British Boots
Starling Electric Lyrics
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One of these things is going to show your power
The time has come for us to open-field expire
Fall asleep and burn just like a fireplace fire
Archive sitting on a hillside
A slow life sailing in the sea
Ghost writer, you've gotta self-destruct or flower
The time has come for us to open up, expire
Decorate our rest with a feedback fire
Orange skies supervise the sunshine
Each night it's the ghost of Sheryl Lee
The times that change us are often the strangest
The lyrics to "British Boots" by Starling Electric are filled with abstract imagery and metaphorical language. The song begins by addressing a "ghost writer" who is faced with a choice between self-destructing or flourishing. These opposing ideas create tension and suggest that there are consequences no matter which direction this person chooses to take. The second verse shifts to a broader perspective, with the singer calling for a shared experience of "open-field expire" and the image of falling asleep and burning like a fireplace fire. This imagery brings to mind both the cyclical nature of life and the untimely end of something beautiful.
The third verse brings the imagery back down to earth with references to an "archive sitting on a hillside" and a "slow life sailing in the sea". These images suggest a sense of nostalgia and an appreciation for the natural world. The chorus returns, repeating the idea that the ghost writer must choose between self-destruction and flourishing. The final verse adds another layer to the song's themes, noting that the times that change us are often the strangest. This sentiment speaks to the idea that life is unpredictable, and sometimes the most unexpected experiences can have the biggest impact.
Overall, "British Boots" is a richly symbolic song that explores universal themes of life, death, and change. The lyrics are open to interpretation and encourage the listener to reflect on their own experiences and perceptions of the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Ghost writer, you've got to self-destruct or flower
You must either give up your anonymity and become known or disappear into obscurity.
One of these things is going to show your power
Whether you choose to reveal yourself or vanish, it will signify your strength and influence.
The time has come for us to open-field expire
We must embrace the present moment and let ourselves fully experience life's uncertainties.
Fall asleep and burn just like a fireplace fire
Inevitably, we will come to an end, just like a fire that eventually burns out and dies.
Archive sitting on a hillside
Preserved memories of the past, left to rest on the peaceful hillside.
A slow life sailing in the sea
A peaceful existence, moving steadily along and content in the vastness of the unknown.
Decorate our rest with a feedback fire
Even in death, we leave behind a legacy that can reverberate and influence others.
Orange skies supervise the sunshine
The beautiful and changing colors of the sky remind us of the constant evolution of life and nature.
Each night it's the ghost of Sheryl Lee
The haunting specter of the past can continue to influence and stay with us, even after death.
The times that change us are often the strangest
We are often transformed by unexpected, unique experiences that challenge and change our perspectives on life.
Contributed by Alaina A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.