Longshot
The Draft Lyrics


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This disassociated testing
of the fletching
(like a surgery of shaky hands
and patient baby steps)
could take you to another place.
To where the love you know could leave
and take it all back
another damn heart attack

I'm trying to contain it
but evertyhing I think about is far away
and that's where it always seems to be
it's time to get back
it's hard to understand

But I'm banking on a longshot
not picking from one through ten




I'm solid as a number
do you get the irony?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of The Draft's song "Longshot" convey a sense of uncertainty and apprehension about a potential relationship. The opening line "This disassociated testing of the fletching" suggests a tentative attempt to test the waters of a romantic connection, but with shaky hands and caution, as if performing a surgery. The imagery of the metaphorical surgery emphasizes the high stakes and consequences that come with attempting to take a chance on love. The lyrics describe a feeling of being transported to another place, where the love that is known could leave at any moment, causing yet another heartbreak.


Line by Line Meaning

This disassociated testing
The process of trying something new or different, in this case, experimenting with something without being sure of the outcome.


of the fletching
In this case, referring to the process of testing out something new in a figurative way, rather than testing the feathers of an arrow (fletching) in a literal sense.


(like a surgery of shaky hands
Like a surgeon performing a delicate operation, the testing process can be difficult and nerve-wracking, especially if you don't have much experience.


and patient baby steps)
This line suggests that even small, cautious steps can lead you to something amazing - but it takes time and effort to get there.


could take you to another place.
This testing process can allow you to explore new ideas or possibilities, taking you on a journey of personal growth and discovery.


To where the love you know could leave
This line suggests that the journey might not be easy, you may have to let go of what you thought you knew and start anew.


and take it all back
You may experience setbacks and face challenges that make you feel like you've lost everything.


another damn heart attack
This line describes the feeling of being overwhelmed, like you are experiencing a physical and emotional reaction that is similar to a heart attack.


I'm trying to contain it
The artist is attempting to control their emotions and not let their fears and insecurities take over.


but everything I think about is far away
The artist is dealing with a sense of distance, both physically and emotionally, which is making it difficult to focus on the present moment.


and that's where it always seems to be
The singer feels like they are always searching for something that is just out of reach.


it's time to get back
The time has come to refocus and take action towards achieving their goals.


it's hard to understand
This line could refer to the confusion or doubt that often comes with trying something new and untested.


But I'm banking on a longshot
Despite the uncertainty and risks involved, the singer is willing to take a chance on something that seems unlikely to succeed.


not picking from one through ten
The singer is avoiding the safe, predictable options and instead choosing a more challenging or unconventional path.


I'm solid as a number
The artist is confident in their abilities and feels like they can handle whatever comes their way.


do you get the irony?
The artist is being a bit tongue-in-cheek here, as it might seem contradictory for someone to take a longshot while also feeling solid and confident.




Contributed by Jake Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Tomasz Pawlowski

I love this record

Juan Diego Alvarado

It's good to see that this band was great despite Chuck Ragan being absent. It's also good to see that Hot Water Music are still playing.

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