Meaning of "I Will Light You On Fire" by Golden Shoulders

"I Will Light You On Fire" dives into the inner turmoil of the songwriter, who is grappling with feelings of discontentment and a sense of not belonging. The opening line, "And I can't just sit here thinking," reveals an active mind contemplating various scenarios. The mention of the sinking fleet and making room at the bottom of the sea represents the overwhelming feeling of being drowned by life's challenges or conforming to societal expectations. It hints at a willingness to sacrifice one's own well-being for the sake of others.

The line, "Don't upset the wealthy, It's unhealthy," reflects the artist's observation that those in power often dictate what is acceptable or valuable. The notion that "everyone has a price" suggests that people can be bought or influenced, emphasizing the underlying corruption within society. The songwriter acknowledges their own ability to be swayed, admitting, "Sometimes I have two [prices]," highlighting their own vulnerability.

The lyrics then touch on the struggle to fit in, masking their lack of purpose with a desire to belong. Feeling inconsequential in some years and completely absent in others demonstrates the songwriter's longing for significance. The line "I will build a wall to watch it tilting, knock it over, start rebuilding" illustrates the constant need to stay busy, even if the actions may be ultimately meaningless. It exemplifies the human desire to maintain a sense of purpose, even if it involves creating and destroying for the sake of avoiding idleness.

The song also raises the idea of joining a protest, desiring to be part of something larger, meaningful, and passionate. However, there is a suggestion of internal conflict and inaction, as if the songwriter is still asleep or unimpressed by their own desires. The line "we'd be better off uninvolved" reveals a struggle between the desire to make a difference and the reluctance to engage. It reflects a complicated relationship with activism and the difficulties of finding motivation.

The lyrics conclude with a plea for discussion about positive topics and a frustration with the lack thereof. The line "Why can't we talk about something good?" amplifies the songwriter's weariness with the overwhelming presence of negativity in conversations and society as a whole. It emphasizes the need for positive dialogue and a focus on uplifting subjects instead of dwelling on the negative.