Won't Be Afraid
The Cat Empire Lyrics


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Well I've been at the top of a cliff and seen ships go sailing away
And I've watched the sea turn green and bright blue fish swim in the shade
I've imagined skies in reverse and head stormy mountains collide
And I was there by the shore on the night when the stars all married the tide

When the time arrives
When we must form a line
Would you stand and take my side
Would you take my side?

No I won't be afraid
You know I won't be afraid
When the evening takes all of the colours out of my day
And the morning is as far as it will ever be away

And now we've journeyed through the world as if our dreams were an ocean to wade
Under kites they glide like a friendship set on a wave

And maybe I'm afraid of fools the children that are saved
And maybe I'm not certain when they draw the final curtain




The woman in the water and the baby in the bath
And the morning is as far as it could be away

Overall Meaning

The Cat Empire's song "Won't Be Afraid" speaks about life's uncertainty and the fear that comes with it. The opening line talks about watching ships sail away, giving us a sense of someone observing events from afar. The imagery in the lyrics continues with the sea turning green and bright blue fish swimming in the shade, symbolizing the unpredictability of life. The line "I've imagined skies in reverse and head stormy mountains collide" signifies the impending chaos that one may encounter in life. But with all these uncertainties, the singer gains strength from the beauty of nature, telling us that they were there by the shore when the stars and tide married - a metaphor for when everything falls into place, making everything seem possible.


The chorus is a call for strength and companionship. The singer asks if the person they're speaking to would stand with them during trying times, signifying that the fear of the unknown is less daunting with someone to lean on. The second verse talks about the journey through the world, with dreams acting like an ocean to wade - a reminder that life is a journey, and dreams are what guide us through it. The mention of fools and saved children symbolizes the fear of regret and the uncertainty of the future. The singer ends the song contemplating the role of the woman in the water and the baby in the bath, leaving the listener with a sense that life keeps moving no matter what happens.


Line by Line Meaning

Well I've been at the top of a cliff and seen ships go sailing away
I've had a bird's eye view of the world and watched great ships sail away into the horizon.


And I've watched the sea turn green and bright blue fish swim in the shade
I've gazed upon the sea, the colours it brings and the creatures that dwell within its depths.


I've imagined skies in reverse and head stormy mountains collide
I've envisioned the impossible, such as reversing the order of the skies or even mountains crashing together.


And I was there by the shore on the night when the stars all married the tide
I had the privilege of witnessing a beautiful sight when the stars aligned perfectly with the tides of the ocean.


When the time arrives
When the fateful moment comes


When we must form a line
When we must take a stand together


Would you stand and take my side
Would you support me in my stand


Would you take my side?
Would you join me in my stand?


No I won't be afraid
I won't cower in fear


You know I won't be afraid
I am confident in my strength and courage


When the evening takes all of the colors out of my day
When everything seems bleak and desolate


And the morning is as far as it will ever be away
When it feels like the dawn may never come


And now we've journeyed through the world as if our dreams were an ocean to wade
We have taken on the world as if it were an endless ocean to explore and conquer, following our dreams.


Under kites they glide like a friendship set on a wave
Friends soaring high like kites, gliding gracefully on the waves of life.


And maybe I'm afraid of fools the children that are saved
Perhaps, I am worried for those who are naive and innocent and yet, have to bear the weight of the world.


And maybe I'm not certain when they draw the final curtain
Perhaps, I am unsure of what happens when everything comes to an end.


The woman in the water and the baby in the bath
A representation of a mother and child, vulnerable and innocent.


And the morning is as far as it could be away
When it feels like there is no hope for the future and the morning is yet so far away.




Contributed by Emma L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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