Song Meaning
The narrator recounts a disorienting experience, beginning with a simple walk that’s immediately complicated by an obstacle. A fallen tree on the street forces a detour, a minor inconvenience that somehow triggers a profound sense of lost time. This disorientation is amplified by a sudden, dramatic shift in the sky, mirroring an internal chaos where "a thousand voices" clamor for attention.
The core of the lyrics lies in the repeated, almost desperate refrain: "I turned it away somehow." This phrase suggests a struggle against overwhelming internal or external forces. The narrator is actively pushing something significant back, a defense mechanism that allows them to keep moving forward, even if it means losing themselves in the process. The act of turning away is presented as a survival tactic, a way to navigate the unexpected and the overwhelming.
The imagery of the fallen tree and the sky changing from black to grey serves as potent metaphors for life's unexpected disruptions. The tree is a literal blockage, while the shifting sky reflects a sudden, jarring change in emotional or mental state. The narrator’s ability to “make my way around” the tree and later to “turn ‘em all away” highlights a persistent, if costly, resilience. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the ongoing nature of this internal battle and the sheer effort involved in maintaining control.
Ultimately, the lyrics capture the feeling of being blindsided by life's difficulties and the exhausting effort required to push through them. The narrator’s success in “turn[ing] it away” is tinged with a sense of loss, as evidenced by the realization that dawn has broken before they regain their bearings. It’s a powerful depiction of navigating internal storms by shutting out the noise, even when that noise is a part of oneself.