Song Meaning
The lyrics paint a picture of an inherent, often hidden, drive within every person. This internal compass, whether acted upon or suppressed, points toward a singular, ultimate purpose or 'centre.' It's a fundamental aspect of human nature, a 'goal' that exists even if not consciously acknowledged. The initial lines establish this universal convergence, suggesting a deep-seated, almost biological imperative toward a focal point in existence.
This central aim is presented as something deeply personal and perhaps even difficult to admit to oneself, described as 'too fair / For credibility's temerity.' There's a sense that the sheer ideal nature of this goal makes it seem almost unbelievable, too audacious to even contemplate fully. This internal conflict between the existence of the goal and the difficulty in accepting its possibility creates a subtle tension, a quiet struggle against one's own skepticism.
The lyrics then explore the precariousness of pursuing this ideal, likening it to 'a brittle heaven' that is as 'hopeless as the rainbow's raiment / To touch.' This imagery emphasizes the immense, perhaps unattainable, distance of the goal. Yet, despite this daunting prospect, the pursuit itself is framed as 'surer for the distance,' implying that the very act of striving, even against overwhelming odds, lends a kind of validity or progress. The exclamation 'The sky!' captures a sense of awe and aspiration, a recognition of the vastness of what is being reached for.
Ultimately, the piece suggests that even if this 'centre' remains 'ungained' within a single 'life's low venture,' the endeavor is not futile. The concept of 'Eternity' is introduced as enabling 'the endeavoring / Again,' offering a profound perspective on persistence. It implies that the pursuit itself is what matters, and that the opportunity to strive is not limited to one lifetime, reframing failure within a single existence as merely a pause in an eternal quest.
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