Chalkhills And Children
XTC Lyrics

I'm floating over strange land,
The singer feels like they are somewhat disconnected from reality and the surroundings they find themselves in.

It's a soulless, sequined, showbiz moon.
The world the singer is witnessing is superficial, fake, and lacking in genuine depth or character.

And then stranger still, there's no balloon.
There is no safety net or security for the singer, they are on their own.

But I'm getting higher,
Despite the unease and uncertainty, the artist is becoming more successful and famous.

Wafted up by fame's fickle fire 'til the...
The artist is being carried along by the unpredictable and fleeting nature of fame and success.

Chalkhills and children,
The singer is reminded of their roots and grounded by the wholesome and innocent aspects of life.

Anchor my feet.
These reminders ground the singer and help them feel more secure.

Bringing me back to earth,
The artist feels like they are being returned to a more authentic and meaningful existence.

Eternally and ever Ermine Street.
The reminder of their past keeps them connected to their personal history and identity.

(Even I never know where I go when my eyes are closed.)
Despite their new circumstances, the artist still feels a sense of confusion and disorientation about their life.

I'm skating over thin ice,
The singer is in a precarious situation where any misstep could be catastrophic.

Upon blunted blades of metal soft.
The tools the artist has to work with are not as sharp or effective as they should be.

While some nonesuch net holds me aloft.
Even though the singer is taking risks, they feel like they can rely on an invisible safety net.

Lifted up on lucks' circus wire 'til the...
The singer attributes their success to luck and chance, rather than any specific talent or merit.

Even I never spied that the scenes were posed.
Despite their success, the singer is aware that much of what they see around them is fake or staged.

Even I never knew this is what I'd be.
The artist never imagined this would be their life, and they feel a sense of disbelief about the course their life has taken.

Even eyes never mean that you're sure to see.
Just because something appears a certain way doesn't mean it's accurate or genuine.

Rolling up on three empty tyres, 'til the...
Even though everything seems easier now, the singer knows that their success is still tenuous and could disappear at any moment.

I'm soaring over hushed crowds,
The singer is now comfortable in the spotlight and feels at ease with the attention and admiration of others.

The reluctant cannonball it seems.
Despite their improved situation, the artist feels like they were pushed into the spotlight against their will.

I'm propelled up here by long dead dreams.
The artist is motivated by a sense of ambition that they've had since childhood, even though it may no longer be relevant or meaningful.

Icarus regrets and retires puzzled.
The artist realizes the precarious nature of their success and they feel like they could easily lose everything they've gained.

Oddly complete.
Despite the challenges and uncertainties of their life, the singer feels like they have found a sense of fulfillment and purpose.

Here I go again.
The artist is aware that their life and circumstances will continue to change and evolve, and they are ready to face whatever comes their way.