this is one big conceptual mess of references and allusion to express the complicated idea of wanting to be alone. its an oblique story.
lyrics
To finally be tired
And not bored
Sirens ringing outside
The open door
Letting in the light
And no more
Understanding life
Is not meant to be adored
Adoration leads to nothingness
Adored for its own retreat
Or for its bruising heat
Or for its deft defeat
I’ll stay free
Chained to thee
Underneath a shady tree
And if I was alone
Within
Would I find my soul arising
To bring in
Any other way
To live?
Or is it simply bound
To this?
Adoration leads to emptiness
Adored for my own defeat
Or for my resting feet
Or for my deft retreat
I’ll stay free
Chained to thee
Underneath a shady tree
I’m wont to be
Underneath
Parted soil one with me
How about rest?
The light that seems to guide every step out of purgatory
Shallow at my best?
Succumbing to hounds of life around my story
Friendly is a sin?
I cannot allow myself to walk more freely
So I take off my shoes, and suffer pain and gory, bloody freedom-glory
Listen to your friends
Listen to the neighbour of your baleful illness
Look inside the manger
Look inside your head for your own playset-story
Touch the face as wind
Touch the hand of something that might be touch only.
Penelope’s in danger
Give yourself to something that won’t be forgiven.
I’m on ice
(Just waiting for the moment)
Soon I die
(But take me to that place rather than to be alive)
I’d like to be alone
Don’t keep talking right now
When there’s something happening
Down within there, look down!
There’s a light a-flickering
Someone inside needs you
Someone take themselves down
A leap of faith may help you
Or move your body out
I’m underground
I’m on ice
(Just waiting for the moment)
Soon I die
(But take me to that place rather than to be alive)
I’d like to be alone
Down within I see out
Crowded faces all around
Drips of water coming down
Darkness abound
Too far to make out
Don’t come down
Move your body round
I’m underground
I’m on ice
Soon I die
I’d like to be alone
credits
from French Kiss Lessons,
released April 10, 2020
written, performed, and produced by b.w. johnson
artwork by chloe kelly
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