An Answer for Everything
Embracing Life's Uncertainty
Lyrics
You should fold up your telescope
You should abandon your long-range vision or plans.
Chuck your compass at the unknown
Throw away your guidance tools when faced with uncertainty.
You should shoot out every star
Reject the ideals or aspirations symbolized by stars.
All they've gotten you is lost
Following dreams or ideals has only led to confusion.
They burned out so long ago
Those aspirations or dreams have faded and are no longer relevant.
Those twinkly little lights
Referring to memories of small lights hung in their living space.
We hung from the window sill
Memories associated with the window sill and lights.
Just above our bed
Describing the physical location where memories were created.
Our first studio
The first place they lived together, possibly a small and modest space.
We barely could make the rent
Financial struggles in their early days of living together.
So we held our world on a string
Metaphorically, their world was fragile and dependent on a delicate balance.
We had an answer for everything
Despite challenges, they felt confident and had solutions for everything.
You kept those dirty polaroids
Possibly referencing intimate photos kept secret and protected.
In an atlas under your mattress
The photos are hidden in a book under the mattress, associated with a specific location.
On the page for Illinois
Photos related to a specific place, perhaps where significant events occurred.
They probably should have been destroyed
Suggesting that the photos should have been discarded or forgotten.
Yet you kept them, how very tragic
Despite potential negative consequences, the memories are retained.
That road trip to Champaign
Recalling a specific journey to Champaign, likely a memorable road trip.
We stayed at your sister's place
Staying at the sister's place during the journey.
On a pull-out bed
Details about the accommodations during the trip.
An engagement ring hidden in my dopp kit
A significant event or symbol (engagement ring) hidden in personal belongings.
We were young and dumb and free
Reflecting on a time of youth, lack of responsibility, and carefree living.
We had an answer for everything
Despite challenges, they felt they had solutions for everything.
Everything, now here we are
Reflecting on their past confidence and certainty in life.
Broken down as two prisoners
Current state of being broken down or defeated.
Constant questioning has left us embittered
Continuous questioning has led to bitterness and dissatisfaction.
In youth we held the keys
In their youth, they felt in control and had answers to everything.
We had an answer for everything
Despite past confidence, they are now questioning everything.
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