The band kicked off 2022 with the release of their single “Feelin’ Good (Could Be Better)”, which was co-written / co-produced with close-collaborator, Matt Squire (Ariana Grande, Panic! at the Disco, Demi Lovato). The track has already made it’s way to SiriusXM’s Alt Nation, Apple Music’s Alternative Workout, Spotify’s It’s ALT Good, and sync’d for use on FOX Sports during college football season.
The duo found themselves opening for alt-radio favorites Weathers across the country this spring, as well as making festival appearances on the WonderBus + Wonderstruck lineups alongside Lorde, Vampire Weekend, and others. With more releases on the way, THE ORPHAN THE POET is setting the stage for their biggest year yet.
THE ORPHAN THE POET is:
David Eselgroth
Jake Floyd
Epilogue
The Orphan The Poet Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Though their eyes close, they don't ever dream.
So I'm tired, I'm awake.
But how could this be so?
Lying here in the dark, my belly's to the dirt with my eyes closed.
So how do I see the stars?
Mistakes are growing thick, so I'll shed my skin by dragging my back 'gainst the rocks and the sticks.
So I'm borne of my regret.
I see us for who we'll be, not only who we are.
The Orphan The Poet's song Epilogue is an insightful and introspective piece that tackles the concept of growth, metamorphosis and redemption. The opening lines of the song reference the fact that snakes never sleep and do not dream. This creates a contrast with the singer who is both tired and awake, unsure of how to make sense of their circumstances. The use of the metaphorical snake could be interpreted as a symbol of transformation, which is what the singer is grappling with.
The verses that follow tackle the idea of shedding one's skin and to some extent, shedding the baggage of one's mistakes. The image of the singer dragging their back against rocks and sticks could be seen as a metaphor for the act of confronting one's mistakes head-on, and the discomfort and pain that comes with it. However, this painful process is necessary in order for the singer to be born anew, to be able to move forward and grow. The line, "But how could you see my skin only for its scars?" speaks to how the singer feels as though they are only being judged for their past mistakes, rather than being given the opportunity to move beyond them.
In the final lines of the song, the singer expresses their belief in growth and potential, saying "I see us for who we'll be, not only who we are." This speaks to the transformative power of self-reflection and the ability to see beyond the present moment.
Line by Line Meaning
You always say snakes never sleep.
Snakes never sleep is a phrase you use often.
Though their eyes close, they don't ever dream.
They may look asleep but their brain isn't resting.
So I'm tired, I'm awake.
I'm feeling exhausted yet can't fall asleep.
But how could this be so?
I'm questioning my state of mind.
Lying here in the dark, my belly's to the dirt with my eyes closed.
I'm lying down and my eyes are closed, but my thoughts are racing.
So how do I see the stars?
I question how I can have clarity in the midst of chaos.
Mistakes are growing thick, so I'll shed my skin by dragging my back 'gainst the rocks and the sticks.
The mistakes I've made are weighing me down, and I need to shed them to start anew.
So I'm borne of my regret.
I accept responsibility for my actions and their consequences.
But how could you see my skin only for its scars?
I'm questioning why people only see the worst in me.
I see us for who we'll be, not only who we are.
I have hope for the future and believe we can be better than we are now.
Writer(s): David Eselgroth
Contributed by Henry Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.