What Will Come From Big Ideas

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a stark picture of disillusionment, questioning the longevity of trust and the decay of hope. A sense of impending loss hangs heavy, framed by the imagery of rust and a "longest-lasting drought." The narrator seems to be grappling with a world where optimism is a liability, asking how long it will take for faith to erode and for societal structures to crumble under the weight of conflict and despair. The central tension arises from the conflict between grand aspirations and the harsh realities they often produce. "All that comes from big ideas is hopes then fears" encapsulates this cyclical disappointment. The lyrics suggest that the pursuit of ambitious goals, while initially inspiring, inevitably leads to anxiety and a potential for failure, leaving individuals questioning the value of their own ambitions. The writing cleverly contrasts the abstract nature of "big ideas" with concrete, visceral imagery. The idea of a "broken bone" and a "long tightrope" grounds the abstract anxieties in tangible struggles. This juxtaposition highlights the personal cost of societal or ideological failures, suggesting that even if one avoids direct conflict, the pervasive fear and uncertainty are consuming. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their raw, unvarnished portrayal of doubt. The narrator doesn't offer easy answers but instead poses urgent questions about resilience and the human capacity to maintain hope in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary. The repeated questioning and the bleak pronouncements create a powerful sense of unease, forcing the listener to confront their own anxieties about the future.