The song begins with a reflection on a past state of being, a time when the narrator and their companion felt powerful and significant, like 'giants'. A question hangs in the air: 'When did we stop?' This introduces a sense of loss and nostalgia for that former strength and innocence. The narrator expresses an unwavering readiness to return to that state, affirming that the memory and the feelings associated with it have never faded. The lyrics delve into the internal conflict of hope and hurt coexisting within the narrator. There's an acknowledgment of overlooked beauty and value, described as 'gold in the dirt', which became apparent only through the presence of this other person. The connection between them felt natural and perfect, like a hand fitting seamlessly into another's or 'a bird would find the breeze'. This reinforces the idea that their unity was a source of strength and clarity.
The chorus repeats the central theme, lamenting the loss of their 'giant' stature and questioning the turning point. It's a plea and a promise, stating that a single word from the other person is enough to rekindle the past. They were a 'song in the silence', a significant and beautiful presence in a world that was otherwise empty, but the relentless march of time has caught up to them. Despite this, the commitment to remember and return remains steadfast. The second verse shifts to a specific memory, a moment of realization 'in the park' where the narrator understood this person would be their liberation from pain. Their eyes once held a deep recognition that has been lost over a long period. A powerful metaphor describes the beloved as 'the moon and the stars, and all they gaze upon', elevating them to a celestial, central role in the narrator's universe. The verse ends with an urgent call to action against the swift passage of time, questioning the hesitation to move forward.
A bridge section intensifies the emotional plea. It's a direct address, a 'darling', filled with declarations of enduring love. The narrator asks for a commitment, a promise to remember the times they shared, which have been cherished and held onto. In return for this affirmation, they are willing to 'leave it all behind', suggesting a readiness to discard the pain of the present for a chance to reclaim the past. The song culminates in a final, powerful reiteration of the chorus. The question 'when did we stop?' is posed again, filled with a mix of longing and hope. The declaration that they 'used to be giants' resonates as both a painful memory and a potential future, a reminder of what was and what could be again if they choose to face the change together.
Song Discussion - Giants by Dermot Kennedy
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