Lyrics
Letter to the boy on the ivory shore
Addressing a letter to a boy on the ivory shore, setting the scene.
Who seeks a song amid the ocean's roar
The boy is searching for a song amidst the overwhelming noise of the ocean.
I've got some idea what you are in for
The speaker has an understanding of what challenges the boy will face.
You'll hold a candle to a storm
The boy will face adversity, like holding a candle against a storm, symbolizing difficulty.
A candle to a storm
Reiteration of the challenging nature of the boy's journey, emphasizing the storm.
And there'll be peace and there'll be war
Life will have both peaceful and warlike moments.
And everyday there'll be a door
Every day will present opportunities, symbolized by doors.
And there'll be days so beautiful
There will be exceptionally beautiful days that are memorable.
You daren't forget, and even then
Some moments are so significant that they must not be forgotten.
Days of regret
Expect days filled with remorse and sorrow.
The stars above will always shine
The stars symbolize enduring elements in life, suggesting hope and constancy.
But you'll learn in time not all of life
Life lessons will teach that not everything follows a poetic or predictable pattern.
Ends in a rhyme at least not most the time
Contrasting the idea that life doesn't always conform to rhymes or expected outcomes.
Letter to the boy on the ivory shore
Repetition of the address to the boy, emphasizing the importance of the message.
Who seeks a song amid the ocean's roar
Reiteration of the boy seeking a song amidst the challenging environment.
I've got some idea what you are in for
Reiteration of the speaker's partial understanding of the boy's future challenges.
You'll hold a candle to a storm
Repetition of the metaphor of holding a candle to a storm, emphasizing difficulty.
A candle to a storm
Reiteration of the challenging nature of the boy's journey, emphasizing the storm.
Well now you know
Introducing the idea that the boy now possesses knowledge or awareness.
Will you go, will you go, will you go?
Pose of a question regarding the boy's decision to act on the gained knowledge.
Will you go?
Repetition of the question, adding emphasis and seeking a response.
Well now you know
Reiteration of the idea that the boy now possesses knowledge or awareness.
Will you go, will you go, will you go?
Repetition of the question, emphasizing the importance of the boy's choice.
Will you go?
Repetition of the question, emphasizing the urgency of the decision.
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