Distilled in the music is the life experience of an artist willing to take risks to satisfy an irrepressibly curious soul and all that entails—indulgence, wanderlust, love, lost love, joy and a lot of pain, youthful run-ins with the law, full release, redemption and resultant wisdom. The stories contained are at once personal and universal--steeped in a depth of experience that belies his age.
Call him mercurial. The Canadian expat troubadour has established a solid fanbase from his new home in Echo Park, California with performances that keep them guessing as to how he’ll throw it down that night. Solo acoustic w/finger-plucking flair (he’s an extraordinary guitarist), rockin’ quartet, levitation-inducing quintet with a keyboardist providing shimmering ambience…it’s never less than wonderful. Captivated audiences at the Hotel Café are in on one of the best kept secrets in Los Angeles and the rest of the world for that matter.
(taken from his myspace page)
Coming In Too Low
Steve Reynolds Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where is the sun
Who is this person
That I have become
P shops bring news,
Of people dressing up all their wounds... Yeah their wounds
Toss out your words
And breathe in
Love, love, love
Stand in the doorway
Stare at the sign
Venture to see me
Better this time
Climb up your walls
And peer out at all that is offered there, there, over there
Contact
Leads me to over react
To all that you said and did there
You′re coming in, You're comin′ in
Too low
People
Desperate to find their reasons
Let themselves be beaten
When they're coming in they're coming in too low
Low flight
Over the water,
Low light,
Means we will disappear right
As we′re coming in, we′re coming in too low.
In Steve Reynolds's song "Coming In Too Low," the lyrics reflect a sense of introspection and self-discovery. The opening lines of "Where has the day gone, Where is the sun, Who is this person, That I have become" suggest a feeling of disconnection and questioning one's own identity. The mention of "P shops bring news, Of people dressing up all their wounds" implies a search for truth or healing, perhaps through external means.
The chorus, with its repetition of "Love, love, love," emphasizes the importance of love and connection. The line "Stand in the doorway, Stare at the sign, Venture to see me, Better this time" could signify a willingness to open oneself up to new experiences or relationships, hoping for a better outcome. The following lines "Climb up your walls, And peer out at all that is offered there, there, over there" bring a sense of curiosity and the desire to explore what life has to offer.
The verse mentioning "Contact, Leads me to overreact, To all that you said and did there" suggests that the singer's interactions with others might have a profound impact, causing exaggerated reactions. The repetition of "You're coming in, You're coming in, Too low" could refer to the way people approach relationships or challenges, potentially lacking the necessary emotional strength or resilience.
The bridge introduces the concept of desperation and the consequences of being too vulnerable or submissive. The lines "People, Desperate to find their reasons, Let themselves be beaten, When they're coming in they're coming in too low" highlight the dangers of compromising one's own well-being for the sake of fitting in or seeking validation.
Overall, "Coming In Too Low" delves into themes of self-reflection, interpersonal dynamics, and the quest for self-acceptance.
Line by Line Meaning
Where has the day gone
I am wondering where the time has gone and how quickly the day has passed.
Where is the sun
I am questioning where the sunshine and brightness has gone, feeling a sense of darkness or emptiness.
Who is this person
I am reflecting on my own identity and questioning the person I have become.
That I have become
I am acknowledging the changes and growth that have shaped me into who I am now.
P shops bring news
Pawn shops symbolize the hardships and struggles faced by people, and they bring stories of people trying to heal and recover from their wounds.
Of people dressing up all their wounds... Yeah their wounds
There are people who desperately try to hide or cover up their emotional pain and scars, pretending that everything is fine.
Toss out your words
Let go of the negative words or thoughts that weigh you down.
And breathe in
Take a deep breath and embrace the present moment.
All that we wanted
Reflecting on the desires and dreams we had in the past.
Love, love, love
Love is the ultimate desire and something we all crave.
Stand in the doorway
Pausing and hesitating before taking action or making a decision.
Stare at the sign
Fixating on a symbol or signal that may guide us or provide direction.
Venture to see me
Take the risk of truly seeing and understanding me as a person.
Better this time
Hopeful for improvement or a better outcome compared to previous experiences.
Climb up your walls
Overcome the barriers or defenses you have built up.
And peer out at all that is offered there, there, over there
Take a closer look at all the opportunities and possibilities that surround you, beyond what is immediately visible.
Contact
Interacting or connecting with someone.
Leads me to overreact
Engaging with others sometimes triggers exaggerated emotional responses or impulsive reactions.
To all that you said and did there
The words and actions of the other person contribute to my heightened emotions and responses.
You're coming in, You're comin′ in
Referring to the other person's presence or influence in my life.
Too low
Their impact or importance feels insufficient or inadequate.
People
Referring to individuals in general.
Desperate to find their reasons
Feeling a strong desire to discover or understand the meaning behind their actions or choices.
Let themselves be beaten
Allowing others to mistreat or manipulate them, subjecting themselves to pain or harm.
When they're coming in they're coming in too low
When people try to connect or interact with others, they often feel undervalued or unappreciated.
Low flight
Metaphorically representing a cautious and hesitant approach to life or relationships.
Over the water
Symbolizing vulnerability or uncertainty, as if walking on unsteady ground.
Low light
Signifies a lack of clarity or understanding, making it difficult to make informed decisions.
Means we will disappear right
Indicates that if we continue on this path, we will lose our sense of self or lose our way entirely.
As we′re coming in, we′re coming in too low
When we try to approach or engage with something, we often feel inadequate or insufficient, lacking the confidence to fully connect.
Writer(s): Stephen Reynolds
Contributed by Peyton A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.