The Meaning Behind The Song: Cicada Days Live at Knitting Factory, Spokane, WA by Will Wood
Introduction
As a devoted fan of Will Wood’s unique and captivating musical style, I have always found solace and meaning in his songs. One particular track that resonates with me deeply is “Cicada Days – Live at Knitting Factory, Spokane, WA.” In this article, I will delve into the lyrics and share my personal interpretation of the meaning behind this powerful song.
Table of Contents
The Lyrics
[Spoken] (i)Hello everyone(/i) [Verse 1] The greener grass grows where the wildfires fertilizeWith ashes of sparrows, peppered moths, and butterflies
Ghosts of trees and termites bloom in the beanstalk
And if you get lightheaded when standing too fast
Is it from shaking out the weight of phosphenes and pasts
Salt deposits on warm little rivers that burst from our words [Pre-Chorus] And God knows crying ain’t gonna change a thing
She said “take care,” but I take more than I bring [Chorus] She said “It just feels inhumane to lose this much.”
‘Cause when you leave you know you take more than your love
Just one week of cicada days, we’re losing touch
And I know it just feels inhumane to lose this much [Verse 2] Our nerves were braided under ceiling stars
That were all glow-in-the-dark, hanging over queen-sized
Purple waves of ancient chemicals just whisper
And did you ever build with those endangered bones?
Well, the ground looks soft enough to bury this now
Oh, please, oh no! [Pre-Chorus] And then my sponsor said, “Do nothing. Nothing works.”
(i)(And it really did)(/i)
And then my doctor said, “Don’t do that if it hurts.” [Chorus] She said “It just feels inhumane to lose this much”
‘Cause when you leave you know you take more than your love
The seasons of cicada days we can’t make up
And I know it just feels inhumane to lose this much [Chorus] Oh, woah, woah
Let all my red flags fade to white, yeah, I give up
So don’t let me leave, I’ll only take more than I gave
Okay, I’ll pack my stuff
Here at the end of days, my God, what have I done?
Christ, now it feels damn inhumane to get all I’ve dreamed of [Outro] Keep coming back, it works if you work it
So work it, you’re worth it, it won’t if you don’t
One day at a time, tomorrow’s too late, amen
Interpretation
“Cicada Days – Live at Knitting Factory, Spokane, WA” is a song that delves into the complex emotions and experiences of loss and sacrifice. Will Wood masterfully weaves together poignant lyrics and atmospheric melodies to create a vivid and thought-provoking piece.
The song opens with a reflection on the natural cycle of life and death, where the destruction caused by wildfires serves as a catalyst for new growth. It speaks to the interconnectedness of life, even in moments of devastation. The reference to “salt deposits on warm little rivers” represents the residue left behind by emotional and past experiences, weighing us down.
In the chorus, the narrator expresses the feeling of losing too much, whether it be in relationships or personal endeavors. There is a sense of longing and recognizing the imbalance where one constantly takes more than gives. The imagery of “cicada days” suggests a fleeting period of connection and closeness that fades away too quickly.
The second verse builds upon the theme of loss and endangered connections. The mention of “glow-in-the-dark” ceiling stars and “purple waves of ancient chemicals” evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing for a time when things were simpler. However, there is an acknowledgment that burying these feelings may be the only way to move forward.
The pre-chorus highlights the conflicting advice received from different sources, emphasizing the complexity of navigating through difficult situations. It reflects the internal struggle of figuring out the best course of action when faced with pain and uncertainty.
The final chorus takes a shift, urging the red flags to fade away, suggesting a willingness to surrender and let go. However, there is also a recognition of the consequences of these actions, wondering what has been sacrificed in the pursuit of dreams. The outro serves as a reminder that personal growth and healing require active participation and a commitment to oneself.
Conclusion
“Cicada Days – Live at Knitting Factory, Spokane, WA” is a profound and introspective song that explores the depths of loss, sacrifice, and personal growth. Will Wood’s evocative lyrics and captivating melodies allow listeners to reflect on their own experiences and find solace in the shared emotions depicted in the song.
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