Virtute At Rest
John K. Samson Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴Now that the treatment and antidepressants
And seven months sober have built me a bed
In the back of your brain where the memories flicker
And I paw at the synapses, bright bits of string
You should know I am with you, know I forgive you
Know I am proud of the steps that you′ve made
Know it will never be easy or simple
Know I will dig in my claws when you stray So let us rest here like we used to
In a line of late afternoon sun

Let it rest, all you can't change
Let it rest and be done

Overall Meaning

In this poignant song, John K. Samson sings about forgiveness and acceptance. He speaks of his journey through depression and addiction, using strong imagery to convey his emotions. The opening lines describe his path to recovery through treatment, antidepressants, and seven months of sobriety. He juxtaposes this with the metaphor of a bed in the back of his lover's brain where memories flicker. He speaks of the constant struggle of maintaining sobriety, and his unwavering support for his loved one.

As the song progresses, Samson assures his loved one that he is with them and proud of the steps that they have taken towards recovery. He acknowledges that the path to healing is not easy and promises to hold on to them tightly if they ever stray. The song ends on a hopeful note, with Samson urging his loved one to let go of things they cannot change and be at rest. He paints a picture of them resting together in the line of late afternoon sun, a metaphor for the peace they can find in each other's arms.

Line by Line Meaning

Now that the treatment and antidepressants
Having undergone medical treatments and taken antidepressants,

And seven months sober have built me a bed
Having remained sober for seven months, I have finally found a secure resting place in your mind,

In the back of your brain where the memories flicker
In the part of your brain that stores memories, where they sometimes seem to shine and sometimes dim,

And I paw at the synapses, bright bits of string
I prod the junctions between neurons, searching for your recollections like a kitten chasing a string,

You should know I am with you, know I forgive you
You should understand that I am with you, and I have forgiven you for whatever you may need to be forgiven for,

Know I am proud of the steps that you′ve made
Recognize how proud I am of you for taking the necessary steps forward,

Know it will never be easy or simple
Understand that it will be difficult and complicated,

Know I will dig in my claws when you stray
Furthermore, be aware that I will stay vigilant and fiercely loyal to you, even when you wander off course,

So let us rest here like we used to
Therefore, let us take a break and rest together like we used to,

In a line of late afternoon sun
Under the rays of late-afternoon sunlight,

Let it rest, all you can't change
Allow what cannot be changed to remain at rest,

Let it rest and be done
Settle down and let us put this to rest permanently.

Writer(s): John K. Samson

Contributed by Chase T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it