Ontario
Revelations of Pain and Growth: "Ontario" by The Mountain Goats
Lyrics
i know what my weaknesses are
I understand my weaknesses well.
probably better than you do
Possibly more than you understand them.
revolutionary chinese propaganda
A reference to revolutionary Chinese propaganda.
the color of blue
Referencing the color blue, possibly signifying sadness or melancholy.
i thought i knew what my weaknesses were anyway
I believed I comprehended my weaknesses, but then experienced a new revelation.
then the orange tree blossomed last saturday
A sudden and unexpected event (the blossoming orange tree) that caused distress or pain.
there was nothing in it but pain for me
The occurrence brought only pain and discomfort.
i know what can hurt me real bad
I am aware of what can cause significant emotional pain.
and what can't hurt me anymore
I have grown immune or desensitized to certain things that used to hurt me.
i know how to rise up with the sun
I know how to start my day early.
and i am learning what sleep's good for
I am discovering the importance of rest.
i thought i'd figured out the world and its circular way
I believed I had understood the cyclical nature of the world, but then encountered a shocking event.
then i saw the sun fall out of the sky the other day
Witnessing an unusual and distressing event (the sun falling out of the sky).
there was nothing in it but pain for me
Similar to line 7, this event brought pain and discomfort.
squirrels climbing trees in bloom
Descriptive imagery of squirrels climbing trees during the flowering season.
soft yellow light spilling into the room
Depiction of soft yellow light entering a room, possibly symbolizing warmth or comfort.
my favorite records, my favorite books
References to favorite records and books, things of personal significance.
the people i loved, the people i almost loved
Mentions people who were loved and those who were nearly loved, indicating complex relationships.
light beckoning, wind whistling
Imagery of light and wind beckoning, possibly signifying allure or attraction.
hey hey hey hey
Repetitive vocalizations ("hey hey hey hey") possibly expressing emotions or catching attention.
day breaking river rolling
Descriptive imagery of a breaking day and a flowing river.
hey hey
Continuation of vocalizations ("hey hey"), potentially emphasizing a point or mood.
la la la la
Vocalized sounds ("la la la la") without specific lexical meaning, possibly used for musical emphasis or as a rhythmic element.
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