First Fires

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of a relationship or a significant feeling that has seemingly ended, only to reignite unexpectedly. The opening questions, "How do you see if the dream is gone?" and "Why do you need it, when the waves come?", establish a sense of loss and struggle against overwhelming forces, like an "undertow." This sets the stage for the central surprise: the return of something powerful and familiar. The core tension lies in the disbelief and wonder at this resurgence. The repeated phrase "I can't believe it's burning again" captures a mix of shock and perhaps a touch of apprehension. This isn't just a flicker; it's described as "like the first fires," implying an original, potent intensity. The idea of "running for defences" suggests a past hurt or a learned caution, but the narrator reassures, "you don't have to pretend," hinting at a space where authenticity is now possible. The imagery of "fading fires" and "moving on" contrasts sharply with the powerful return. The line "when the leaves fall / Over me, this heavy load" in the second verse introduces a sense of personal burden or perhaps the weight of past experiences. Yet, the instruction to "hold it tight, keep it close" if one can "find it" suggests a preciousness to this rekindled feeling, something worth cherishing despite its potential to overwhelm. What makes these lyrics resonate is the raw, almost stunned honesty about emotional revival. The "first fires" serve as a potent metaphor for an initial, foundational passion or connection. The repeated assertion of disbelief, amplified in the outro, underscores the profound impact of this unexpected return, suggesting that some feelings, once ignited, possess an enduring, almost unbelievable power.