Pawner

Polar Bear Club's song "Pawner" delves into the existential struggle of seeking purpose and greatness in a world that often feels indifferent. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a journey marked by the mundane and the profound, symbolized by the recurring image of the "yellow line"—a metaphor for life's constant back-and-forth motion. The protagonist grapples with the feeling of time slipping away, depicted through the visceral imagery of time being "shat out on the ground and food for flies." This stark portrayal underscores the urgency and desperation to achieve something meaningful before it's too late.

The song's chorus emphasizes the protagonist's determination to seize greatness, even if it means venturing into the unknown, symbolized by the phrase "off into the sunset." The line "a little more glasses than cape" suggests a realistic, perhaps even cynical, approach to heroism—acknowledging that the journey to greatness is more about perseverance and less about grandiose gestures. The weight of this pursuit is described as "heavier than carrying my name," indicating the immense pressure and personal stakes involved.

The term "Pawner" in the song's title and repeated in the lyrics refers to someone who pawns their possessions, metaphorically representing the sacrifices made in the pursuit of dreams. The lines "Hocked it all for circumstance / Came up short, no back up plan" highlight the risks and potential failures inherent in this quest. The protagonist's journey is marked by a lack of safety nets, emphasizing the all-or-nothing nature of their ambition. This raw and honest portrayal of striving for greatness amidst life's uncertainties resonates deeply, capturing the essence of human aspiration and resilience.