Meaning of "III" by Foster The People

The lyrics in "III" touch upon various themes and emotions. The opening lines, "If age is a trap, I wonder why I hold back," suggest a reflection on the passing of time and the sense of feeling trapped or held back by it. There is a contemplation of the mistakes made throughout life, acknowledging that these mistakes can often bring laughter and serve as life lessons.

The repetition of the line "Sail on in, beautiful is your life" highlights the idea of embracing life and its beauty. It conveys a desire to immerse oneself in love and to live in the presence of someone or something that brings joy and fulfillment. The longing for this love to last forever reflects a desire for permanence and stability in a world that is constantly changing.

The lyrics also express a surrender of control and a plea to be held and never let go. It acknowledges the vulnerability of being human and the acknowledgment that we are not invincible. This vulnerability is contrasted with the yearning to live for something more, something beyond the self. It suggests a longing for purpose and the willingness to let go of personal fears and inhibitions in order to find that purpose.

The lines "And I won't be afraid to never know, when the night will come and take us home" speak to the acceptance of uncertainty and the embrace of the unknown. It emphasizes the inevitability of change and the passage from youth to a more mature and everlasting existence. It suggests a willingness to let go of control and surrender to the mysteries of life.

The closing lines, "Wake the sleeping from their dreaming, we all want more," evoke a sense of awakening and a desire for growth and fulfillment. It suggests that deep down, we all long for something beyond the ordinary, and that hearts continually beat for more than what is currently experienced. It also hints at a spiritual or transcendental element with the mention of saints and singing with angels, symbolizing a connection to something higher and divine.