Our life's built of tin cans and string
But the cornerstone laid is a
Wondrous and beautiful thing
Sure in the ground

And while the north wind has taken its toll
You have helped me to find my way
Back and to anchor my soul
Safe in the sound

Oh, you know me
Oh, and I know you
And I know that
We can see this through

I bragged of baring my bones
Said if we heard the howling
I'd run out to face it alone
To meet it half way

But I've still got badges to earn
So keep sifting my soul
'Cause I think that I'm starting to learn
To love you that way

Oh, you know me
Oh, and I know you
And I know that
We can see this through

And it's true that you could snap my neck
But I trust you'll save my life instead
'Cause our love is a loyalty sworn
If we hold to our hope
Then I know we can weather the storm
Whatever they say, come what may

Oh, you know me
Oh, and I know you
And I know that
We can see this through


Lyrics submitted by BrandNewAVA

Anthology Lyrics as written by Edward Carrington Breckenridge Dustin Michael Kensrue

Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

Anthology song meanings
Add Your Thoughts

13 Comments

sort form View by:
  • +3
    Lyric Correction

    This is directly from the CD jacket:

    Our life's built of tin cans and string But the cornerstone laid is a wondrous and beautiful thing Sure in the ground

    And while the north wind has taken its toll You have helped me to find my way back and to anchor my soul Safe in the sound

    Oh you know me, oh and I know you And I know that we can see this through

    I bragged of baring my bones Said if we heard the howling I'd run out to face it alone To meet it halfway

    But I've still got badges to earn So keep sifting my soul 'cause I think that I'm starting to learn To love you that way

    Oh you know me, oh and I know you And I know that we can see this through

    And it's true that you could snap my neck But I trust you'll save my life instead 'Cause our love is a loyalty sworn If we hold to our hope then I know we can weather the storm Whatever they say Come what may

    Oh you know me, oh and I know you And I know that we can see this through

    wiiarethesoundon October 01, 2011   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    I think most of it seems right, but those first couple lines I'm pretty positive are,

    "Our lives spell tin cans and string, but the cornerstone laid is a wondrous and beautiful thing, sure in the ground."

    playitloud253on August 10, 2011   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    "oh you know me, and i know you" Like Moths to Flame - "but I know you...don't you know me..."

    These one's aren't as literal, but some other possible/looser references in the lyrics:

    "sure in the ground..." - reminds me of the last line of Child of Dust "safe in the sound..." - brings to mind Digital Sea "slipping beneath the sound"

    Whatdoesthatmeanon September 01, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    For those who don't already know an anthology is a collection of literature works. You'll notice that this song makes references to previous songs from Thrice.

    "It's true that you could snap my neck I trust you'll save my life instead Cause our love is a loyalty sworn If we hold to our hope i know we can weather the storm Whatever they say, come what may"

    this verse contains words from beggar's The Weight and Trust from The Illusion of Safety. Those are just the few that immediately caught my attention, I'm sure there are more.

    Shadowlanderon August 11, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I think keep safe to my soul is "keep sifting my soul" - a Silhouette reference.

    Thricecubeon August 18, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    an·thol·o·gy: a collection of selected writings by one author.

    mgj6303on August 19, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Well, several of you have already picked up and commented on the lyrical brilliance of this song and its connection to previous albums, but I thought I'd show the ones I'd found thus far:

    Atlantic - "tin cans and string" Flags of Dawn (or probably, more The Whaler) - "north wind is taking its toll...anchor my soul" In Years to Come - "baring my bones...meet it halfway" Silhouette - "keep sifting my soul" Hold Fast Hope - "if we hold to our hope" Trust - "snap my neck...trust you'll save my life instead" The Weight - "our love is a loyalty sworn...come what may"

    I'm sure buried in there are more allusory references to even more songs, but these ones clearly stuck out upon first listen. Post if you find more!

    childofduston August 20, 2011   Link
  • 0
    Song Meaning

    Dustin said in his interview with Alt Press that this song is a conglomeration of seven different Thrice songs. He mentioned The Weight, Trust, and In Years to Come. It's about his relationship with his wife but it could also be seen as a love for God and whatnot. I think anyway.

    DavidAMIson September 03, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    It seems that everyone has nailed the songs that he references. With the vinyl it says that these are songs he wrote about his relationship with his wife and that he "pulls bits and pieces of imagery from six previous Thrice songs: Atlantic, The Whaler, In Years To Come, Silhouette, Trust and The Weight." Looks like there were even more judging by what everyone else pulled out of it. Either way, awesome song with really cool references to older songs.

    ihatehatehaterson September 17, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I'm incredible nervous now because this song especially, but also combined with the rest of the album makes me feel like Thrice is going to be calling it quits. That would be terrible, but I know they probably want to move onto the next chapter in their lives. With this song, its like Dustin is giving a recap of the great times they've had as a band highlighting great songs. Does anyone else think the same?

    jfritzs2on September 22, 2011   Link

Add your thoughts

Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.

Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!

More Featured Meanings

Album art
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
Album art
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve. The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future. Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere" The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
Album art
When We Were Young
Blink-182
This is a sequel to 2001's "Reckless Abandon", and features the band looking back on their clumsy youth fondly.
Album art
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example: "'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Album art
Midnight
Ed Sheeran
“Midnight” is a song about finding a love that is so true that it provides a calming feeling through every storm. Ed Sheeran reflects on his good fortunes in landing someone with such peace and support and speaks of not fearing the dark days because he knows they’ll all end in the safety nets of her arms. “Well, good morning there / What a way to start the day / With everything laid bare,” Ed Sheeran sings in the first verse, enthusiastic to be waking up beside his woman. He apologizes for missing her calls in the second verse and promises to return them because for him, speaking to her is the most important thing. “Well, I get lost inside my head / In this chaos, you’re my calm / And I will find my feet again / ‘Cause еven the worst days of my life will always еnd / At midnight in your arms,” sings Ed Sheeran in the chorus, revelling in his good luck.