Staring At The Fire
Embracing the Flames: Mike Posner's Reflection on Life's Obsessions
Lyrics
I've always had trouble staying still
The speaker has difficulty staying still or calm.
I stand next to what I hate just for the thrill
The speaker engages with things they dislike for the excitement.
Spent the first quarter of my life on a million dollar bill
Recalls a period of extravagance with a large amount of money.
'Cause I can't stop staring at the fire
The speaker is captivated by observing a fire.
We've got our crosses and our buildings, built 'em tall
References crosses and tall buildings as symbols of societal constructs.
And my book's another brick inside the wall
The speaker's book is compared to a brick in a wall, contributing to societal structures.
We sure make ourselves feel busy, but we don't do much at all
People appear busy but don't accomplish much, opting to stare at the fire.
Except sit around and stare at the fire
Reiteration of the fascination with staring at the fire.
And the protesters have gathered in the streets
Protesters gather, emphasizing societal unrest.
Opposite, a block full of police
Contrasts protesters with police, highlighting shared human struggles.
But they both have the same problem with God as you and me
Both groups share a common challenge with their relationship to God.
It's that they can't stop staring at the fire
Similar to the speaker, they can't stop being captivated by the fire.
Watch it burn, burn, burn
Repetition of the theme, emphasizing watching the fire burn.
Watch it burn, burn, burn
-Watch it burn, burn, burn
-Watch it burn, burn, burn
-Went to an ashram a million miles from here
Describes a visit to an ashram far away.
An old man on a blanket appeared
An encounter with an old man on a blanket.
He waved me to come closer, and he whispered in my ear
The old man advises the speaker to stop fixating on the fire.
"Son, you've got to stop staring at the fire"
The recurring theme of being captivated by the fire is acknowledged.
But all my ego trips come in flocks
Ego-driven experiences come frequently.
And they tell me, "Kid, it's really not that hot"
Others suggest the fire isn't as intense, possibly trivializing the speaker's concerns.
Take your anxiety and your guilt, just throw it all on top
Encouragement to place anxiety and guilt on top of the fire.
Now I can't stop standing in the fire
The speaker is now unable to escape standing in the fire.
Oh, watch me burn, burn, burn
Repetition of the burning motif, possibly symbolizing inner turmoil.
Watch me burn, burn, burn
-Watch me burn, burn, burn
-Watch me burn, burn, burn
-Oh, watch me burn, burn, burn
Continuation of emphasizing the speaker's burning state.
Watch me burn, burn, burn
-Watch me burn, burn, burn
-Watch me burn, burn, burn
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