Leaving their bucolic ice-land, they trekked to Provo, Utah with only their feet to carry them. The result of their 11 month journey to Utah Valley was a renewed sense of wonder and enough know-how to get them a weekly slot at the local open mic.
It didn't take long for word of their matching hair and musical prowess to spread and soon The Moth & The Flame had officially formed.
Wishing Well
The Moth & the Flame Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But all they see is...
You've got a heart of...
But all they see is...
You're a wishing well
See to others' wishes, well,
Really it's a vicious spell
I wish that you were with us now
Everyone you know
Flip their hopes to you
Wishing for a life
That you can't offer them
I always feared for you
Day of reckoning
But you won't stop for air
You're a wishing well
See to others' wishes, well,
Really it's a vicious spell
When you're so dizzy you can't tell
You're a wishing well
See to others' wishes, well,
What you were only wanted for
What you were only wanted for
I wish that you were with us now
You've got a heart of gold
But all they see is bronze
You've got a heart of gold
But all they see is bronze
I wish you well
I wish you well
I wish you well
Wish you well
Well...
Well...
Well...
Well...
Well...
Well...
The lyrics to The Moth & the Flame's song Wishing Well appear to be describing a person who is kind and selfless, but is taken for granted and used by others. The repeated phrase "You've got a heart of gold, but all they see is bronze" drives this point home. The singer suggests that the person being described is like a wishing well, with everyone they know throwing their hopes and desires into them, but not realizing how this can be a "vicious spell" that leaves the person feeling "so dizzy you can't tell". It's clear that the singer cares for this person, wishing that they could be with them and hoping that they "wish well" for themselves.
Overall, the song seems to be a commentary on how difficult it can be for people who are naturally giving and caring to set boundaries with others and avoid being taken advantage of. The metaphor of the wishing well is a powerful one, suggesting that the more good that one person does for others, the more people will come to rely on them, often without realizing the toll it's taking on them. The upbeat tempo and vibrant instrumentation of the song contrast with its darker themes, creating a sense of tension that underscores the complexity of the situation being described.
Line by Line Meaning
You've got a heart of...
You are a kind, caring person with good intentions.
But all they see is...
However, other people don't recognize your true nature.
You're a wishing well
You are a symbol of hope for others.
See to others' wishes, well,
Everyone turns to you to fulfill their desires and dreams.
Really it's a vicious spell
However, this is a dangerous cycle that can harm you.
When you're so dizzy you can't tell
It is easy to lose yourself in the process and become disoriented.
I wish that you were with us now
I miss you and wish you could be present.
Everyone you know
All the people in your life
Flip their hopes to you
Place their aspirations on your shoulders
Wishing for a life
Desiring a better existence
That you can't offer them
Which you are unable to provide
I always feared for you
I worried about the toll this expectation would take on you.
Day of reckoning
A day when the consequences will come due.
But you won't stop for air
Despite the danger, you persist without taking a break or caring for yourself.
What you were only wanted for
You were valued solely for what you could give, not for who you are.
You've got a heart of gold
You have a kind and generous nature.
But all they see is bronze
However, others fail to appreciate your true worth.
I wish you well
I hope for the best for you.
Wish you well
I hope you find happiness and peace.
Well...
A repetition of the word 'well' to convey hesitation, uncertainty, or a lack of conclusion.
Contributed by Juliana T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@TheReck12
It's been 4 years since this album dropped and nothing has hit that spot for me ever since
@user-lf2pu5eg7n
how is this not popular!? You guys are definitely in my top 3 artists, and I love a bunch of artists!
@marianacorredor1471
They remind me so much of M83, it makes you want to run free and feel emotional at the same time
@jonathanvalladares5337
you couldn't have said it any better
@BrocNerd
I love these guys. How does this only have 5,000 views. It should be so much more.
@AngeliaVillar
agreed they have helped me in so many unexplainable ways
@Jojor304
absolutely in love with this band
@bookie6508
I think it's my favorite album at the moment and I don't regret listening to them again as I should have done from the beginning
@261Dominik
Amazing music!!!!
@laibarhett974
this song gets me so emotional, its just so beautiful! This band is amazing!