Upwards And Onwards

Song Meaning

The mantra of "Upwards and onwards" usually signals relentless progress, but these lyrics immediately subvert it. The speaker would "rather fall to the ground" to reflect, signaling a deep weariness. There's an undeniable undercurrent of guilt, a desire to pause and confront past actions. This isn't just about slowing down; it's about reckoning. The speaker explicitly hopes time will mend the harm done to "those we've broken," a heavy sense of responsibility reinforced by the later admission, "I can't supress the guilt I feel inside." The usual drive for progress is halted by a moral imperative to address past wrongs. A key image reveals this disillusionment: the king's new clothes have reportedly "fallen to the ground," suggesting a truth exposed or a pretense shattered. Yet, the speaker remains unwilling to hear any "bright new sound," refusing to accept a new, perhaps superficial, solution or narrative offered by others. There's a stubborn refusal to move on without genuine resolution. The power here lies in the stark contrast between external pressure for advancement and the profound internal need for peace. The repeated longing to return to "resting, reposing" isn't just about physical rest; it's a plea for mental and emotional quietude, a state only achievable once the burden of guilt and unaddressed wrongs is finally lifted. The lyrics resonate by portraying a universal struggle against forced optimism when deep healing is required.