Roy Walker
Echoes of Adolescence: Belle and Sebastian's Roy Walker
Lyrics
Like a fresh manifestation of an old phenomenon
Reflecting on a new occurrence that echoes an age-old pattern or phenomenon.
A breeze whips through the trees
A gentle wind moves through the trees.
The rustling leaves and branches bend together they're cued to sway
The leaves rustle, and branches sway in harmony, seemingly following a choreographed cue from a divine force.
Forever by the forces of the Lord's choreography
Describing the enduring influence of the Lord's choreography on nature.
Just for a second the combination of sights, sounds around him
For a brief moment, the combination of sensory experiences takes the individual back to reflections and fears from their teenage years.
Sends him hurtling back to the mirror of all his teenager thoughts and fears
Mentioning the passage through places that evoke memories of adolescence, including big houses and family cars.
He passes big houses and family cars they saddled the horses in cobblestone yards
Observing the saddling of horses in cobblestone yards, hinting at a blend of modernity and tradition.
He catches the moon looking down from the stars
Noticing the moon in the stars, a timeless sight that has persisted for generations.
Just like it's done for years and years
Emphasizing the enduring nature of certain experiences, paralleling the past and present.
Perpetual feeling in the grown up world that's all around him
Expressing a constant sense in the adult world that there are hidden truths to be uncovered through knowledge and philosophy.
That there's secrets that could be revealed with knowledge and philosophy
Suggesting a longing for uncovering secrets and a desire for wisdom.
And "Oh to be dumb, Oh to be smart"
Contrasting the desire to be both ignorant and knowledgeable, reflecting inner conflicts.
He might be nursing a broken heart
Speculating on the possibility of nursing a broken heart while maintaining a facade.
But feeling this way he's just playing a part
Acknowledging that feeling a certain way might be a role played over centuries, questioning the authenticity of emotions.
That's been around for centuries
Highlighting the enduring nature of certain emotional roles that have persisted for centuries.
I wandered all night, I wondered all night about you
Expressing a night spent wandering and pondering about someone.
I've been here for years just wandering around the neighbourhood
Indicating a long period of existence in the neighborhood, suggesting a sense of familiarity and continuity.
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