I draw lines and mark where the rivers should bend And trace out the roads that I'll never descend A paper ocean, wrinkles and waves Godlike intentions, but frozen in place I chart constellations, connecting the stars A galaxy born, as the ink leaves a mark The compass spins, but I’m stuck on this page Set sail without movement, drifting in place A pen in my hand, and the lines overflow The tides keep on rising, but I’m stuck below Ships passing by, they don’t notice me calling I forget I’m in charge and that I’m the one stalling The horizon stretches, but it never grows near The winds whisper secrets I refuse to hear When one map is finished, I start off anew I’m dreaming up dreams that’ll never come true I paint the shadows where the mountains once stood And sketch every path that I’ll never pursue A paper sky, the colors don’t blend Lacking intention, a goal, or a plan I’ve planned out journeys, a million so far Though I’ve traced every line, there’s no path to embark The ink dries slowly, it never runs out A journey in drawings, but no steps to count A pen in my hand, and the lines overflow The tides keep on rising, but I’m stuck below Ships passing by, they don’t notice me calling I forget I’m in charge and that I’m the one stalling The horizon stretches, but it never grows near The winds whisper secrets I refuse to hear When one map is finished, I start off anew I’m dreaming up dreams that’ll never come true These maps are a prison I created myself I choose to stand still with no story to tell A paper-thin world that easily tares With intricate roads that lead me nowhere A pen in my hand, and the lines overflow The tides keep on rising, but I’m stuck below Ships passing by, they don’t notice me calling I forget I’m in charge and that I’m the one stalling The horizon stretches, but it never grows near The winds whisper secrets I refuse to hear When one map is finished, I start off anew I’m dreaming up dreams that’ll never come true A pen in my hand, and the lines overflow The tides keep on rising, but I’m stuck below Ships passing by, they don’t notice me calling I forget I’m in charge and that I’m the one stalling The horizon stretches, but it never grows near The winds whisper secrets I refuse to hear When one map is finished, I start off anew I’m dreaming up dreams that’ll never come true
Slow sad indie folk ballad
English
The lyrics evoke a deep sense of longing, frustration, and existential melancholy. They illustrate a conflict between aspirations and reality, highlighting feelings of being trapped in a self-imposed prison of indecision while yearning for change and adventure.
This song is well-suited for introspective moments, such as late-night listening, quiet reflections, or during creative work when one is contemplating dreams and ambitions. It could also resonate in therapeutic settings where individuals explore feelings of stagnation and the desire for change or movement.
The song uses metaphorical language extensively, with vivid imagery like 'paper ocean,' 'galaxy born,' and 'compass spins,' which deepen its thematic exploration of navigation and stagnation. The repetition in the chorus emphasizes the cyclical nature of the speaker's struggles, while the overall structure of verses building upon the metaphor of maps ties the journey theme cohesively.
Verse 1 The fire’s gone, the hearth is cold, The sturdy walls now crumble, old. Her home destroyed by cruelest hands, She walks away from familiar lands. Beneath the frost, she takes her place, Among the foes with hardened face. Not for honor, pride, or fame, But just to live—no other aim. Chorus Oh, gentle girl, lost in war, You dream of love, you wish for more. The sword’s your song, the spear’s your tune, Your fate is sealed beneath the moon. Verse 2 She cloaks herself in dark disguise, And walks among the enemy’s lies. Their flags are raised, their voices grim, Their fight’s not hers, yet she’s with them. “Perhaps,” she whispers, “hope will stay, And guide me through this stormy way.” But love’s embrace is far and thin, And cold regret creeps deep within. Chorus Oh, gentle girl, lost in war, You dream of love, you wish for more. The sword’s your song, the spear’s your tune, Your fate is sealed beneath the moon. Bridge Not for riches, not for pride, But just to keep her soul alive. The battlefield becomes her stage, Her youth consumed by endless rage. Still, deep within, a small light burned, For kinder days, a peace she yearned. Verse 3 But time was cruel, her years were few, Her heart was strong, her spirit true. Beneath the stars, she met her end, A fleeting life the world won’t mend. The evil cause for which she bled, A bitter path her fate had led. Her name now lingers in the wind, A tale of loss, a heart that sinned. Final Chorus Oh, gentle girl, lost in war, You dream of love, you wish for more. The sword’s your song, the spear’s your tune, Your fate is sealed beneath the moon. Outro So fades the tale of a girl so fair, Her dreams now dust, her heart laid bare. Though skies may weep and winds may cry, Her fleeting hope will always die.
I draw lines and mark where the rivers should bend And trace out the roads that I'll never descend A paper ocean, wrinkles and waves Godlike intentions, but frozen in place I chart constellations, connecting the stars A galaxy born, as the ink leaves a mark The compass spins, but I’m stuck on this page Set sail without movement, drifting in place A pen in my hand, and the lines overflow The tides keep on rising, but I’m stuck below Ships passing by, they don’t notice me calling I forget I’m in charge and that I’m the one stalling The horizon stretches, but it never grows near The winds whisper secrets I refuse to hear When one map is finished, I start off anew I’m dreaming up dreams that’ll never come true I paint the shadows where the mountains once stood And sketch every path that I’ll never pursue A paper sky, the colors don’t blend Lacking intention, a goal, or a plan I’ve thought up journeys, a million so far Though I’ve traced every line, there’s no path to embark The ink dries slowly, it never runs out A journey in drawings, but no steps to count A pen in my hand, and the lines overflow The tides keep on rising, but I’m stuck below Ships passing by, they don’t notice me calling I forget I’m in charge and that I’m the one stalling The horizon stretches, but it never grows near The winds whisper secrets I refuse to hear When one map is finished, I start off anew I’m dreaming up dreams that’ll never come true These maps are a prison I created myself I choose to stand still with no story to tell A paper-thin world that easily tares With intricate roads that lead me nowhere A pen in my hand, and the lines overflow The tides keep on rising, but I’m stuck below Ships passing by, they don’t notice me calling I forget I’m in charge and that I’m the one stalling The horizon stretches, but it never grows near The winds whisper secrets I refuse to hear When one map is finished, I start off anew I’m dreaming up dreams that’ll never come true A pen in my hand, and the lines overflow The tides keep on rising, but I’m stuck below Ships passing by, they don’t notice me calling I forget I’m in charge and that I’m the one stalling The horizon stretches, but it never grows near The winds whisper secrets I refuse to hear When one map is finished, I start off anew I’m dreaming up dreams that’ll never come true
I draw lines and mark where the rivers should bend And trace out the roads that I'll never descend A paper ocean, wrinkles and waves Godlike intentions, but frozen in place I chart constellations, connecting the stars A galaxy born, as the ink leaves a mark The compass spins, but I’m stuck on this page Set sail without movement, drifting in place A pen in my hand, and the lines overflow The tides keep on rising, but I’m stuck below Ships passing by, they don’t notice me calling I forget I’m in charge and that I’m the one stalling The horizon stretches, but it never grows near The winds whisper secrets I refuse to hear When one map is finished, I start off anew I’m dreaming up dreams that’ll never come true I paint the shadows where the mountains once stood And sketch every path that I’ll never pursue A paper sky, the colors don’t blend Lacking intention, a goal, or a plan I’ve thought up journeys, a million so far Though I’ve traced every line, there’s no path to embark The ink dries slowly, it never runs out A journey in drawings, but no steps to count A pen in my hand, and the lines overflow The tides keep on rising, but I’m stuck below Ships passing by, they don’t notice me calling I forget I’m in charge and that I’m the one stalling The horizon stretches, but it never grows near The winds whisper secrets I refuse to hear When one map is finished, I start off anew I’m dreaming up dreams that’ll never come true These maps are a prison I created myself I choose to stand still with no story to tell A paper-thin world that easily tares With intricate roads that lead me nowhere A pen in my hand, and the lines overflow The tides keep on rising, but I’m stuck below Ships passing by, they don’t notice me calling I forget I’m in charge and that I’m the one stalling The horizon stretches, but it never grows near The winds whisper secrets I refuse to hear When one map is finished, I start off anew I’m dreaming up dreams that’ll never come true A pen in my hand, and the lines overflow The tides keep on rising, but I’m stuck below Ships passing by, they don’t notice me calling I forget I’m in charge and that I’m the one stalling The horizon stretches, but it never grows near The winds whisper secrets I refuse to hear When one map is finished, I start off anew I’m dreaming up dreams that’ll never come true
I draw lines and mark where the rivers should bend And trace out the roads that I'll never descend A paper ocean, wrinkles and waves Godlike intentions, but frozen in place I chart constellations, connecting the stars A galaxy born, as the ink leaves a mark The compass spins, but I’m stuck on this page Set sail without movement, drifting in place A pen in my hand, and the lines overflow The tides keep on rising, but I’m stuck below Ships passing by, they don’t notice me calling I forget I’m in charge and that I’m the one stalling The horizon stretches, but it never grows near The winds whisper secrets I refuse to hear When one map is finished, I start off anew I’m dreaming up dreams that’ll never come true I paint the shadows where the mountains once stood And sketch every path that I’ll never pursue A paper sky, the colors don’t blend Lacking intention, a goal, or a plan I’ve thought up journeys, a million so far Though I’ve traced every line, there’s no path to embark The ink dries slowly, it never runs out A journey in drawings, but no steps to count A pen in my hand, and the lines overflow The tides keep on rising, but I’m stuck below Ships passing by, they don’t notice me calling I forget I’m in charge and that I’m the one stalling The horizon stretches, but it never grows near The winds whisper secrets I refuse to hear When one map is finished, I start off anew I’m dreaming up dreams that’ll never come true These maps are a prison I created myself I choose to stand still with no story to tell A paper-thin world that easily tares With intricate roads that lead me nowhere A pen in my hand, and the lines overflow The tides keep on rising, but I’m stuck below Ships passing by, they don’t notice me calling I forget I’m in charge and that I’m the one stalling The horizon stretches, but it never grows near The winds whisper secrets I refuse to hear When one map is finished, I start off anew I’m dreaming up dreams that’ll never come true A pen in my hand, and the lines overflow The tides keep on rising, but I’m stuck below Ships passing by, they don’t notice me calling I forget I’m in charge and that I’m the one stalling The horizon stretches, but it never grows near The winds whisper secrets I refuse to hear When one map is finished, I start off anew I’m dreaming up dreams that’ll never come true
I draw lines and mark where the rivers should bend And trace out the roads that I'll never descend A paper ocean, wrinkles and waves Godlike intentions, but frozen in place I chart constellations, connecting the stars A galaxy born, as the ink leaves a mark The compass spins, but I’m stuck on this page Set sail without movement, drifting in place A pen in my hand, and the lines overflow The tides keep on rising, but I’m stuck below Ships passing by, they don’t notice me calling I forget I’m in charge and that I’m the one stalling The horizon stretches, but it never grows near The winds whisper secrets I refuse to hear When one map is finished, I start off anew I’m dreaming up dreams that’ll never come true I paint the shadows where the mountains once stood And sketch every path that I’ll never pursue A paper sky, the colors don’t blend Lacking intention, a goal, or a plan I’ve thought up journeys, a million so far Though I’ve traced every line, there’s no path to embark The ink dries slowly, it never runs out A journey in drawings, but no steps to count A pen in my hand, and the lines overflow The tides keep on rising, but I’m stuck below Ships passing by, they don’t notice me calling I forget I’m in charge and that I’m the one stalling The horizon stretches, but it never grows near The winds whisper secrets I refuse to hear When one map is finished, I start off anew I’m dreaming up dreams that’ll never come true These maps are a prison I created myself I choose to stand still with no story to tell A paper-thin world that easily tears With intricate roads that lead me nowhere A pen in my hand, and the lines overflow The tides keep on rising, but I’m stuck below Ships passing by, they don’t notice me calling I forget I’m in charge and that I’m the one stalling The horizon stretches, but it never grows near The winds whisper secrets I refuse to hear When one map is finished, I start off anew I’m dreaming up dreams that’ll never come true A pen in my hand, and the lines overflow The tides keep on rising, but I’m stuck below Ships passing by, they don’t notice me calling I forget I’m in charge and that I’m the one stalling The horizon stretches, but it never grows near The winds whisper secrets I refuse to hear When one map is finished, I start off anew I’m dreaming up dreams that’ll never come true
The world keeps turning even after we’re gone Raindrops will fall, no need for anyone The faster, the better, humanity’s a plague We’re stuck in a loop, and counting the days The sun will still set, the stars burning out Clocks keep on ticking, but there’s nothing to count The future’s a lie, and the past doesn’t care Every step taken, it leads us nowhere Why live a life full of wasted potential Why tell the truth when it’s not what they want Why be a good person when good never works Mercy is met with a blade in return Why stand up for right when wrong is a winner Why bother smiling when everything’s a joke Why dream of the sky when you’re chained to the earth Mercy is met with a blade in return The waves coming in, try to wash us away Tides ever shifting, we simply stay in place The harder we work, the less we achieve We’re fighting for nothing, pretend to believe The streets might stop burning, but the blood never dries Ignoring the carnage, try as we might The future’s a lie, and the past doesn’t care Every step taken, it leads us nowhere Why live a life full of wasted potential Why tell the truth when it’s not what they want Why be a good person when good never works Mercy is met with a blade in return Why stand up for right when wrong is a winner Why bother smiling when everything’s a joke Why dream of the sky when you’re chained to the earth Mercy is met with a blade in return We’re born just to suffer, and die to be free Chasing a purpose that’s never been real This life’s but a cycle, we kill and we rape Still we keep marching, cause nothing’s at stake Why live a life full of wasted potential Why tell the truth when it’s not what they want Why be a good person when good never works Mercy is met with a blade in return Why stand up for right when wrong is a winner Why bother smiling when everything’s a joke Why dream of the sky when you’re chained to the earth Mercy is met with a blade in return Mercy is met with a blade in return
The world keeps turning even after we’re gone Raindrops will fall, no need for anyone The faster, the better, humanity’s a plague We’re stuck in a loop, and counting the days The sun will still set, the stars burning out Clocks keep on ticking, but there’s nothing to count The future’s a lie, and the past doesn’t care Every step taken, it leads us nowhere Why live a life full of wasted potential Why tell the truth when it’s not what they want Why be a good person when good never works Mercy is met with a blade in return Why stand up for right when wrong is a winner Why bother smiling when everything’s a joke Why dream of the sky when you’re chained to the earth Mercy is met with a blade in return The waves coming in, try to wash us away Tides ever shifting, we simply stay in place The harder we work, the less we achieve We’re fighting for nothing, pretend to believe The streets might stop burning, but the blood never dries Ignoring the carnage, try as we might The future’s a lie, and the past doesn’t care Every step taken, it leads us nowhere Why live a life full of wasted potential Why tell the truth when it’s not what they want Why be a good person when good never works Mercy is met with a blade in return Why stand up for right when wrong is a winner Why bother smiling when everything’s a joke Why dream of the sky when you’re chained to the earth Mercy is met with a blade in return We’re born just to suffer, and die to be free Chasing a purpose that’s never been real This life’s but a cycle, we kill and we rape Still we keep marching, cause nothing’s at stake Why live a life full of wasted potential Why tell the truth when it’s not what they want Why be a good person when good never works Mercy is met with a blade in return Why stand up for right when wrong is a winner Why bother smiling when everything’s a joke Why dream of the sky when you’re chained to the earth Mercy is met with a blade in return Mercy is met with a blade in return
The world keeps turning even after we’re gone Raindrops will fall, no need for anyone The faster, the better, humanity’s a plague We’re stuck in a loop, and counting the days The sun will still set, the stars burning out Clocks keep on ticking, but there’s nothing to count The future’s a lie, and the past doesn’t care Every step taken, it leads us nowhere Why live a life full of wasted potential Why tell the truth when it’s not what they want Why be a good person when good never works Mercy is met with a blade in return Why stand up for right when wrong is a winner Why bother smiling when everything’s a joke Why dream of the sky when you’re chained to the earth Mercy is met with a blade in return The waves coming in, try to wash us away Tides ever shifting, we simply stay in place The harder we work, the less we achieve We’re fighting for nothing, pretend to believe The streets might stop burning, but the blood never dries Ignoring the carnage, try as we might The future’s a lie, and the past doesn’t care Every step taken, it leads us nowhere We’re born just to suffer, and die to be free Chasing a purpose that’s never been real This life’s but a cycle, we kill and we rape Still we keep marching, cause nothing’s at stake Why live a life full of wasted potential Why tell the truth when it’s not what they want Why be a good person when good never works Mercy is met with a blade in return Why stand up for right when wrong is a winner Why bother smiling when everything’s a joke Why dream of the sky when you’re chained to the earth Mercy is met with a blade in return
The world keeps turning even after we’re gone Raindrops will fall, no need for anyone The faster, the better, humanity’s a plague We’re stuck in a loop, and counting the days The sun will still set, the stars burning out Clocks keep on ticking, but there’s nothing to count The future’s a lie, and the past doesn’t care Every step taken, it leads us nowhere Why live a life full of wasted potential Why tell the truth when it’s not what they want Why be a good person when good never works Mercy is met with a blade in return Why stand up for right when wrong is a winner Why bother smiling when everything’s a joke Why dream of the sky when you’re chained to the earth Mercy is met with a blade in return The waves coming in, try to wash us away Tides ever shifting, we simply stay in place The harder we work, the less we achieve We’re fighting for nothing, pretend to believe The streets might stop burning, but the blood never dries Ignoring the carnage, try as we might The future’s a lie, and the past doesn’t care Every step taken, it leads us nowhere We’re born just to suffer, and die to be free Chasing a purpose that’s never been real This life’s but a cycle, we kill and we rape Still we keep marching, cause nothing’s at stake Why live a life full of wasted potential Why tell the truth when it’s not what they want Why be a good person when good never works Mercy is met with a blade in return Why stand up for right when wrong is a winner Why bother smiling when everything’s a joke Why dream of the sky when you’re chained to the earth Mercy is met with a blade in return
The world keeps turning even after we’re gone Raindrops will fall, no need for anyone The faster, the better, humanity’s a plague We’re stuck in a loop, and counting the days The sun will still set, the stars burning out Clocking keep on ticking, but there’s nothing to count The future’s a lie, and the past doesn’t care Every step taken, it leads us nowhere Why live a life full of wasted potential Why tell the truth when it’s not what they want Why be a good person when good never works Mercy is met with a blade in return Why stand up for right when wrong is a winner Why bother smiling when everything’s a joke Why dream of the sky when you’re chained to the earth Mercy is met with a blade in return The waves coming in, try to wash us away Tides ever shifting, we simply stay in place The harder we work, the less we achieve We’re fighting for nothing, pretend to believe The streets might stop burning, but the blood never dries Ignoring the bloodshed, try as we might The future’s a lie, and the past doesn’t care Every step taken, it leads us nowhere We’re born just to suffer, and die to be free Chasing a purpose that’s never been real This life’s but a cycle, we kill and we rape Still we keep marching, cause nothing’s at stake Why live a life full of wasted potential Why tell the truth when it’s not what they want Why be a good person when good never works Mercy is met with a blade in return Why stand up for right when wrong is a winner Why bother smiling when everything’s a joke Why dream of the sky when you’re chained to the earth Mercy is met with a blade in return
The world keeps turning even after we’re gone Raindrops will fall, no need for anyone The faster, the better, humanity’s a plague We’re stuck in a loop, and counting the days The sun will still set, the stars burning out Clocking keep on ticking, but there’s nothing to count The future’s a lie, and the past doesn’t care Every step taken, it leads us nowhere Why live a life full of wasted potential Why tell the truth when it’s not what they want Why be a good person when good never works Mercy is met with a blade in return Why stand up for right when wrong is a winner Why bother smiling when everything’s a joke Why dream of the sky when you’re chained to the earth Mercy is met with a blade in return The waves coming in, try to wash us away Tides ever shifting, we simply stay in place The harder we work, the less we achieve We’re fighting for nothing, pretend to believe The streets might stop burning, but the blood never dries Ignoring the bloodshed, try as we might The future’s a lie, and the past doesn’t care Every step taken, it leads us nowhere We’re born just to suffer, and die to be free Chasing a purpose that’s never been real This life’s but a cycle, we kill and we rape Still we keep marching, cause nothing’s at stake Why live a life full of wasted potential Why tell the truth when it’s not what they want Why be a good person when good never works Mercy is met with a blade in return Why stand up for right when wrong is a winner Why bother smiling when everything’s a joke Why dream of the sky when you’re chained to the earth Mercy is met with a blade in return
[male] Be near me when my light is low, When shadows deepen, winds won’t blow. When dreams unravel, thread by thread, And hope’s faint whispers fill my head. When every step feels like a fall, And silence echoes through it all. Be near me then, and hold me tight, A star to guide through endless night. [Chorus] Be near me now, when the world turns away, When my strength has faded, my heart gone astray. Oh, Oh, Oh Oh... Let your presence mend what’s broken in me, A light in the dark, a safe harbor at sea. [male] When blood creeps slow and nerves betray, And life itself seems far away. When every thought, a weight, a stone, And I am left to stand alone. Be near me when the voices fade, When shadows of rejection invade. Stay close, though I am bruised and torn, A spark remains where love was born. [Chorus] Be near me now, when the world turns away, When my strength has faded, my heart gone astray. Oh, Oh, Oh Oh... Let your presence mend what’s broken in me, A light in the dark, a safe harbor at sea. [Male] For even when all wheels are slow, A deeper truth begins to grow. Through pain, through loss, the soul can rise, If hope stays near, it never dies. [Male] Be near me when my light is low, And I shall find the strength to go. Through every shadow, every scar, Hope will guide me, near or far.
