Ode to Ancestors
Tall Ships Lyrics


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As you lay there beside me, I can’t help but wonder
About how something like you could come into being
A link in a long chain, you remain tethered to a history, we know nothing
About
But for which I know I’m thankful
Because within you every particle is perfect
And your beating heart the sum of many working parts
You are a triumph of natural selection, every mutation leading to your
Perfection
And I’ll try, I’ll try, and I’ll try, and I’ll try
I’ll try and I’ll try

This is my ode to your ancestors
Appreciate your recipe, their million-year masterpiece
You are a triumph of natural selection, every mutation leading to your
Perfection
And I’ll try, and I’ll try, and I’ll try, to understand





How something like you, came into being
How someone like you, is here with me

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Tall Ships's song Ode to Ancestors reflect the wonder and gratitude for the existence of one's partner beside them. The songwriter ponders about the origins of their significant other, amazed that something as complex and remarkable as a human being could come into being. The lines "You are a triumph of natural selection, every mutation leading to your perfection" suggest that the songwriter sees their partner as the culmination of a long process of evolution, with each minute change in their ancestors leading to their existence. There is also a sense of mystery surrounding the partner's ancestors as they remain tethered to a history that we know nothing about but for which the songwriter is grateful.


The song symbolizes the idea that each individual is unique and the result of a long evolutionary journey. It also emphasizes the importance of being thankful for the existence of oneself and loved ones. The lyrics are delivered in a contemplative and introspective tone, with the repetition of the phrase "I'll try" indicating a commitment to understanding the partner's origins and appreciating the recipe of millions of years that led to their existence.


Line by Line Meaning

As you lay there beside me, I can’t help but wonder
Your presence inspires awe in me


About how something like you could come into being
How did nature create something so amazing like you?


A link in a long chain, you remain tethered to a history, we know nothing about
Your existence is a result of a long evolutionary process that we don't fully understand


But for which I know I’m thankful
Despite not knowing the exact process, I am grateful for your existence


Because within you every particle is perfect
You are uniquely made and every aspect of you is flawless


And your beating heart the sum of many working parts
You are a complex organism composed of many interconnected parts


You are a triumph of natural selection, every mutation leading to your perfection
Your existence is a result of millions of years of evolutionary changes that led to your perfection


And I’ll try, I’ll try, and I’ll try, and I’ll try. I’ll try and I’ll try
I will continue to try to understand how you came to exist


This is my ode to your ancestors
I am giving thanks and admiration to those who came before you


Appreciate your recipe, their million-year masterpiece
Your existence is the result of a million-year-old recipe crafted by your ancestors


And I’ll try, and I’ll try, and I’ll try, to understand
I will continue to strive to understand the beauty of your creation


How something like you, came into being
How your unique and perfect existence started is a mystery that I ponder


How someone like you, is here with me
I am amazed that someone as wonderful as you could be here with me in this moment




Contributed by Jordyn V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Patricia Navarro Guerra

I have deeply loved this song since 2010. Today I'm listening to this new version and don't know exactly what I'm feeling, but it's knd of giving me the chills. Thanks <3

Michael Longhurst

One of my favourite modern love songs.

David McNally

have you ever felt like you're floating through life, between conversation and conversation, between your social life and your working life... between where you wanted to be and where you are... this is as close an audible description as you can get

Jenna Bowman

There is only three comments. Damn. It made me wanna comment. Every time I've fell in love (3). I wanna sing this to her. When my number comes up. It's on my wedding playlist. So much feels for this. It's my kinda bliss in a packet

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