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The meaning of the lyrics of the song "Up in Flames" by the artist "Years Years"

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The song "Up in Flames" by Years & Years explores the painful experience of frontman Olly Alexander witnessing his parents' separation and his yearning to move on from the past.

The first verse sets the scene from the perspective of a child caught in the middle of a family falling apart. Phrases like "He’s asking for forgiveness," "Tell me about your pain," and "14 years, down the drain" depict an atmosphere of brokenness and despair. Lines like "Boy, you’ve got to be strong… Don’t you know you’re a man?" reflect the societal pressure men face to suppress their emotions.

The post-chorus "They said that innocence let the devil’s sins go free" hints at a possible betrayal or infidelity as the reason for the family's breakdown.

The chorus expresses the protagonist's desire to embrace a fresh start, leaving behind the painful memories. The imagery of fire symbolizes cleansing and release: "Our history's up in flames, then the future can be rearranged."

In the second verse, the focus shifts to the protagonist's mother. She's trying to rebuild her life, but she's haunted by doubts and pain ("Did I really need all this pain?"). The metaphor of a tree with "twisted branches" emphasizes the emotional scars left by the separation.

Overall, "Up in Flames" captures the complex emotions surrounding a family's disintegration. It speaks of pain, anger, the yearning for closure, and the hope for a brighter future.

[Verse 1:]

I'm touching a secret

He's asking forgiveness

Tell me your pain

Is it haunting you now?

Fourteen years, and it's crumbling down

You gotta be strong, boy

You gotta be tough

Don't you know you're a man?

Anyone could have played ya

Weakness won't be your saviour

[Pre-Chorus:]

They said it's innocence

Cast out the devil sins

Don't wanna come between

You and her keep arguing

I'll remember everything, I

[Chorus:]

I dreamed of a life so big and tall

An escape from who I was

And our past is going up in flames

And the future can be rearranged

Oh, and we're dancing to the sound

Of your demons falling down

And our past is going up in flames (flames)

And the future will be rearranged

[Verse 2:]

She's got a new life, you know

She's happier but she wonders, what now?

Is all of this pain what I wanted?

The branches of me are distorted

[Pre-Chorus:]

They said it's innocence

Cast out the devil sins

Don't wanna come between

You and her keep arguing

I'll remember everything, I

[Chorus:]

I dreamed of a life so big and tall

An escape from who I was

And our past is going up in flames

And the future can be rearranged

Oh, and we're dancing to the sound

Of your demons falling down

And our past is going up in flames

And the future will be rearranged

[Instrumental Bridge]

[Chorus:]

I dreamed of a life so big and tall

An escape from who I was

And our past is going up in flames

And the future can be rearranged

Oh, and we're dancing to the sound

Of your demons falling down

And our past is going up in flames

And the future will be rearranged

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