Cholla
The Joy Formidable Lyrics

Cholla, cholla
The subject addresses an entity or place called 'Cholla'. The repetition of the phrase emphasizes its importance and relevance to the subject.

You kept us away
The subject implies that Cholla has restricted or prevented them from accessing/attaining something. This indicates that Cholla has some sort of power or control over the subject.

We'll come back tomorrow And give you one day
The subject plans to return to Cholla, promising to dedicate at least one day to it. This implies that the subject has unfinished business or an unresolved conflict with Cholla.

The talent of time That thief that delays
Time is described as a 'talent', which can either benefit or harm the subject, depending on how it's used. The subject acknowledges that time can delay things and cause trouble.

We'll come back tomorrow And tear down your ways
The subject expresses their intention to 'tear down Cholla's ways' upon their return. This can be interpreted as an act of defiance, rebellion or vengeance.

Otherwise
The subject uses this word to indicate a possibility, an alternative, or a condition. It can be interpreted as a warning or a threat, depending on the context.

Where are we going? What are we doing?
The subject poses a series of questions which could indicate confusion, uncertainty, or doubt about their current situation or goal. It can also be interpreted as a rhetorical device to highlight the importance of direction and purpose.

You siphon a smile from the source
The subject accuses someone of stealing joy or happiness from its root or origin. This is an abstract way of saying that someone or something is draining the subject's energy or motivation.

How do we move on When nothing is growing
The subject asks another rhetorical question, expressing a sense of frustration or despair. If nothing is growing, it implies a lack of progress, improvement, or hope.

Your hands turned to daggers again
The subject describes someone's hands as turning into daggers, implying that they are harmful or dangerous. This metaphor emphasizes the need for caution or protection.

Non par, non par nonpareil You rush to the future and paint it yourself
The subject uses a French expression to describe something as unique, exceptional, or unmatchable. The subject then accuses someone of rushing into the future and manipulating it to their advantage.

Together we're lucky Together we're set When nothing comes easy Only the finest are left
The subject values togetherness and solidarity, suggesting that it can bring good fortune and success, especially in difficult circumstances. The subject also implies that only the best can survive in challenging situations.

This is the way it has played But these are our riches to take What came of, of goodness Of fairness Nothing proves otherwise
The subject acknowledges that things have happened a certain way, but insists that they still have something to gain from it. The subject then questions the existence of goodness and fairness, which can be perceived as a sign of disillusionment or cynicism.

Cholla, cholla, cholla, oh
The song ends with a repetition of the word 'Cholla', emphasizing the subject's fixation or obsession with it. The 'oh' at the end could be interpreted as an exclamation, a sigh, or a plea.