Lungs
Breathing Through Shadows: Townes Van Zandt's Lyrical Reflections
Lyrics
Won't you lend your lungs to me?
Expresses a plea for assistance or support, asking someone to share their strength.
Mine are collapsing
Describes the speaker's own lungs as failing or deteriorating.
Plant my feet and bitterly
Suggests grounding oneself and breathing deeply while contemplating the fleeting nature of time.
Breathe up the time that's passing.
Encourages taking in each moment and making the most of the time that is passing.
Breath I'll take and breath I'll give
Reflects on the reciprocal nature of breathing, emphasizing the importance of a positive exchange.
Pray the day's not poison
Expresses a hope that the day is not harmful or toxic.
Stand among the ones that live
Encourages standing firm among those who are alive, despite the challenges of indecision.
In lonely indecision.
Highlights the loneliness associated with being indecisive or uncertain.
Fingers walk the darkness down
Describes fingers moving through darkness, possibly symbolizing a journey through challenging times.
Mind is on the midnight
Indicates a preoccupation with midnight, possibly representing a dark or introspective state of mind.
Gather up the gold you've found
Advises gathering valuable experiences or insights, cautioning against mistaking illusions for reality.
You fool, it's only moonlight.
Warns against being fooled by superficial appearances, such as mistaking moonlight for something more substantial.
And if you stop to take it home
Discourages taking home something intangible or elusive, as it may slip away or lose its value.
Your hands will turn to butter
Suggests that holding onto such elusive dreams may result in losing one's capabilities or becoming ineffective.
Better leave this dream alone
Advises against pursuing a dream that might be unattainable or detrimental.
Try to find another.
Encourages seeking alternative paths or dreams rather than persisting in a fruitless pursuit.
Salvation sat and crossed herself
References salvation and the devil, possibly exploring the dual nature of faith and temptation.
And called the devil partner
Suggests a partnership between salvation and the devil, questioning the dichotomy between good and evil.
Wisdom burned upon a shelf
Describes wisdom as unutilized or neglected, perhaps commenting on society's failure to address critical issues.
Who'll kill the raging cancer
Addresses the need to confront and overcome destructive forces, such as a metaphorical raging cancer.
Seal the river at its mouth
Metaphorically suggests controlling or restraining the source of potential harm.
Take the water prisoner
Uses water as a metaphor for freedom, implying the need to liberate oneself from constraints.
Fill the sky with screams and cries
Describes a chaotic and tumultuous environment, possibly reflecting societal struggles.
Bathe in fiery answers
Suggests seeking profound and intense answers, even if they come with emotional turmoil.
Jesus was an only son
References Jesus as an only son, exploring themes of uniqueness and individuality in faith.
And love his only concept
Defines love as a central concept in the speaker's worldview.
But strangers cry in foreign tongues
Comments on the challenges of understanding and empathizing with those who speak different languages.
And dirty up the doorstep
Describes strangers as disruptive or unwelcome, creating a barrier at the doorstep.
And I for one, and you for two
Expresses a lack of time or patience for external concerns, prioritizing personal matters.
Ain't got the time for outside
Urges others to keep their troubles to themselves, focusing on personal responsibilities.
Keep your injured looks to you
Advises maintaining a façade of strength and resilience, even if internal struggles persist.
We'll tell the world that we tried
Conveys a sense of determination to convey the effort put into addressing challenges to the world.
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