Downright
Trails and Ways Lyrics

In the opening lines of "Downright," Trails and Ways explore a sense of entrapment in an urban environment, metaphorically described as a "locked-up city." The singer appears to be addressing someone who possesses insider knowledge about this city, suggesting a desire to understand the complexities and challenges of the world they inhabit. The line "try and bring me up to speed" highlights a yearning for connection and communication, as the singer feels disconnected from the happenings in this urban space. The mention of seeking a place to "talk freely" indicates a longing for open dialogue in an environment where such conversations may be difficult. This sets the tone for the song, which grapples with themes of communication, isolation, and the challenges of understanding a complex reality.

The refrain "It's downright unconscionable" introduces a sense of outrage or disillusionment with the status quo. This phrase encapsulates the surreal experience of confronting societal injustices that are often normalized, such as the coercive nature of authority symbolized by "they hold you tight, and they call it legal." Here, the singer is essentially urging the listener to resist succumbing to despair, encouraging resilience in the face of institutional oppression. The repetition of "you feel me?" serves as both a rallying cry and a plea for empathy — it's a moment of shared understanding between the singer and their audience, emphasizing the communal nature of struggle.

In the third stanza, the metaphor of being a "printing press, with no circulation" presents a poignant image of creative frustration. This line suggests a voice that is capable of producing meaningful content but lacks the means to reach an audience, symbolizing a struggle for visibility and recognition in a world filled with noise. In juxtaposition, "a club PA without a low end" reinforces the feeling of incompleteness or lack of depth; both images convey a sense of dissatisfaction with one’s own potential and the failure to resonate with others. The plea of "Can you hear me out there?" highlights the desperation for acknowledgement and connection, revealing a struggle for validation in an increasingly disconnected society.

As the song reaches its closing lines, it culminates in the acknowledgment of personal inadequacies and the search for rectification. The singer reflects on various attempts to find balance and meaning in life, citing a "heavy state" where nothing feels quite right, regardless of external circumstances or internal virtues. This realization that even positive attributes like a "healthy heart" or "good words do not make it right" suggests an exploration of the existential weight that comes with trying to navigate personal and societal challenges. The line "But if I put it like this, you know I think I might" leaves room for hope and possibility, hinting that perhaps articulating one's feelings and experiences could foster understanding, connection, and ultimately, a path toward resolving the dissonance that pervades both the singer's life and the world around them.