Meaning of "Moving Pictures Silent Films" by Great Lake Swimmers

The lyrics of "Moving Pictures Silent Films" delve into themes of longing, disillusionment, and the passage of time. The song begins with a plea to be awoken from the monotony of life, as the narrator can no longer bear the coldness and emptiness they feel. They express a sense of internal stagnation, noting that while they may have grown older, they have not evolved internally. The line "And maybe twice the bear that I thought I was" suggests a feeling of being burdened and overwhelmed by the weight of their experiences.

The chorus reveals that the narrator has been living a life of seclusion, hidden away underground. They have found solace in a book of prayers, but it is a solitary comfort. The repetition of "saving it up" and "spending it all" suggests that they have been saving their emotions and experiences, only to pour them into the escape of moving pictures and silent films. This escape, however, is portrayed as a form of disillusionment and deception. The dream they have been saving turns out to be a slow and empty reality, where the heart beats slower and slower until it almost stops.

The narrator then reflects on a past love or beautiful experience that they mistook for something genuine. They had once believed it was love, but it was merely a spotlight, an illusion. The truth is revealed to be the harsh reality of headlights, symbolizing the impending truth that brings unbearable pain. The line "Caught painting a dotted line" suggests a sense of being caught in a trap, painting a path that only leads to more disappointment.

The song ends with a repetition of the chorus, reinforcing the theme of escape through moving pictures and silent films. However, the repeated question of "Where have you been? And what have you done?" implies introspection and self-reflection. The lyrics suggest that despite their attempts to escape, the narrator is still grappling with the same questions and facing the reality of their life.