Shapes of Things
The Yardbirds feat. Steve Vai Lyrics
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Just teach me to despise
Will time make men more wise?
Here within my lonely frame
My eyes just heard my brain
But will it seem the same?
Come tomorrow, may be a soldier
Come tomorrow, may I be bolder than today?
Now the trees are almost green
But will they still be seen
When time and tide have been?
Fallin' into your passing hands
Please don't destroy these lands
Don't make them desert sands
Come tomorrow, will I be older?
Come tomorrow, may be a soldier
Come tomorrow, may I be bolder than today?
Soon I hope that I will find
Thoughts deep within my mind
That won't displace my kind
In "Shapes of Things," The Yardbirds explore the idea of the impact of time on the world and on the individual. The first stanza describes a sense of disillusionment and disdain for the shapes and forms of the world. The singer wonders if time will bring the answer to understanding the nature of things. In the second stanza, the singer reflects on personal growth and change, questioning whether he will age into a wiser, stronger version of himself or not. The final stanza conveys a desire for inner peace and a quest for self-discovery that won't lead to a rejection of one's identity or values.
On the surface, "Shapes of Things" appears to be a song about the state of the environment and the impact of human involvement, and it can certainly be interpreted that way. However, the lyrics here speak to a broader sense of change and uncertainty in the world, as well as the search for meaning and purpose in existence. The Yardbirds deliver a potent message that is both personal and universal.
Line by Line Meaning
Shapes of things before my eyes
The visual perceptions of my surroundings are influencing my thoughts and emotions.
Just teach me to despise
These perceptions are causing me to develop negative attitudes and feelings.
Will time make men more wise?
I wonder if the passing of time will lead to greater wisdom for humanity.
Here within my lonely frame
I am isolated and disconnected from the world around me.
My eyes just heard my brain
The things I am seeing are affecting my thoughts and emotions.
But will it seem the same?
I wonder if my perceptions and feelings will remain the same over time.
Come tomorrow, will I be older?
I wonder how time will affect me and my life.
Come tomorrow, may be a soldier
Perhaps tomorrow I will need to fight for my life or my beliefs.
Come tomorrow, may I be bolder than today?
I hope that I will become braver and more courageous over time.
Now the trees are almost green
Spring is almost here and the trees are beginning to bud.
But will they still be seen
I wonder if these trees will still be here in the future.
When time and tide have been?
After the passage of time and the changes it brings.
Fallin' into your passing hands
I feel helpless and at the mercy of outside forces.
Please don't destroy these lands
I implore those in power to preserve the environment and natural resources.
Don't make them desert sands
I fear that careless action will lead to desertification and other forms of environmental degradation.
Soon I hope that I will find
I am optimistic that I will discover something important and meaningful.
Thoughts deep within my mind
I am looking for profound and insightful ideas that resonate with me.
That won't displace my kind
I hope that these ideas won't cause me to reject or be rejected by others like me.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Paul Samwell-Smith, Jim McCarty, Keith Relf
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind