All In Your Rows
The Maccabees Lyrics


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So it's stars and crosses
Reasoning for losses
You learn right from wrong
Then you write the book yourself
Right the wrongs you know,

But then you're all in your rows
All in your rows
All in your row-oh-ohs
All in your rows
All in your row-oh-ohs

Domination fading with war-torn tradition
Picking holes in holy
And in blinkered vision
You left us standing with no understanding
There's no give
There's no give

And then you're all in your rows
All in your rows
All in your row-oh-ohs
All in your rows
All in your row-oh-ohs

City-scape and country-side
We've got local boys, they're going nationwide
So here's your church and here's your steeple
And you're locking your doors to keep in all the people





Let them go

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of The Maccabees's song All In Your Rows highlight themes of conformity, individuality, and tradition. The first verse speaks of the idea of learning right from wrong and then writing the book yourself, essentially taking control of your own life and decisions. However, despite this effort, the chorus emphasizes that we often end up all in our rows, conforming to societal norms and expectations. The second verse delves into the consequences of blindly adhering to tradition, such as domination and a lack of understanding. The final verse brings in the idea of community, and the tension between including and excluding others.


The lyrics speak to the idea that we are all individuals with the power to choose our own paths, yet we often fall into patterns of conformity and tradition. The repetition of "all in your rows" highlights this theme and serves as a reminder of the danger of blindly following others without questioning. The references to "stars and crosses" and "picking holes in holy" point to a critical examination of religion and its societal influence. The final verse touches on the idea of inclusivity and how fear can often lead to exclusion.


Line by Line Meaning

So it's stars and crosses
The symbols of different beliefs and ideologies are at play here


Reasoning for losses
Attempting to understand the things that cause us damage by examining the outcomes


You learn right from wrong
Lessons of morality can guide our decision-making


Then you write the book yourself
After much thought, you can make your own rules and guides for living


Right the wrongs you know,
It is important to correct injustice where it already exists


But then you're all in your rows
Despite the potential for individual perspectives, people tend to stick to their own groups and ideas


Domination fading with war-torn tradition
The pursuit of power is becoming less significant in the face of violence


Picking holes in holy
Examining and questioning belief systems and traditions


And in blinkered vision
Narrow or limited perspectives can prevent understanding


You left us standing with no understanding
We have been left with a lack of comprehension, likely due to an inability to consider alternative viewpoints


There's no give
There is no willingness to compromise or negotiate, perpetuating conflict


And then you're all in your rows
People still retreat to their respective groups and ways of thinking even when it is not conducive to progress or resolution


City-scape and country-side
Different places and environments have different experiences and perspectives


We've got local boys, they're going nationwide
Individuals from small communities can still have a significant impact on a larger scale


So here's your church and here's your steeple
People have their own beliefs and institutions that they hold close


And you're locking your doors to keep in all the people
People can become isolated within their own communities, not allowing outside ideas or experiences to enter


Let them go
It is important to break out of these patterns and allow for diversity and new ideas to be heard and embraced




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: FELIX WHITE, HUGO WHITE, ORLANDO THOMAS PENHALE WEEKS, ROBERT DYLAN THOMAS, SHEPHERD RUPERT ALEXANDER J. JARVIS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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