Meaning of "Shame" by Patrick Watson

The lyrics of "Shame" by Patrick Watson touch on themes of societal change, ignorance, and regret. The song speaks to a time when the world transitioned, and everything lost its vibrancy. The line "the sky turned to fire" suggests a catastrophic event that disrupted the natural order and left people questioning their existence. The cries of the people, asking why, demonstrate their confusion and frustration. The line "so they looked far and wide when the answer was in front of their eyes" criticizes the tendency of humans to complicate things unnecessarily, often overlooking simple solutions that lie right in front of them.

The mention of little children crying and asking their parents why portrays the innocence and vulnerability of the younger generation. In response to their questions, they are fed lies to keep them quiet. This highlights the manipulation and deceit that exists in society, especially when those in power try to maintain control. The lies may provide temporary relief, but they contribute to a larger pattern of ignorance and suppression.

The song takes a darker turn as it mentions people dying with their hands "tilted." This imagery suggests that individuals have been waiting for their demise, perhaps losing hope or feeling resigned to their fate. The repetition of the phrase "oh what a shame" in the chorus reflects the deep regret and sorrow felt by both the narrator and those affected by the changes in their world.

Ultimately, "Shame" conveys a sense of lamentation and criticism towards a society that fails to recognize and address its problems. It explores the consequences of ignorance, manipulation, and the consequences of not acting when faced with change.