Phoenix
Topley Bird Martina Lyrics


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All move so fast here
No one can last here
Lucky for us, dear
Round and round we go

Darling, the turn is resistance
Do you? I do
Forget how to follow your instinct
Do you? I do

I will stay for this last transformation
From who we start it soon gets precarious
I will stay for this last transformation
Beauty and tragedy released in the end

Here now we're kneeling
Now we're revealing
Purge every feeling
As we turn to dust

But don't get yourself into mischief
Do you, you don't, do you?
Together, whatever the distance
To you, I'll come to you

I will stay for this last transformation
Flares and arcs will lead us out to sea
Far above you the stars light the heavens
Beauty and tragedy released in the end

Out in the distance
Blue god encrypted




Phoenix persistent
Round and round we go

Overall Meaning

In "Phoenix," Martina Topley-Bird reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of change. She sings about the frenetic pace of the world and how it can be difficult to keep up. Despite this, Topley-Bird suggests that there is something fortunate about the fact that nothing lasts forever. In other words, the never-ending cycle of birth and death is what gives life its value and meaning.


The chorus of the song touches on the idea of resistance, both in the sense of resisting change and in following our instincts. Topley-Bird seems to be suggesting that it is important to strike a balance between being true to ourselves and being open to transformation.


The second verse continues this theme of transformation, with Topley-Bird singing about how things can quickly become precarious. Despite this, she affirms her commitment to staying the course and facing whatever challenges come her way. The final verse features some of the most powerful imagery in the song, with Topley-Bird describing a scene of purging and renewal as we turn to dust.


All in all, "Phoenix" is a deeply introspective and philosophical song that touches on some universal themes. Topley-Bird's haunting vocals and the sparse, eerie instrumentation only add to its haunting beauty.


Line by Line Meaning

All move so fast here
The pace of life here is so rapid that it is difficult to keep up with.


No one can last here
No one seems to be able to stick around in this place for very long.


Lucky for us, dear
Fortunately for us, we are here together.


Round and round we go
We continue to move in circles, never really progressing.


Darling, the turn is resistance
My dear, the changes we face are met with opposition.


Do you? I do
Do you find it difficult to trust yourself? I know that I do.


Forget how to follow your instinct
We have lost touch with our natural intuition.


I will stay for this last transformation
I will remain present during this final change.


From who we start it soon gets precarious
Our beginning sets the stage for a challenging journey.


Beauty and tragedy released in the end
In the final moments, both the good and the bad are set free.


Here now we're kneeling
We have reached a moment of humility.


Now we're revealing
Our true selves are coming to light.


Purge every feeling
Let go of all emotions and attachments.


As we turn to dust
As we expire and fade away.


But don't get yourself into mischief
Be careful not to cause any trouble.


Do you, you don't, do you?
Are you going to behave? I hope so. Or is trouble what you're looking for?


Together, whatever the distance
Despite any obstacles, we will stay together.


To you, I'll come to you
I will always be there for you.


Flares and arcs will lead us out to sea
Guided by bursts of light and intense emotions, we will set sail toward new horizons.


Far above you the stars light the heavens
High above us, the stars illuminate the celestial realm.


Out in the distance
Somewhere far away.


Blue god encrypted
A mysterious and powerful force lies ahead, shrouded in enigma.


Phoenix persistent
The resilient bird of legend continues to endure.


Round and round we go
We keep moving in circles, searching for something that may never be found.




Contributed by Owen K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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