Was Magician (Live at L’Épicerie Moderne)

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of a young woman's emergence into a powerful, perhaps supernatural, ability. Initially, she struggles with this newfound power, described as a "slower learner" who finds it "confusing." Despite her youth and initial unpreparedness, the inherent nature of this power is undeniable, suggesting it's an intrinsic part of her being. The imagery of her "toppled over all the towers" and the potential to "shake the world down" hints at the disruptive and immense scale of her capabilities once she begins to harness them. This emergence isn't without its challenges, as she grapples with external perceptions and internal control. The repeated search for "her scissors" could signify a need for a tool or a means to manage or express her power, a tool that is "complimentary wasn't given." The "double edger" serves as a stark reminder that her abilities are both a gift and a potential danger, attracting attention from others who "want what they think she has." This creates a tension between her personal growth and the external pressures she faces. The narrative shifts as the narrator, or the subject, transitions from a struggling novice to a confident "magician." The lyrics state, "Was a wizard, was magician," and that she "had a method, found a system." This suggests a mastery and integration of her abilities, becoming "the business of the youngins" and actively engaging with her power. The repetition of "Would shake the world down / Was hands holding out" now carries a sense of deliberate action rather than just potential, implying she is actively wielding her influence, perhaps offering it or using it to effect change. The effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their evocative, almost mythic, portrayal of self-discovery and empowerment. The contrast between the initial confusion and the later mastery, coupled with the potent imagery of toppling towers and shaking worlds, creates a compelling arc. The ambiguity of "scissors" and "double edger" invites interpretation, making the listener ponder the nature of power and the complex relationship between inherent talent and external validation.