Preface
the artificials Lyrics
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Grasping on the coattails of ignorant royals
Listen to your gut but trust your heart
Be a man and finish what you start
Oh how I've waited to speak
About what troubles my simple mind
Tongue in the back of my throat
The time is now, while I can still breathe
The lyrics to the song Preface by The Artificials describe the feeling of being trapped and unable to speak the truth. The opening line, "Hollow misfortunate soul," sets the tone for the rest of the song, which is about feeling lost and disconnected from oneself. The image of "grasping on the coattails of ignorant royals" is a metaphor for trying to find purpose and direction in the midst of chaos and confusion. The advice to "Listen to your gut but trust your heart" suggests that the key to finding meaning is to follow one's intuition, but also to be true to one's own feelings and beliefs. The final line "Be a man and finish what you start" is a call to action, urging the listener to take control of their life and make the most of their time.
The song is full of powerful imagery and complex emotions. The line "Oh how I've waited to speak" suggests that the singer has been holding back their feelings for a long time. The phrase "Tongue in the back of my throat" is a visceral description of the feeling of being unable to speak, and "choking on the truth just to save your face once more" is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices we make to protect others' feelings.
Line by Line Meaning
Hollow misfortunate soul
I feel empty and unlucky in life.
Grasping on the coattails of ignorant royals
I am trying to rely on people in power, who are not knowledgeable, to bring me success.
Listen to your gut but trust your heart
Pay attention to your instincts, but also believe in your innermost feelings.
Be a man and finish what you start
Take responsibility for your actions and complete what you have begun, like a responsible adult.
Oh how I've waited to speak
I have been waiting for a long time to express my thoughts.
About what troubles my simple mind
I want to talk about the problems that are bothering me and causing me stress.
Tongue in the back of my throat
I am struggling to express myself verbally.
Choking on the truth just to save your face once more
I am struggling to be honest about something, even though it may reflect poorly on someone else.
The time is now, while I can still breathe
It is important for me to speak my truth while I still have the opportunity to do so.
Contributed by Ella Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.