Song Meaning
The lyrics immediately plunge into a feeling of indirect motion, with the speaker "flyin' sideways." This isn't a joyful flight; it's born from a stark admission: "I can't rely on me." There's a clear sense of an unconventional, perhaps forced, trajectory.
The core tension here lies in the speaker's self-acknowledged unreliability juxtaposed with a clear destination. The repeated idea of not being able to rely on oneself suggests a deep-seated doubt or an inability to provide direct support. Yet, this "sideways" movement isn't random; the lyrics suggest it's presented as the sole method to reach a destination, implying a necessary, albeit circuitous, path.
The most striking craft element is the central, repeated image of "flyin' sideways." This isn't just a metaphor for indirectness; it evokes a vehicle skidding or drifting, suggesting a lack of direct control, yet also a deliberate maneuver. The contrast with the idea of "only one way" to give advice further highlights this. The speaker seems to know the straightforward counsel but is personally incapable of a direct approach, or perhaps the direct path is only for telling others, not for their own journey. The enigmatic phrase "Antique is rare" adds a layer of unique value or perhaps fragility to this unconventional method.
These lyrics resonate by capturing the frustrating reality of navigating life when direct paths aren't an option. The speaker's vulnerability in admitting their unreliability makes the "flyin' sideways" feel less like a choice and more like a resigned necessity. The subtle melancholic shift in the line about the "same day" and feeling a call while having flown elsewhere adds depth, hinting at missed opportunities or a sense of being disconnected from a present reality. The lyrics effectively convey a feeling of persistent, albeit unconventional, movement despite internal obstacles.