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https://songmeaning.ai/songs/Phoenix-1901
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Phoenix's song '1901' is an alternative rock track that intertwines themes of fleeting moments, nostalgia, and the ephemeral nature of relationships and experiences. The lyrics convey a sense of past, present, and future collapsing into each other, with a notable yearning for the past glories of Paris in the year 1901. The song embodies a juxtaposition of energy and melancholy, encapsulating the band's reflection on change and the unstoppable passage of time.
The song '1901' by Phoenix commences with an emotional mixture of nostalgia and detachment. As the lyrics traverse through 'ideas drifting away,' it sets a tone of reminiscence and contemplation. The track seems to reflect on the beauty of moments now gone and the heartache of trying to hold on to scenes and loves that are fleeting. The pulse of the music carries an uptempo beat that belies the wistful lyricism, creating a complex emotional landscape where the thrill of the moment coexists with the recognition of its impermanence.
As we move into the chorus of '1901', Phoenix ramps up the intensity with the count down 'twenty seconds 'til the last call,' which could symbolize the urgency and finality of endings. The repetition of 'hey, hey, hey' channels a communal call to action or perhaps an attempt to fervently hold on to the electric atmosphere of summertime adventures. The insistence that it's not a miracle needed but rather a rejection of inflated expectations creates a down-to-earth and pragmatic aura amidst the otherwise dreamy soundscape.
The juxtaposition of time periods in the second verse, with lyrics mentioning a range from '1855-1901,' brings a historic context to the piece, blurring the lines between yesteryears and the present. It's evocative of watching the world evolve yet feeling a sense of disconnection from an ever-changing canvas. The 'material tower' symbolizes both progress and the transient significance of human endeavors, potentially invoking the Eiffel Tower as a famous emblem subject to the varying opinions of time.
Towards the end of '1901', Phoenix's energy shifts, reflecting a gradual acceptance that the moment at hand cannot be cemented. The echoes of 'fold it, fold it' in the outro possibly signify a resignation to the natural folding and unfolding of life's experiences. The song's emotional journey leaves the listener with mixed sentiments of yearning, lively engagement with the present, and a sober acknowledgment that some things, like Paris in 1901, are simply points in time to be treasured and then let go.
"Fold it, fold it, fold it, fold it"
This could be interpreted as an encouragement to embrace the fluidity of life and relationships, to acknowledge that some things cannot be kept static and must be allowed to transform or end.
"Like we did it over summer long"
Suggests a time of carefree exploration and the temporary nature of summer flings, hinting that what the singer experienced can only exist in the spontaneity of that season.
"Past and present, 1855-1901"
These dates reference the time of industrial advancements and the Exposition Universelles in Paris, reflecting on a romanticized era that has passed.
"It's not a miracle we needed"
Downplaying the need for a miracle or grand gesture, this lyric speaks to a realistic acceptance of circumstances and the more grounded elements of lived experiences.