For Those Below
Embracing Compassion: Leading for Those Below
Lyrics
Helpless she lies across the stairs
Depiction of a woman lying helplessly on the stairs.
Haunting your days, consuming your prayers.
Her presence haunts and occupies your thoughts and prayers.
There will be healing but don't force this girl to stand
Anticipation of healing, but caution against forcing her to stand.
As she's counting the ceilings with pale voice and trembling hands
Imagery of the woman counting ceilings with a weak voice and trembling hands.
You told me life was long but now that it's gone
Contrast between the earlier belief in a long life and the reality of its brevity.
You find yourself on top as the leader of the flock
Transition to a position of leadership after a significant change or loss.
Called to be around for those below
Responsibility to be present and supportive for those in a lower position.
Whispered notes from the piano in the corner of the room
Reference to the piano playing softly in the background.
Hold your throat is that healing that you're hearing in her tune
Suggestion to listen closely for signs of healing in the musical notes.
Wanting change but loving her just as she lies
Desire for change while still loving the woman in her current state.
Is the burden of a man who's built his life on love
The burden of a man who has built his life on love.
You told me life was long but now that it's gone
Reiteration of the contrast between the perception and reality of life's length.
You find yourself on top as the leader of the flock
Being in a position of leadership despite life's challenges.
Called to be around for those below
Continued responsibility to be present for those in lower positions.
I'll be locked up and stored
Expression of being confined and preserved in a mental health ward.
In the lavender ward
Specific mention of the lavender ward as a symbol of mental distress.
'Cause my mind is just like hers
Comparison of the speaker's mind to the woman's, emphasizing brokenness.
Just as broken just as crippled just as burned
Further elaboration on the shared struggles of being broken, crippled, and burned.
And then I find myself on top as the leader of the flock
Return to a position of leadership despite personal challenges.
Called to be around for those below
Continued commitment to be there for those in lower positions.
Comment