I think that the meaning of this song is really quite simple. It is a song that recognizes the relationships we have within our world. Perhaps I'm going way out on a limb and have been listening to my English teacher rant all semester about an underlying meaning with in works of art. (this might be a generalization but i dont care) Everyone sooner or later wonders whether they are the only ones who exist in the world and that perhaps everything and everyone around them might just be a figment of their imagination or part of a dream they call life. You cant prove to yourself that anyone truly exists or is living except yourself. I think Stevens is taking a look at this theory in his own way. the persona in the song repeats over and over "I can see a lot of life in you." The question is how he can see life in someone if it is impossible to prove life exist in another human being. He is able however to senses what is on the surface. He sees a dress and can her brightness which could represent wither beauty or intelligence (not to be confused with life or existence. you don’t have to be smart to live or exist) When he sings about the bed and the fireside, the persona can again see the surface but cant tell if they actually live. However he can still interact with the non-living objects in the world just as easily as he can with the people in the world. Therefore proofing that he is unable to truly find life in the woman (hopefully a woman anyway.. its not really stated.... im not a big fan of cross-dressing) he sees.
To answer Wooki's question i think this quote links nicely to my idea... or i should say Stevens idea, not mine, seeing as it is his if I’m right. When the world looks back could be God or just the world itself (whether it is filled with living things or is just you alone). Whatever it might be it is acknowledging a purpose which is what the next line says. “When the face looks after that” it is supposed to symbolize a sort of intimate face to face relationship with us being represented by the persona and the world/god. Therefore there is a purpose that we are here.
That sums up everything I have to say.
Sorry about the spelling and grammar and other mistakes
I hope you can read it
Tell me what you think
I have no degree in this therefore there is no guarantee that its right
However if it inspires you in anyway that is what the purpose is and I’ll be happy
If you are worried about stealing the idea by all means take it
Im not a big fan of the whole plagiarism deal
I think ideas are meant to be shared
Oh and btw don’t be so hard on people who put their input like raving lunatic
Though his name matched what he submitted to a certain extent
He has the right to share his ideas and information
If you don’t want to read it DON’T
H*LL DON’T READ MINE IF YOU DON’T WANT TO
Last thing… I agree with the first two people who submitted to this song. The guitar is amazing I can play it and I love it!
BE POSITIVE! Take it ez
I think that the meaning of this song is really quite simple. It is a song that recognizes the relationships we have within our world. Perhaps I'm going way out on a limb and have been listening to my English teacher rant all semester about an underlying meaning with in works of art. (this might be a generalization but i dont care) Everyone sooner or later wonders whether they are the only ones who exist in the world and that perhaps everything and everyone around them might just be a figment of their imagination or part of a dream they call life. You cant prove to yourself that anyone truly exists or is living except yourself. I think Stevens is taking a look at this theory in his own way. the persona in the song repeats over and over "I can see a lot of life in you." The question is how he can see life in someone if it is impossible to prove life exist in another human being. He is able however to senses what is on the surface. He sees a dress and can her brightness which could represent wither beauty or intelligence (not to be confused with life or existence. you don’t have to be smart to live or exist) When he sings about the bed and the fireside, the persona can again see the surface but cant tell if they actually live. However he can still interact with the non-living objects in the world just as easily as he can with the people in the world. Therefore proofing that he is unable to truly find life in the woman (hopefully a woman anyway.. its not really stated.... im not a big fan of cross-dressing) he sees.
To answer Wooki's question i think this quote links nicely to my idea... or i should say Stevens idea, not mine, seeing as it is his if I’m right. When the world looks back could be God or just the world itself (whether it is filled with living things or is just you alone). Whatever it might be it is acknowledging a purpose which is what the next line says. “When the face looks after that” it is supposed to symbolize a sort of intimate face to face relationship with us being represented by the persona and the world/god. Therefore there is a purpose that we are here.
That sums up everything I have to say. Sorry about the spelling and grammar and other mistakes I hope you can read it Tell me what you think I have no degree in this therefore there is no guarantee that its right However if it inspires you in anyway that is what the purpose is and I’ll be happy If you are worried about stealing the idea by all means take it Im not a big fan of the whole plagiarism deal I think ideas are meant to be shared
Oh and btw don’t be so hard on people who put their input like raving lunatic Though his name matched what he submitted to a certain extent He has the right to share his ideas and information If you don’t want to read it DON’T H*LL DON’T READ MINE IF YOU DON’T WANT TO
Last thing… I agree with the first two people who submitted to this song. The guitar is amazing I can play it and I love it! BE POSITIVE! Take it ez