Glimmer
THE MACCABEES / GIVEN TO THE WILD Lyrics


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With it all before you how could it ever go wrong
When water mirrors for you and all that you look on
Just a glimmer from the way beyond
But you're lost today

In each and every tide things are lost
Things we must not lose sight of
No matter if you're tired
Why suppose oracles can let you know

With it all before you
How could it ever go wrong
When water mirrors for you and all that you look on
Just a glimmer from the way beyond
But you're lost today

Between you weigh the cost against damage of
And shore it up against the flood
She's the whitest of your wave through it all

But you're lost today

With it all here for you
How could it ever go wrong
Couldn't bear to carry couldn't lay upon




Saw a glimmer from the way beyond where we
Helped today

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Maccabees' song Glimmer describe the feeling of being lost and trying to find one’s way through the challenges of life. The song suggests that despite having everything one needs for success and happiness, things can still go wrong. The opening lines suggest that with all the possibilities and potential in the world, one might find themselves lost and unable to see the way forward.


The theme of lostness continues as the song describes how things can be lost in every tide, urging the listener not to lose sight of what’s important even when they’re tired. The lyrics suggest that oracles and prophecies may not be enough to guide someone through their struggles. However, despite this uncertainty, there is hope in the "glimmer from the way beyond”.


The song speaks to the power of relationships and the importance of "shoring up against the flood." In this context, "she" is described as "the whitest of your wave,” suggesting that someone special in the listener’s life is there to help them through the rough patches.


Overall, the lyrics to Glimmer convey a sense of struggle, uncertainty, and the constant search for a guiding light to lead the way towards happiness and fulfillment.


Line by Line Meaning

With it all before you how could it ever go wrong
You have everything you need to succeed, so how could anything possibly go wrong?


When water mirrors for you and all that you look on
In this moment, everything around you appears perfect and you see yourself reflected in that perfection.


Just a glimmer from the way beyond
You catch a glimpse of something greater and more profound than what's right in front of you.


But you're lost today
Despite having everything and feeling like you're in the right place, you still feel lost and unsure.


In each and every tide things are lost
Life is constantly changing and things we hold dear may disappear.


Things we must not lose sight of
Even in the face of change, we must hold onto what is truly important.


No matter if you're tired
Even if you feel exhausted, you must keep going.


Why suppose oracles can let you know
Don't rely on predictions or prophecy to guide you, trust your own instincts.


Between you weigh the cost against damage of
Consider the consequences of your actions and weigh them against the potential harm they could cause.


And shore it up against the flood
Prepare for the worst by strengthening your defenses and being ready for any challenge.


She's the whitest of your wave through it all
Amidst the chaos and uncertainty, there is something pure, bright and enduring that will guide you through.


With it all here for you
You have everything you could possibly ask for, right here and now.


How could it ever go wrong
With so much going for you, surely nothing can go wrong?


Couldn't bear to carry couldn't lay upon
The weight of expectations and responsibility is too much to bear.


Saw a glimmer from the way beyond where we
You catch a fleeting glimpse of something greater than yourself, something that gives you hope and purpose.


Helped today
Perhaps today, you'll find the guidance you need to move forward and find your way.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Felix White, Hugo White, Orlando Weeks, Rupert Jarvis Shepherd, Sam Doyle

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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