Quiet Eyes
Sharon Van Etten Lyrics


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Moving statues in the park
Mosaic faces fading in the rain
Recalling memories of loss
Yet untouched and unscathed

Is this really a mystery life?
Where we only learn from our own mistakes
Misstep, fall down stairs
Maybe you're too wise for me

Your quiet eyes break my heart now
You're calling out, you're calling out despite it

A long car drive
Music in air
Comes from a place
Out of nowhere

Staring at stars or a lightning bug
On a faraway stair, on a torchlit night
The field of depth on those marble steps
We'll meet again in light

That's how it's done
That's how it's done
And how it's undone
That's how it starts
That's how it starts
And how it's unknown

Fall, fall
Calling out in spite of it all




Fall, fall
Will we meet again in the light?

Overall Meaning

In "Quiet Eyes" by Sharon Van Etten, the lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and contemplation. The opening lines describe moving statues in a park, their mosaic faces fading in the rain. This imagery symbolizes the passage of time and the fleeting nature of memories. The next lines speak about recalling memories of loss, yet remaining untouched and unscathed. It suggests that despite experiencing loss and hardship, there is a resilience and a sense of inner strength that remains intact.


The chorus reflects on the mysteries of life and the lessons we learn from our own mistakes. The singer questions whether their companion is wiser and more experienced, possibly implying a certain vulnerability or insecurity. The mention of "quiet eyes" breaking their heart adds a layer of emotional intensity and suggests that despite any differences or uncertainty, there is a strong connection that cannot be denied. The line "calling out in spite of it" emphasizes the persistence of this connection and the willingness to reach out despite the challenges.


The following verse describes a long car drive with music in the air, creating a sense of escapism and freedom. It speaks to those moments of quiet reflection, staring at stars or a lightning bug. These simple yet powerful moments in nature contrast with the reference to marble steps and torchlit nights, creating a vivid picture of different experiences and environments. The lyrics end by questioning whether they will meet again in the light, implying a sense of hope and renewal.


Overall, "Quiet Eyes" explores themes of longing, connection, and the complex nature of human relationships. It delves into the mysteries of life and the bittersweet moments that shape our experiences.


Line by Line Meaning

Moving statues in the park
Figures carved in stone shift and change positions within the confines of the park


Mosaic faces fading in the rain
Faces made up of colorful tiles lose their vibrancy and clarity as rainwater washes over them


Recalling memories of loss
Reflecting on moments of pain and grief from the past


Yet untouched and unscathed
Despite the remembrance of loss, remaining unaffected and undamaged


Is this really a mystery life?
Questioning the true nature and enigmatic aspect of existence


Where we only learn from our own mistakes
Suggesting that personal errors and missteps are the only means of gaining knowledge and wisdom


Misstep, fall down stairs
Tripping and stumbling down a flight of steps


Maybe you're too wise for me
Considering the possibility that the other person possesses a higher level of wisdom and understanding


Your quiet eyes break my heart now
The subdued gaze of your eyes causes emotional pain within me at this moment


You're calling out, you're calling out despite it
Vocally expressing emotions and desires, disregarding the obstacles or circumstances


A long car drive
Embarking on an extended journey by automobile


Music in air
Melodies floating and enveloping the surrounding atmosphere


Comes from a place
Originating from a specific source or origin


Out of nowhere
Emerging suddenly and unexpectedly


Staring at stars or a lightning bug
Fixating the gaze upon either celestial bodies in the night sky or a small insect emitting light


On a faraway stair, on a torchlit night
Standing on a distant staircase, illuminated by the glow of torches, during an evening characterized by darkness


The field of depth on those marble steps
The profound expanse of knowledge and understanding acquired through traversing those pristine marble stairs


We'll meet again in light
Assuming that a future reunion will occur under positive and illuminated circumstances


That's how it's done
Asserting that this is the correct and customary method


That's how it's undone
Declaring that this is the appropriate way to reverse a previous action or situation


That's how it starts
Indicating that this is the initial phase or beginning of a process


And how it's unknown
Highlighting the aspect of uncertainty and lack of familiarity regarding the proceeding events


Fall, fall
Descend, descend


Calling out in spite of it all
Vocally expressing without regard to any obstacles or adversities


Fall, fall
Descend, descend


Will we meet again in the light?
Is it possible for us to reunite in a brighter and more positive future?




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Sharon Van Etten, Zachary Dawes

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@melchizedekimuan589

Moving statues in the park
Mosaic faces fading in the rain
Recalling memories of loss
Yet untouched and unscathed
Is this really a mystery life?
Where we only learn from our own mistakes
Misstep, fall down stairs
Maybe you're too wise for me
Your quiet eyes break my heart now
You're calling out, you're calling out despite it
A long car drive
Music in air
Comes from a place
Out of nowhere
Staring at stars or a lightning bug
On a faraway stair, on a torchlit night
The field of depth on those marble steps
We'll meet again in light
That's how it's done
That's how it's done
And how it's undone
That's how it starts
That's how it starts
And how it's unknown
Fall, fall
Calling out in spite of it all
Fall, fall
Will we meet again in the light?



@Lakeone_

Building statues in the park
Mosaic faces swaying in the rain
Recalling memories of loss
Where I'm touched and unscathed

Is this really a mystery life?

Where we only learn from our own mistakes?
Misstep, fall down stairs
Maybe you're too wise for me

Your quiet eyes break my heart now
You're calling out, you're calling out
To spite it

A long car drive, music in air
Comes from a place, out of nowhere

Stared at stars are aligning but
On a faraway stare on a torchlit night
The field of death on these marble steps
We'll meet again and lie

That's how it's done, that's how it's done
And now it's under
That's how it starts, that's how it starts
And how the sun know

Fall, fall, Calling out in spite of it all
Fall, fall, will we meet again in L.A?



All comments from YouTube:

@juansjz

The last sequence of the movie is truly hearbreaking in so many ways.

@djabthrash

big time

@mackielunkey2205

Me when seeing for the first time: Haha she's crying about her grades would do that too
Me after second watch: HOLY SHIT Crying audibly

@up_an_down

Heartbreaking ..as in real life

@maddysingh2950

The film breaks your heart quietly and uplifts it at the same time. And the song is such a soothing piece for the soul. ❤️

@ThatOpalGuy

its damn good.

@tokenolga

Very much relate. :/ How come I see my life in a movie? So can't accept.
but had to. See you then!

@heyyoung2797

Thanks for your comments ❤

@stannicolae4623

Uplifts it? What the hell is uplifting about this movie?

Cual es el titulo de la película

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