior on the planet and its inhabitants

Our house is burning down
Restating the central metaphor and message of the song

Down, down it burns down
Further reinforcing the urgency and gravity of the situation