“When I Was Done Dying” by Dan Deacon is about a rollercoaster of rebirth, transformation, and self-awareness. The song navigates through a series of vivid, surreal scenes that symbolize life’s unpredictability and our continuous evolution. It’s not so much about a particular person but more of an introspective journey, grappling with existence and identity. The songwriter takes us on a trip, illustrating how there’s a new beginning after every end.
Hungry for more of that whimsical journey? Stay with me. There’s a universe inside this song, and we’re about to explore it together.
“When I Was Done Dying” Lyrics Meaning
Dan Deacon’s lyrics take us on a captivating journey of rebirth and exploration. When he speaks of being “done dying” and his conscience regaining, it feels like a rebirth, a second chance at life. We’ve all had moments where we feel reborn, rejuvenated, and ready to take on the world, right?
Moving on, the frantic running “like birds from a nest” symbolizes those moments of panic or rush in our lives. The sudden burst of energy, just to eventually be drained and needing rest. But there’s more. The cave signifies the unknown or maybe our comfort zones. When he mentions not going deeper, it’s a nod to our fear of the unknown, and our hesitations in life. We all have those, don’t we?
The vivid imagery continues with crashing down to earth, a moment of downfall, feeling lost, or a great failure. However, the rebirth theme strikes again as from his shirt, a tree grows. Life finds its way, always.
Interestingly, the following events, from being a seed to being swallowed, echo the unpredictability of life. Just when we think we’ve figured things out, life throws us a curveball. The “two mighty steeds” could represent guiding forces or guardians in our life. Those moments of clarity when we feel protected and guided.
By the end, the confrontation with the earth signifies acknowledgment. Accepting mistakes, taking accountability, and seeking forgiveness. The final lines reiterate his fear of facing the unknown, wrapping up a journey of introspection, transformation, and understanding.
The Story Behind “When I Was Done Dying”
Dan Deacon’s music has always been an exploration of sonic landscapes, often mixing vibrant electronic arrangements with profound lyrical themes. “When I Was Done Dying” stands out in its narrative depth, pushing listeners to ponder life, death, rebirth, and the myriad experiences in between.
Around the time of composing this song, Deacon was exploring various facets of spirituality and existential thoughts. It’s apparent in the song’s lyrics, which meander through cycles of life, transformation, mistakes, realizations, and forgiveness. The song isn’t just a mere reflection but a kaleidoscope of intense experiences and emotions that Deacon wanted to convey. One can infer that during this phase, he might’ve been grappling with personal challenges, existential dread, or even moments of epiphany. This is evident when he touches on themes of regrets, saying, “I’m sorry if I hurt anyone.”
Moreover, his use of surreal imagery, from trees growing out of shirts to giant crabs, isn’t just for show. It provides listeners with a visual escape, letting them feel and see the emotions, rather than just hear them.
What’s beautiful about this song is how it doesn’t conclude with an end but loops back to its beginning, reinforcing the idea of life’s cyclical nature. Much like life, Deacon’s songwriting process for “When I Was Done Dying” might have been about embracing chaos, seeking answers, finding solace, and then starting the search all over again.