Slow Down
Tarkio Lyrics
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You're tripping on your laces
While you're climbing up your stairs.
You got your moon boots a-buckled.
You'll catch yourself pneumonia
But you're too caught up to care.
Would you tell your heart to tell you
And it's all action,
You're tearing out your hairpiece,
Too much stress and angst to bear.
But you are two-toned,
And faking this emotion just to
Keep your ankles bare.
You tell your heart to tell you,
But your heart has gone to hide.
Would it say slow down
Got to turn this volume down.
Got your nose pierced,
You're thinking 'bout your navel but that's
Too much MTV.
And you're all strung out,
Your pretty little britches that are
Hanging below your knees.
You tell your heart to tell you
But your heart has gone to hide
Would it say slow down
Got to turn this volume down.
Got to slow down.
Got to turn this volume down,
And I'd say...
Night's cold calm your eyes down
Set 'em off to sleeping.
Slow down you're wearing thin from all this
Wax doll converting.
And say slow down.
You say tone down.
You say slow down.
Got to turn this volume down.
I say slow down,
Got to turn this volume down.
Got to slow down,
Got to turn this volume down.
Say slow down.
I say slow down.
Tarkio's "Slow Down" is a song about the importance of slowing down amidst the chaos and stress of life. The lyrics tell the story of a person who is constantly on the go - climbing stairs with their shoelaces untied, wearing moon boots and risking getting sick, and constantly pushing themselves to the point of exhaustion. The first verse is a plea to this person to "slow down," and the chorus reinforces this message with the repetition of "got to turn this volume down" and "say slow down."
The second verse delves deeper into the reasons why this person is so overwhelmed. They are "tearing out [their] hairpiece" and "faking this emotion" in order to keep up appearances, but in reality, they are feeling two-toned and unable to keep up. Additionally, they have gotten caught up in tattoo and piercing culture, but even those distractions are not enough to ease their stress. Again, the chorus repeats the plea to "slow down" and turn down the volume.
The final verse emphasizes the importance of rest and self-care. The image of calming one's eyes and "setting them off to sleeping" suggests the need for a break from all stimuli. The line "wax doll converting" further suggests that this person has been molding themselves to fit others' expectations, rather than being true to themselves. The final plea to "slow down" and "turn this volume down" is followed by a final repetition of "say slow down" and "I say slow down," driving home the need to prioritize rest and self-care.
Overall, "Slow Down" is a powerful reminder that, even in the midst of the fast-paced and chaotic world we live in, it is important to take time for ourselves and prioritize our own well-being.
Line by Line Meaning
Slow down, / You're tripping on your laces / While you're climbing up your stairs. / You got your moon boots a-buckled. / You'll catch yourself pneumonia / But you're too caught up to care.
Take life at a slower pace. You are moving too quickly and not paying attention to the little things, which could cause issues in the future. You have taken precautions, but they are not enough to protect you from danger. You are so focused on your goals that you are willing to put your physical health at risk.
Would you tell your heart to tell you / Just to slow down.
Listen to your inner voice and reduce the speed of your life to avoid potential harm.
And it's all action, / You're tearing out your hairpiece, / Too much stress and angst to bear. / But you are two-toned, / And faking this emotion just to / Keep your ankles bare.
Your life is fast-paced and full of stress that is causing you to have feelings of anxiety. You are trying to cover up your true emotions and pretend everything is okay by putting on a fake face to the world.
Got your nose pierced, / You're thinking 'bout your navel but that's / Too much MTV. / And you're all strung out, / Your pretty little britches that are / Hanging below your knees.
You are trying to keep up with the latest trends and fashions, even when they are not healthy or comfortable. You are stretching yourself too thin and trying too hard to be something you are not.
Night's cold calm your eyes down / Set 'em off to sleeping. / Slow down you're wearing thin from all this / Wax doll converting. / And say slow down. / You say tone down. / You say slow down. / Got to turn this volume down.
The night is peaceful, and it's time to relax and sleep. You are exhausted from trying to conform to societal expectations and fit in with others. It's time to reduce your pace and live a more moderate, calm life.
I say slow down, / Got to turn this volume down. / Got to slow down, / Got to turn this volume down. / Say slow down. / I say slow down.
The singer is urging you to slow down and take a step back from your busy, demanding life. It's time to reduce the volume and intensity of everything and focus on what really matters.
Writer(s): Colin Meloy
Contributed by Madelyn E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.