If We Wait
Eternal Patience: Unveiling the Essence of 'If We Wait' by Guided by Voices
Lyrics
There's some food upon the table, boys
There is food on the table, indicating a setting of sustenance or abundance.
And if you have ever seen me flying
Refers to a metaphorical flight or high point in life, suggesting vulnerability.
Then you know that I am weak
Acknowledges personal weakness, perhaps in the face of challenges or struggles.
And you are free to take me downstairs
Others have the freedom to guide or influence the speaker when they are weak.
Away from cares
Suggests a desire to escape troubles or responsibilities.
I'll be with you in the morning, boys
Reiterates a commitment to be present in the morning, reinforcing connection.
Cause you know that if we wait for our time
Waiting for the right time is emphasized, with a potential existential implication.
We'll all be dead
An abrupt reminder of mortality, emphasizing the consequences of delayed action.
Oh now I'll bore you, crying my life away
The speaker anticipates being boring while expressing emotions or grievances.
Don't I know it, always the things I say
The speaker recognizes a pattern of regrettable words or actions.
Always too far
There's a tendency to go too far, possibly indicating an excess or extremes.
If you could be anything that you want to be,
A hypothetical question about self-identity and aspirations.
do you think that you would be who you see in the mirror?
Questioning if the person in the mirror truly reflects one's desired identity.
If I look long enough, my face would start to change
Reflection on the potential for personal transformation through introspection.
If I look close enough, I'll take away the pain
Suggests the power of close examination to alleviate emotional pain.
Oh I don't care anymore
Expresses a sense of apathy or detachment from concerns that were once significant.
Anymore, anymore, anymore, anymore
Repetition of "anymore" emphasizes a definitive break with past cares.
I'll be with you in the morning, boys
Reiterates the commitment to be present in the morning, reinforcing connection.
Cause you know that if we wait
Reemphasizes the theme of waiting for the right time, echoing earlier lines.
For our time
Reiterates the consequences of delayed action, underlining the urgency.
Then we'll be there
The waiting is presented as leading to a positive outcome or destination.
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