Verse 1
It was just startin' to drizzle as I walked out the door
But I've delivered papers in the rain like that before
3:30 in the morning, I was happy as a lark
As I grabbed my bike and rode into the dark
Verse 2
I pedaled through the neighborhood, the weather on my mind
The wind was pickin' up and howling louder all the time
The sky churned like a cauldron and the distant thunder roared
And I knew that I was in for quite a storm"
Refrain
A little rain never hurt no one, so I kept pressing on
And I tried to tell myself, "It's always darkest before the dawn"
Verse 3
Lightning struck an oak tree as I leapt off my bike
The sirens started wailing, but there was no good place to hide
I knew without a doubt, there was a twister touching down
So I crawled into a culvert to wait it out
Refrain 2
The little bit of courage I had left was almost gone
But I tried to tell myself, "It's always darkest before the dawn"
Verse 4
And then the nightmare started, it got deafeningly loud
Every fiber in me screamed out, but I couldn't make a sound
The whirling of a vortex, a violent carousel
It sounded like a freight train was dragging me to hell
Instrumental Break
Bridge
And this was my prayer
"Save me from this terrible nightmare"
Verse 5
That was when I saw my family with my eyes shut real tight
Would they know how much I loved them if this was how I died?
No, I vowed I'd not be murdered by a monster in the sky that night
But if I went home to heaven, at least that's where I'd belong
Refrain
Yeah, I tried to tell myself, "It's always darkest before the dawn"
So I kept hanging on (Ooh)
(Ooh) I kept hanging on
(Ooh)
Verse 6
The shadows slowly melted as I was hunkered down
'Til at last, the worst was over, the storm was dying out
I crept out of that culvert and I went weak in the knees
'Cause what I saw was a somber sight to see
Verse 7
There was nothing but destruction and wreckage in that town
Cars were upside down and houses leveled to the ground
A twisted trampoline was hangin' from the power lines
I blinked a tear back as I felt lucky to be alive
Verse 8
And that was how I learned to live
When you can run but you can't hide
How to feel trapped in a tunnel
But come out the other side
'Cause with all the stormy weather in the world
You learn to take life one storm at a time
You don't have to be afraid
Refrain
And now when there's bad weather on the way, I stay calm
And I keep hanging on because it's always darkest before the dawn
Outro
And I keep hanging on
I keep hanging on
Owl City | The Tornado (Official Lyric Video) #TheTornado #OwlCity
The Tornado Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Owl City's song "The Tornado," featured in an official lyric video released on May 24, 2023, presents a vivid narrative of facing a life-threatening natural disaster. The song begins with a seemingly ordinary, albeit early, morning as the protagonist sets out on his paper route in a light drizzle. The initial sense of routine and contentment is quickly disrupted as the weather deteriorates, introducing a growing unease through descriptions of increasing wind, ominous clouds, and distant thunder, building anticipation of a severe storm.
The narrative escalates dramatically from a foreseen storm to an immediate, terrifying encounter with a tornado. The lyrics detail the sudden violence of lightning striking nearby, the ominous wail of sirens, and the stark realization that escape is impossible. The protagonist finds a desperate refuge in a culvert, a place offering minimal protection against the forces of nature. The description of the tornado's impact is visceral, capturing the overwhelming noise and chaotic power of the vortex, likening it to being dragged by a freight train through a violent, deafening carousel, conveying a profound sense of helplessness and dread.
During this terrifying climax, the song delves into the protagonist's internal struggle. Fear takes hold, leading to a desperate prayer for deliverance. As the immediate threat peaks, thoughts turn to family and the potential finality of the moment, prompting a reflection on love and legacy. Despite the overwhelming fear and the thought of potentially going "home to heaven," a fierce resolve emerges not to be defeated by the "monster in the sky." Throughout this ordeal, the recurring refrain, "It's always darkest before the dawn," serves as a mantra, a desperate attempt to cling to hope and persevere through the seemingly insurmountable darkness.
Emerging from the culvert after the storm passes reveals the full extent of the devastation. The landscape is one of complete ruin – cars overturned, houses destroyed, and debris strewn everywhere. This scene underscores the power and destructive force of the tornado, but also highlights the protagonist's miraculous survival. Witnessing the widespread destruction elicits a mix of shock, sadness, and an overwhelming sense of gratitude for being alive amidst the somber aftermath.
The concluding verses of the song shift from narrative recount to reflection and life lessons learned. The experience of being trapped and facing an inescapable threat fundamentally alters the protagonist's perspective. The lyrics convey that navigating such a terrifying "tunnel" and coming out the other side teaches resilience. The ultimate lesson is framed around facing life's challenges, or "stormy weather," by taking them "one storm at a time" and learning not to be afraid. The final iteration of the refrain transforms from a desperate hope during the crisis into a calm assurance gained through experience – when bad weather approaches, remaining calm and "hanging on" is possible because the darkest point precedes the dawn.
"The Tornado" delivers an inspirational message about human resilience and hope in the face of overwhelming adversity. The literal storm serves as a powerful metaphor for the trials and difficulties encountered in life. The song encourages listeners to find inner strength, persevere through challenging times by holding onto hope, and understand that even after experiencing destruction, survival is possible, leading to a deeper appreciation for life and the capacity to overcome fear. It suggests that weathering life's storms, though terrifying, ultimately teaches valuable lessons about strength, courage, and the promise of brighter days ahead.
Scripture offers various perspectives on facing storms, trials, and fear, which resonate with the themes in "The Tornado." Psalm 46:1-3 speaks of God being a refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble, allowing believers not to fear even when the earth gives way and mountains fall into the sea, or though its waters roar and foam. Isaiah 41:10 encourages, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." These verses echo the song's journey from fear to finding strength and hanging on during overwhelming circumstances.
