Skyscrapers
Ok Go
Seeking Forgiveness from Skyscrapers: A Journey of Realization
In Ok Go's song 'Skyscrapers,' the lyrics delve into themes of regret, realization, and the quest for forgiveness. The skyscrapers serve as a metaphor for the towering mistakes and misunderstandings that the narrator has faced. The opening lines, 'Skyscrapers, please forgive me / I didn't mean a word I said,' set the tone for a heartfelt apology. The narrator acknowledges that their previous words and actions were misguided, influenced by their own internal chaos and confusion.
The song continues to explore the narrator's journey through this 'madness,' where they believed they were seeing things clearly, only to realize later that their vision was clouded. The line 'It ain't always pretty, but it seemed there was no other way' suggests that the narrator felt trapped in their circumstances, making choices that, in hindsight, were flawed. This realization brings about a sense of repentance, as the narrator stands 'repentative' and vows never to 'look down again,' symbolizing a commitment to avoid repeating past mistakes.
The recurring theme of blindness is central to the song's message. The narrator repeatedly admits, 'I was blind,' emphasizing their failure to recognize what was truly important. The poignant revelation that 'all I ever loved / Was standing right before my eyes' underscores the idea that the narrator's true desires and values were always within reach, but they were too blinded by their own issues to see them. The song concludes with a powerful acknowledgment of this newfound clarity, as the narrator realizes that what they sought was 'right here all the time.' This journey from blindness to awareness is a universal theme, resonating with anyone who has ever grappled with regret and the desire for redemption.