I was raised up believing
I was somehow unique
Like a snowflake, distinct among snowflakes,
Unique in each way you can see.
But, now, after some thinking, I'd say I'd rather be
A functioning cog in some great machinery,
Serving something beyond me
But I don't, I don't know what that will be.
I'll get back to you someday soon, you will see. [ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/f/fleet_foxes/helplessness_blues.html ]
What's my name; what's my station?
Oh, please tell me what I should do.
I don't need to be kind to the armies of man that would do such injustice
To you.
Or sit down and be grateful and say,
"Sure, take all that you see,"
To the men who walk only in dimly lit halls and determine my future for me.
Oh, I don't, I don't know who to believe.
I'll get back to you someday soon, you will see.
If I know only one thing,
It's that everything that I see
Of the world outside is so inconceivable,
Often I barely can speak.
Yeah, I'm tongue-tied and dizzy, and I can't keep it to myself.
What good is it to sing helplessness blues?
Why should I wait for anyone else?
And I know, I know you will keep me on the shelf.
I'll come back to you someday soon, myself.
It's about a man who doesn't know where he belongs, but he isn't willing to give his life to the men who want to control him. In the end he knows that life is beautiful and that he must tell that to everyone. That is his meaning.