Parade
The Antlers Lyrics

Right when the blizzard ends, they throw a fucking huge parade
As soon as a crisis or difficult situation is over, people celebrate recklessly without giving much thought to the aftermath.

A great excuse for celebration of the mess they've made
They use this parade as an excuse to celebrate the consequences of their own actions, even if it causes more damage.

But then when the streets get flooded, we know what proximity's worth
When disaster strikes, we realize the true value of those who are close to us and how much impact they have on our lives.

'cause we're already here, in the same place when our phones don't work
In times of crisis, when external means of communication fail, we are left with only the people around us who may be the only ones we can rely on.

So then we lie down in our field and just do nothing at all
In the face of chaos and destruction, sometimes the best response is to take a moment to breathe and be still.

And i'm getting ready for when everything is wonderful
Despite the current turbulence, there is hope for a better future and we should prepare ourselves for it.

For just a couple pairs of broken bones with broken feathers in blood
Even in the midst of a calm and peaceful moment, there is a reminder of the pain and struggle that has occurred.

In a meadow, uncut and understood
Nature is one of the few things that remains constant and reliable, without the complications of human life.

We can be an island apart from a ceaseless war on our heart
Amidst the constant battle for emotional stability, we can find a place of solace where we can protect ourselves from further harm.

Harbored in a fortress insurmountable
This place of refuge is strong and sturdy, impenetrable to external forces.

Taller than affliction, safe wherever we are
This fortress is not just a physical space, but also represents the emotional strength that will protect us no matter where we go.

Erasing horror and disgust
Within this safe space, the negative emotions and traumas that have plagued us can be eliminated and forgotten.

Rewinding the sorrow and the rust
With these negative emotions and traumas erased, we can reset ourselves and turn back time to a state of innocence and purity.

Before our suffering's suffering, hadn't we suffered enough?
We have been through so much pain and trauma, that we are at the point where we are suffering from the suffering itself.

On the morning that we're both 19 and newly on our own
This is a moment of newfound independence and freedom, but also represents the beginning of a new stage of life.

And all we know is 'each other' and invisible homes
With only each other for support, we create a sense of home that is not a physical place, but a shared emotional connection.

We find two empty seats in the back of a car in an empty parking lot
The lack of people and activity surrounding us represents the newness of this experience and the excitement of the unknown.

Where all our bridges are abandoned and the cops have forgot
In this moment of independence, we leave behind the connections and expectations of our past, and step into a new identity that is free from external influences.

And I can feel the difference when the day begins
This new stage of life is palpable and marks a turning point in our personal growth.

Like all I know is, 'this year will be the year we win.'
Despite uncertainty and ambiguity, there is a sense of optimism and hope that fuels us to strive towards success.

We smoke the paper from the banner from our past parades
We are willing to let go of the past and start fresh, even if it means tearing down the symbols of previous celebrations and accomplishments.

And start again, before the memory of the mess we've made
With the past behind us, we can begin anew without the weight and consequences of previous mistakes hanging over our heads.