Introduction
I first wrote the original draft of “Cicada Days” as part of a song-a-day challenge I took on following some major life changes. Although I didn’t end up writing a song every day, this one was among the first I wrote, and it has stuck with me ever since.
The Lyrics
Verse 1
The greener grass grows where the wildfires fertilizeWith ashes of sparrows, peppered moths, & butterfliesGhosts of trees and termites bloom in the beanstalkAnd if you get lightheaded when standing too fastIs it from shaking out the weight of phosphenes and pastsSalt deposits on warm little rivers that burst from our words
Pre-Chorus
And God knows crying ain’t gonna change a thingShe said take care, but I take more than I bring
Chorus
She said “It just feels inhumane to lose this much.”‘Cause when you leave you know you take more than your loveJust one week of cicada days, we’re losing touchAnd I know it just feels inhumane to lose this much
Verse 2
Our nerves were braided under ceiling starsThat were all glow in the dark, hanging over queen-sizedPurple waves of ancient chemicals just whisperDid you ever build with those endangered bones?Well, the ground looks soft enough to bury this nowOh, please, oh no!
Pre-Chorus
And then my sponsor said “Do nothing. Nothing works.”And then my doctor said “Don’t do that if it hurts.”
Chorus
She said “It just feels inhumane to lose this much‘Cause when you leave you know you take more than your love.”The seasons of cicada days, we can’t make upAnd I know it just feels inhumane to lose this much
Chorus
Let all my red flags fade to white, yeah, I give upDon’t let me leave, I’ll only take more than I gaveOkay, I’ll pack my stuffHere at the end of days, my god, what have I done?Christ, now it feels damn inhumane to get all I’ve dreamed of
Outro
Keep coming back, it works if you work itSo work it, you’re worth it, it won’t if you don’tOne day at a time, tomorrow’s too late, amen
Additional Information
The song “Cicada Days” is part of Will Wood’s album titled “In case I make it,” released on May 27, 2022. The song features various instruments such as lap steel guitar, mandolin, ukulele, piano, drums, guitars, and bass. It was recorded at Backroom Studios.
My Interpretation
The lyrics of “Cicada Days” evoke a sense of loss, longing, and the struggle to find meaning in difficult times. The imagery of wildfires, ghosts, and endangered bones paints a picture of destruction and vulnerability. The chorus reflects the pain of losing someone or something important and the feeling of taking more than one gives in relationships. It speaks to the bittersweet nature of letting go and the impact it has on both parties involved.
The pre-chorus highlights the futility of crying and the burden of bearing more than one’s fair share. The verse talks about intertwined emotions and the fragility of connections. The outro reminds us of the importance of perseverance and taking things one day at a time.
Conclusion
“Cicada Days” by Will Wood is a poignant and emotionally charged song that explores themes of loss, introspection, and the struggle to find balance in relationships. The lyrics, accompanied by the instrumentation, create a haunting and introspective atmosphere. It is a reflection on the complexities of human connection and the impact of our actions on the ones we love.
Credits and Tags
Credits: Produced by Will Wood, Written by Will Wood, Lap Steel Guitar by Mike Bottiglieri, Mandolin by Mike Bottiglieri, Ukulele by Will Wood, Vocals by Will Wood, Piano by Will Wood, Drums by Mario Conte, Guitars by Mike Bottiglieri, Bass by Vater Boris, Recorded at Backroom Studios
Release Date: May 27, 2022
Tags: Pop, Indie Pop
