Music is auditory poetry. People day to day listen to lots of music, varying from R&B to Rock to Electro. Sometimes the instrumentals behind the song come through more than the lyrics. It’s easy to get lost in the beat and pay no attention to the lyrics that are sung. But they’re just as important, if not more for the meaning that a song conveys. Various emotions, such as calm, anxious, happy can be formed through words. As I was studying for my various exams this week, I found solace in my music. For one of my favorite songs, I wanted to delve deeper into it’s meaning, and go beyond the calming percussion and harmonies:
Imagine Dragons – Amsterdam (music link)Uh uh uh
Uh uh uh
I’m sorry, mother I’m sorry, I let you down
Well, these days I’m fine
No these days I tend to lie
I’ll take the west train, just by the side of Amsterdam
Just by my left brain, just by the side of the tin manUh uh uh, uh uh uhI’m sorry, brother I’m sorry, I bring you down
Well, these days you’re fine
No these days you tend to lie
You’ll take the west train, just by the side of Amsterdam
Just by your left brain, just by the side of the tin manYour time will come if you wait for it, if you wait for itIt’s hard, believe me I’ve tried
But I keep coming up shortUh uh uh, uh uh uh
I’m sorry lover I’m sorry, I bring you down
Well, these days you find, no these days you tend to lie
I kinda thought I was a mystery and then I thought I wasn’t meant to be
You said yourself fantastically, “congratulations you were all alone”Your time will come if you wait for it, if you wait for it
It’s hard, believe me I’ve tried
Your time will come if you wait for it, if you wait for it
It’s hard, believe me I’ve triedBut the rain won’t fall for the both of us
The sun can’t shine on the both of us
Believe me when I say I wouldn’t have it any other wayYour time will come if you wait for it, if you wait for it
It’s hard, believe me I’ve triedBut I won’t wait much longer ’cause these walls they’re crashing down
Oh I won’t wait much longer ’cause these walls they’re crashing down
And I keep coming up short
As an overview, the song portrays a downtrodden person who seems to be a burden to others. He wants to apologize to others for the mindset he’s in, and for bringing others down with him. I imagine him staring out a train next to his brother, as he contemplates where he is and where he could be. Albeit a little depressing to be listening to while completing grueling homework, there’s a hint of inspiration.
On closer inspection, the singer apologizes to 3 people. He says “I’m sorry mother… I’m sorry brother… I’m sorry lover.” It can be inferred that these people are the ones he feels closest to, as he also feels he “let [them] down” or “bring [them] down.” In some point in life, people are likely to let others down, or even themselves. It’s easy for people to fall into a mindset of being a failure and feeling a burden. To some degree, people may even let themselves down.
Even though the narrator of the story feels down, he makes it a point to say “your time will come if you wait for it” which is an important line. Although the singer feels empty on the inside, they don’t wish this upon others. It encompasses what the other wants for his cared for friends and family – he doesn’t want them to end up like him. We can all relate to this on some level. We all want what’s best for the people we care about. Although the narrator has little hope for their self, they try to salvage some hope for the ones they love. I know when I’m in a bad spot, I wish for others to still feel happy. I don’t wish my own sadness onto others, as should others.
In addition, the phrase “tin man” translates the way the narrator feels in imagery. While TIN can stand for the “Theater Institute of The Netherlands” (with Amsterdam residing in said country), it also alludes to the tin man from the Wizard of Oz. In this story, the character wishes for a heart. He wishes to feel. Just like the tin man, the narrator and their brother feel nothing, just numbness. In some sense, even hallow. The use of this symbol leaves an impression on the listener as a tangible item for them to imagine. It paints a physical manifestation of the narrator’s emotions.
Through picking a part the piece, I’ve found a greater appreciation for this song and its lyrics. It’s slightly depressing, but still leaves a gleam of hope. I encourage you all to look more closely at your favorite songs to uncover aspects you never saw before. It’s not just music, it’s poetry. Something that shouldn’t be forgotten.
Ink Blot Thoughts 
I completely agree with you. Music is seriously something special to everyone and finding music that makes you happy is so important. I really liked how you broke down a song you really liked.
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