Building their sound around the soft-pull of frontman Gabe Archer's soothing vocal delivery, they play to their strengths by keeping their sound simple, straightforward and melodic thus allowing the lyrical weight of Archer's musings to sit comfortably out front.
The band was formerly known as The Pale, but due to legal issues, has changed its name to The Pale Pacific. Their last two records have been released by California-based SideCho records.
Fortune Folds
The Pale Pacific Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
the cost is everything you said
square one your legs are cut from underneath you
and your shaking but the shaking makes it true
find me again
oh whatever you've won
it never ever stops
your fortune folds but somehow the shock makes it real
the cost is everything you loved
so tell me when do you begin to leave us
our fortune is lies upon lies
The lyrics of The Pale Pacific’s song “Fortune Folds” deal with the unpredictability of fate and the consequences of our actions. The opening line “your fortune folds but somehow your loss makes it true and the cost is everything you said” suggests that even when things don't go as planned, there is still some truth to be found in that situation. This can be interpreted as a form of acceptance and resilience in the face of adversity. The lyrics go on to mention the common feeling of being brought back to square one, with “your legs cut from underneath you” and the accompanying fear and uncertainty, but again finding truth in this process of shaking and rebuilding.
The song then speaks to the idea of never truly being able to escape the effects of our actions or “wins”, stating “whatever you’ve won it never ever stops even if you do”. This sentiment is once again one of acceptance and acknowledgement of the permanence of our decisions.
The final lines of the song, “your fortune folds but somehow the shock makes it real, the cost is everything you loved so tell me when do you begin to leave us, our fortune is lies upon lies” suggest that the singer understands the potential for disappointment and disillusionment when it comes to fate and fortune. The line “our fortune is lies upon lies” can be interpreted as distrust of the notion of “luck”, and a belief that we are each responsible for creating our own circumstances.
Line by Line Meaning
your fortune folds but somehow your loss makes it true and
Although your luck has turned against you, the result confirms your fate, and while you suffer a defeat, it appears to be a sign of what was meant to be all along.
the cost is everything you said
The outcome of your misfortune is the price you pay for the things you previously boasted about and took for granted.
square one your legs are cut from underneath you
You find yourself back at the beginning, having lost all of your progress, and feeling helpless and without support.
and your shaking but the shaking makes it true
Your physical and mental distress are an indication that the situation is real and not just a figment of your imagination or a temporary setback.
find me again
Reach out to me for help or companionship, as you face this challenging period of your life.
oh whatever you've won
No matter what successes you may have achieved in the past, they do not prevent you from experiencing this sudden reversal of fortune.
it never ever stops
The cycle of winning and losing is an ongoing and inevitable phenomenon that continues to shape our lives, regardless of our desires or actions.
even if you do
Even if you try to withdraw from the game of life or take a break from the constant motion, you cannot escape the ups and downs that come with it.
your fortune folds but somehow the shock makes it real
Although the collapse of your success seems unexpected and devastating, it confirms the reality of the situation and acts as validation that this event did indeed transpire.
the cost is everything you loved
The price of your prior successes includes everything you held dear in your life, from your relationships to your passions and pursuits.
so tell me when do you begin to leave us
At what moment do you decide to move away from those around you or from the way of life that led to your previous happiness?
our fortune is lies upon lies
The supposed luck that we perceive and strive for is often built on false ideals and illusions, leading to misguided expectations and ultimately disappointment.
Contributed by Elijah L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Shane Kennedy
I don’t even know when you’ll read this. But thank you so much for this song. If I could choose one song to guide me through all of the formative years of my youth, my teens, my late teens, and my early twenties, I would absolutely pick this song. You’ve given me everything. All I can give in return is my thanks and my praise.