The song "Long Way Down" by Eleventyseven tells various stories about moments in life where the protagonist experiences disappointment, challenges, and the realization that things aren't always as they seem. In the first verse, the protagonist encounters a pirate who promises him a map to all his gold. However, by the time the protagonist finds the treasure, he is too old to enjoy it or bring it home. This story symbolizes missed opportunities and the fleeting nature of time. The second verse depicts a snowy night in December when the protagonist goes in search of mistletoe and kisses. Despite the promises made by someone, the protagonist ends up getting hurt and realizes that not everything is as wonderful as it seems. The third verse takes a darker turn as the protagonist is playing in a graveyard and feels a hand pulling at his leg. To his surprise, it is his supposedly deceased grandfather who reminds him that things may not always be what they appear to be. This section explores the theme of deception and the complexity of relationships. The fourth verse gives advice from the grandfather on the night before the protagonist's wedding. The old man warns him to be sure that he truly wants to commit to marriage, highlighting the importance of making a serious commitment and sticking to it, as it can be a long and challenging journey. The chorus emphasizes the idea of the long way down, both metaphorically and literally. It suggests that sometimes in life, there is no one to catch you when you fall or answer your calls for help. It also mentions the long walk home, emphasizing the difficulty of finding one's way in unfamiliar territory. The bridge of the song touches on the concept of heaven and hell, stating that it is a long fall down to Earth from heaven and a long walk back there from hell. This verse implies that there are significant challenges and distances to overcome in order to achieve happiness or redemption. Finally, the protagonist meets a tree in a forest and expresses a desire to be as big as it. The tree warns the protagonist that being noticed could also attract danger, symbolizing the fear of being vulnerable and exposed. Overall, "Long Way Down" explores themes of disappointment, missed opportunities, deception, commitment, and the struggles of navigating life's challenges. The song encourages listeners to be cautious, wise, and aware of the potential dangers and difficulties they may face in their journey.
