Lyrics
The snow was falling on his shoulders by the side of the road
The protagonist is standing on the side of the road, with snow falling on his shoulders.
And he watched as the sun went down
He observes the sunset.
Falling on the building
The snow is falling on a building.
Swallowing the children
The imagery of the sun swallowing the children may symbolize a sense of darkness or danger.
It's the gun in your back
"It's the gun in your back" suggests a threat or pressure from behind.
It's the heart attack
"It's the heart attack" may metaphorically represent a sudden and intense emotional experience.
It's the way you look back before you step out
The way one looks back before stepping out implies hesitation or reflection before taking action.
In time to see the number of the bus that's running you down
The protagonist looks back in time to see the bus number that is about to hit them.
A million lonely people with their bead in the sand
A description of a large number of isolated individuals, avoiding reality ("bead in the sand").
Trying to make some sense of what they don't understand
People trying to make sense of things they find confusing.
Waiting on somebody just to give them a hand
Waiting for assistance from someone.
You're designed to fall apart on the day the warranty ends
Suggesting a sense of predetermined failure or decay after a certain period.
And you try but you just can't stop
Despite efforts, the person cannot halt a repetitive, unproductive cycle.
Running round in circles
Continuously moving in circles without making progress.
Knocking over hurdles
Metaphorical obstacles being knocked down, possibly representing challenges or setbacks.
It's the knife in your back
"It's the knife in your back" signifies betrayal or harm from someone close.
It's the heart attack
Reiteration of the metaphorical "heart attack" as a sudden emotional impact.
It's the way you look back before you step out
Similar to line 7, the act of looking back before taking a step out.
In time to see the shadow of the one that's cutting you down
Anticipation of a looming threat, represented by the shadow of someone harmful.
The snow was falling on his shoulders by the side of the road
Repetition of the opening scene, possibly emphasizing the cyclical nature of struggles.
And he watched as the lights came on below
Observing lights coming on, implying a change in the environment.
And the children were sleeping
Children are sleeping, possibly symbolizing innocence or vulnerability.
And the women were weeping
Women weeping suggests sorrow or distress.
There was nobody keeping him here
The absence of anyone keeping the protagonist in that place.
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