Urgency
Tilly and the Wall Lyrics


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A chorus of car alarms, shoes on the powerlines
Young kids stealing cars and having switchblade fights
Two little kids out selling lemonade in the sun
If you want them raised right you I guess you start them young
A homeless woman walking around in the snow
Tired father at the bus stop hey bus driver take him home
Boy down at the corner store copping some smokes
In a sea of perfect stripes it's hard to stay afloat
Well the urgency
Oh man I feel it in the streets
All the people they're rhyming
They're stomping their feet
Got the shake of the grass roots beat
There's a preacher down on 24th and farnam street
Where the shattered glass is lying always glittering
And a prostitute with money spilling out her hands
Both screaming about some high tide rising
A protester's sandwich board in the park
Said you know the world is big and got a loose heart




You've only got what you've just polished clean
So you either start screaming or start singing

Overall Meaning

The song "Urgency" by Tilly and the Wall is an emotive and poignant reflection on the struggles of everyday people. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of life in the city, where car alarms blare and children engage in dangerous activities. Amidst this chaos, we see glimpses of hope, such as two kids selling lemonade in the sun or a tired father waiting for the bus. The urgency of the situation is palpable, and the lyrics suggest that action is needed to address the problems facing society. The line "In a sea of perfect stripes it's hard to stay afloat" speaks to the pressure to conform and the difficulty of maintaining individuality in a world that demands conformity.


The urgency is also reflected in the music, with stomping beats and shake of the grass roots rhythm. The song describes a preacher on 24th and Farnam Street, where the shattered glass is always glittering, and a prostitute with money spilling out of her hands. Both are screaming about some high tide rising, symbolizing the growing unrest in society. The song ends with a call to action, urging listeners to either start screaming or start singing, suggesting that we can make a difference if we take action in our own way.


Line by Line Meaning

A chorus of car alarms, shoes on the powerlines
The chaos and disorder in the streets where people have tossed their shoes over power lines as well as the frequent blaring of car alarms everywhere.


Young kids stealing cars and having switchblade fights
Describing the dangerous atmosphere where children are involved in illegal activities on the streets.


Two little kids out selling lemonade in the sun
Amidst all the chaos and confusion, there are still some innocent children who choose to spend their time selling lemonade under the sun.


If you want them raised right you I guess you start them young
The idea that parents should start teaching their children right and wrong from a young age so that they grow up to be responsible adults with strong values.


A homeless woman walking around in the snow
Observing the difficult living conditions of a homeless woman who is forced to walk in the snow with no place to call home.


Tired father at the bus stop hey bus driver take him home
Highlighting the struggles of a tired father who needs a break and is waiting at a bus stop, hoping to catch a ride home.


Boy down at the corner store copping some smokes
Showing a young boy engaging in vices such as smoking, which often stem from being exposed to the negative aspects of his surroundings.


In a sea of perfect stripes it's hard to stay afloat
With so many people trying to look perfect and fit in with society, it's difficult to stand out and maintain a sense of individuality.


Well the urgency
Expressing the need for urgent action in response to the problems seen in the environment portrayed in the song.


Oh man I feel it in the streets
The turmoil and stress can be felt in the streets of the town where people are struggling with their own problems.


All the people they're rhyming
Despite their differences, everyone is united in their struggles and concerns, which is reflected in the way they speak and relate to each other through rhyming.


They're stomping their feet
The people are showing their frustration and anger through actions like stomping their feet and protesting.


Got the shake of the grass roots beat
The movement to make change is coming from the bottom up, from the ground level where ordinary citizens are taking action.


There's a preacher down on 24th and farnam street
Drawing attention to a religious leader who is out in the streets trying to make a positive impact on the community.


Where the shattered glass is lying always glittering
In a place where there is evident destruction and damage, the broken glass always seems to shine in the light, reflecting hope for a better future.


And a prostitute with money spilling out her hands
Describing a woman engaged in prostitution whose primary motivation is the desire for money and a better life.


Both screaming about some high tide rising
Even with different motives and lifestyles, both the religious preacher and the prostitute recognize that something dangerous and unstoppable is happening and needs to be addressed.


A protester's sandwich board in the park
Pointing out a protester's sign in a public place where people gather to make their voices heard and demand change.


Said you know the world is big and got a loose heart
The protester emphasizes that the world is unstable and full of suffering, which calls for everyone to band together and come up with a solution.


You've only got what you've just polished clean
Highlighting the importance of taking care of oneself and one's surroundings to create a positive and productive life.


So you either start screaming or start singing
Encouraging people to take action by speaking out, protesting, or being involved through positive means like music and art, in order to make a difference in the world and create a better future.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: CHARLES WILLIAMS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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