Meaning of "Carried Away" by Television

"Carried Away" by Television captures a feeling of being swept away by the world around us. The opening verse sets the scene at the docks, with the water glittering and black and the snow falling lightly. The narrator describes feeling the old ropes grow slack, implying a sense of release and surrender. This could symbolize a desire to escape from reality and be carried away by the unknown.

The mention of a ship and a map in the following verse introduces a feeling of adventure and exploration. Having a ship and a map implies a sense of direction and purpose, but the narrator says they sank into banks of clay. This suggests a loss of control or a failure to realize their ambitions. The repeated phrase "I just get carried, so carried, carried away" conveys a sense of helplessness and being swept up in circumstances beyond one's control.

The third verse introduces a contrasting imagery of freezing and dark rooms. However, the presence of someone special brings light and excitement. The use of vivid language, like describing their head as golden and lightning in their arms, suggests a strong attraction and emotional intensity. The mention of the glass shattering adds a sense of sudden disruption and breaking of illusions.

The final lines of the song convey a sense of timelessness and confusion. The narrator mentions "noon at midnight," implying a perpetual state of disorientation and a day that never ends. The lamp whispering and making amends adds to the dreamlike atmosphere of the song. The narrator reflects on how everything was more than they took it for, suggesting a realization of the depth and complexity of their experiences.

Overall, the lyrics of "Carried Away" speak to the human experience of feeling overwhelmed and lost. The narrator longs to escape and be carried away, but also recognizes the unpredictable nature of life's twists and turns. The imagery and metaphors used in the song evoke a sense of longing, adventure, and the confusion that comes with navigating through the complexities of existence.