Even the Oxen
Unveiling Life's Lessons: Grant Lee Buffalo's Poetic Reflections
Lyrics
Here is the one here is the one here is the one mistake that can not be made
Emphasizes a critical mistake that must be avoided.
There is a line that is crossed over once and only once let it be said
Refers to a boundary crossed once, with consequences to be acknowledged.
All of the hubris clenched in our fist won't punch our way out of here
Hubris (excessive pride) won't solve problems or help escape difficulties.
You know what I've told and I tell but you won't let it pass into your ears
Communication attempts met with resistance or refusal to accept.
Even the oxen ramming their heads on wood rails
Even powerful and strong beings (oxen) face challenges.
Come to know pain before the rusted barrier falls
Oxen experience pain before overcoming obstacles.
Before the radio long before radio waves struck down to touch
Before modern communication (radio), destructive events occurred.
Off the wild flame that took all in its path and trampled the young underbrush
Wildfire destroyed everything in its path, affecting the young.
Music shooed clouds away billowing anxieties are rolled over and out
Music has the power to dispel worries and uncertainties.
Seems like a lot of folks gave up and got out except for the truly devout
Some gave up, but the truly devoted persevered.
Who like the oxen ramming their heads on wood rails
Similarities between oxen and individuals facing challenges.
Came to be dizzy before the barrier fell
Dizziness before overcoming obstacles.
Love is the one love is the one weapon that hasn't been brandished yet in this song
Love is a potent force not yet utilized in the song.
Strikes fear in the pockets of bankers and generals without it we can't carry on
Love induces fear in powerful figures; essential for survival.
And all of us knew this at one time from teething to toothless it's safe to say
A universal understanding of love from infancy to old age.
But useless perhaps to point out that we've lost our instincts and awe in this day
We've lost our natural instincts and wonder in the modern world.
And like the oxen ramming their heads on tin walls
Comparing individuals to oxen facing challenges.
Might come to know mercy before the barrier falls
Mercy may be experienced before overcoming barriers.
And I come to know mercy before the barrier falls
The singer personally experiences mercy before overcoming obstacles.
And I come to know mercy before the barrier falls
Repetition emphasizes the personal experience of mercy.
Falls falls
Repetition of "falls" signifies the repeated descent of barriers.
And it falls falls falls
Continued emphasis on the falling of barriers.
And it falls falls falls
Further repetition underscores the continuous falling of barriers.
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