Ship of Fools
Voyage into Darkness: Unraveling the Meaning Behind World Party's Ship of Fools
Lyrics
We're setting sail to the place on the map
We embark on a journey to an unknown place on the map.
from which no one has ever returned
This place is uncharted, and nobody has returned from there.
Drawn by the promise of the joker and the fool
Drawn by the allure of a deceptive figure (joker) and foolishness.
by the light of the crosses that burned.
Guided by the light of burning crosses, symbolizing danger or misguidance.
Drawn by the promise of the women and the lace
Attraction fueled by promises of women, lace, gold, cotton, and pearls.
and the gold and the cotton and pearls
The place holds all the darkness one may desire.
It's the place where they keep all the darkness you need.
It's where darkness is kept; departing from the light of the world.
You sail away from the light of the world on this trip, baby.
The journey takes you away from the positive influences of the world.
You will pay tomorrow
A warning that consequences will be faced in the future.
You're gonna pay tomorrow
Reiteration of the impending payment for one's actions.
You will pay tomorrow
Emphasizing the inevitability of facing consequences.
Save me. Save me from tomorrow
Plea for salvation from the consequences to come.
I don't want to sail with this ship of fools. No, no
Expressing a desire not to be part of a foolish endeavor.
Oh, save me. Save me from tomorrow
Reiterating the plea for salvation from future troubles.
I don't want to sail with this ship of fools
Rejection of sailing with a misguided group.
I want to run and hide right now
Expressing a current desire to escape and hide.
Avarice and greed are gonna drive you over the endless sea
Warning about the destructive forces of avarice and greed.
They will leave you drifting in the shallows
Predicting being left adrift or drowned by these forces.
or drowning in the oceans of history
The consequences will involve drifting or drowning in historical events.
Traveling the world, you're in search of no good
Highlighting a futile search for no good in the world.
but I'm sure you'll build your Sodom like you knew you would
Expectation that a corrupted society will be built.
Using all the good people for your galley slaves
Exploitation of good people for selfish purposes.
as you're little boat struggles through the warning waves, but you don't pay
A metaphorical boat struggles through warning waves, facing challenges.
You will pay tomorrow
Reiteration of the impending payment for one's actions.
You're gonna pay tomorrow
Reiteration of the future consequences that cannot be avoided.
You're gonna pay tomorrow
Emphasizing the inevitability of facing consequences.
Save me. Save me from tomorrow
Plea for salvation from the consequences to come.
I don't want to sail with this ship of fools
Expressing a desire not to be part of a foolish endeavor.
Save me. Save me from tomorrow
Reiterating the plea for salvation from future troubles.
I don't want to sail with this ship of fools
Rejection of sailing with a misguided group.
Where's it comin' from?
Pondering the origin of the misguided actions.
Where's it goin' to now?
Questioning the destination or outcome of these actions.
It's just a It's just a ship of fools
Emphasizing the foolishness of the actions as being a "ship of fools."
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