Wax Wings
The Honor System Lyrics
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You said you've never compromise
The catch phrases and routines
Were a waste of all your time
Who wants to be a product?
This paper house burns easily
Your wings got tangled in the wires
Scars deep inside of you remind you not to fly
I saw you come crashing down
Collapsing with a smile
Choking on your own self
As it came up with your bile
You became your enemy
Accepting what you called insane
Put on your tie and play the game
You'll never make the rules
Everything you own is owning you
The song "Wax Wings" by The Honor System speaks about the dangers of compromising one's values and principles for the sake of fitting in with societal norms. The first verse highlights the idea of conformism and how many people fall into the trap of being products of their environment. The singer recalls a time when he and his friend were younger and had aspirations to not compromise their beliefs. However, over time, the friend succumbs to societal pressure and begins to embody the very thing he once opposed. The second part of the verse is a metaphor using the story of Icarus, who flew too close to the sun with his wax wings, and serves as a warning that if you try to fly too close to the sun (attempt to come out on top via unscrupulous means), then you will inevitably fall.
The second verse talks about the impact of succumbing to the aforementioned societal pressure. The friend's wings (ambition) got stuck in the wires (obstacles), and he tried to break loose but instead caught fire (fell apart while trying to succeed in a society that puts limitations on you). The scars inside represent the emotional wounds that one acquires from falling short of their own expectations. The chorus talks about the aftermath of the fall, where the friend comes crashing down, laughing. However, it is a hollow laugh because he is now "choking on his own self," and he's unable to bear the weight of the failure. The friend is now his own enemy, unable to live up to his own ideals. Finally, the last line of the chorus speaks to an alternate path that the friend could have taken, where he could have lived life on his terms instead of society's.
Line by Line Meaning
When we were young
In the past, during our youth
You said you've never compromise
You claimed that you would never settle or make concessions
The catch phrases and routines
Standardized phrases and actions that lack originality
Were a waste of all your time
You believed that these things were not worth doing
Who wants to be a product?
You questioned the idea of conforming to societal expectations and becoming like everyone else
This paper house burns easily
Your fragile and insubstantial existence is vulnerable to destruction
Your wings got tangled in the wires
Your aspirations and dreams got caught up in complications and obstacles
Tried to break loose, but caught on fire
You attempted to escape, but ended up being consumed by your problems and failures
Scars deep inside of you remind you not to fly
The emotional and psychological wounds you've sustained serve as a reminder to avoid taking risks or pursuing your dreams
I saw you come crashing down
I witnessed your downfall and failure
Collapsing with a smile
You appeared to be content or satisfied despite your difficulties
Choking on your own self
You were being suffocated by your own negative thoughts and emotions
As it came up with your bile
Your own negativity and toxicity made you sick
You became your enemy
You turned against yourself and became the source of your own problems
Accepting what you called insane
You gave in to what you previously deemed unacceptable or crazy
Put on your tie and play the game
You conformed to society's expectations and played the role you were supposed to play
You'll never make the rules
You realized that you were not in a position of power, and could not change or influence the status quo
Everything you own is owning you
The things you possess and the life you lead are actually controlling you, rather than the other way around
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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