Carry the Lantern
Love's Night: A Journey Through Time and Heart
Lyrics
She was calling out in German
Reference to a woman speaking German from a London balcony.
From a balcony in London
The narrator senses something dangerous ("dragon") while in London.
I caught a whiff of the dragon
Metaphorical expression of risky behavior ("Hanging ten off the wagon").
Hanging ten off the wagon
The narrator engaging in indulgence or excess, possibly related to alcohol ("lake of red wine").
I was ice fishing on a lake of red wine
Blank line, possibly indicating a pause or shift in the narrative.
Mr. Freedom spending nights behind bars
Comparison of Mr. Freedom to a dog achieving an elusive goal.
Like the dog that finally catches the car
The narrator finds themselves in a difficult situation ("under the wheel").
I found myself under the wheel
A metaphorical entanglement or complication ("tape got tangled in the reel").
The tape got tangled in the reel
Reference to getting caught in a compromising situation ("cut my hand off in the cookie jar").
I cut my hand off in the cookie jar
Reaffirmation of the commitment to a righteous path.
But I told you and myself I'd walk the line
Reiteration of the commitment to walking a righteous path.
I'd find the path from the light that you left behind
Striving to find a positive direction after a loss or setback.
Hey, hey
Repetition of the chorus.
Carry the lantern high
Continuation of the chorus, underscoring the significance of carrying the lantern.
Hey, hey
-Carry the lantern high
-Hey, hey
-Carry the lantern high
-As we go into the night
Expression of determination and readiness for the challenges ahead.
I lit a candle in the chapel
Symbolic act of seeking solace or divine guidance ("lit a candle in the chapel").
I set the tavern and the boardroom on fire
Metaphorical rebellion, causing disruption in both personal and professional spheres.
Burning little life rafts
Burning life rafts as a rebellious, yet temporary, solution to problems.
Oh yeah, it's good for a laugh
Action for amusement and temporary comfort ("good for a laugh").
And keeps me warm for a little while
Temporary warmth derived from rebellious acts.
But I told you and myself I'd walk the line
Struggling but persevering, carrying the lantern high.
Stumbling through we carry the lantern high
Repetition of the commitment to carry the lantern into the night.
Oh, hey, hey
Repetition of the chorus, emphasizing the importance of carrying the lantern high.
Carry the lantern high
-Hey, hey
-Carry the lantern high
-Hey, hey
-Carry the lantern high
-As we go into the night
Expression of determination as one faces the challenges of the night.
I don't need a symphony
Emphasis on the power of a simple melody to dispel darkness and carry the light.
A simple little melody
-Can cut through the darkness in the night
-I don't need a symphony
-A simple little melody
-Is all I need to carry the light, the light
-Carry the lantern high (la-la, la-la, la-la)
Repetition of the chorus, highlighting the act of carrying the lantern high into the night.
Hey, hey
-Carry the lantern high (la-la, la-la, la-la)
-Hey
-Carry the lantern high (la-la, la-la, la-la)
-And we go into the night
-Hey, hey (la-la, la-la, la-la)
Final repetition of the chorus, emphasizing the commitment to carry the lantern high into the night.
Carry the lantern high
-Hey (la-la, la-la, la-la)
-Carry the lantern high
-Hey, hey (la-la, la-la, la-la)
-Carry the lantern high
-And we'll go into the night
-Hey
Repetition of the concluding call to carry the lantern high.
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