FAWM: "Only Human"

Only Human

3 weeks ago by @paul_pedersen · @lyricslinger

Only Human

paul_pedersen +1

00:00

Liner Notes

It's not a proper FAWM unless I can partner with Simon Wright for a song or so. Here's the first of I don't know how many for 2025. I just did a count and, across a few FAWMs and 5090s, Simon and I now have eleven songs, enough for an album.

Simon: Wow, 11 songs, I think that must make you the person I've done most songs with, Paul! This is another great translation of my lyrics. I love hearing the little musical flourishes that you've included, such as the sound of heartbeats towards the end

Lyrics

Invincible warrior
No worries, not a worrier
First twenty years, no sorrow yet
No tears, no years laced with regret

Inscrutable warrior
No worries, not a worrier
No disasters where loved ones died
No planes falling from the sky

And yet the years still take their toll
They take with no drum roll
It's not the big dramatic things that kill ya
It's the little things that linger
And you'll know you're only human
When your heart stops beating

The chat up line stuck in your throat
A chance that sailed, you missed that boat
A sprained ankle, a busted heel
From star athlete to lame fifth wheel

The job you crave but never sought
That perfect house you never bought
The one night stand you left at that
Because you feared love would fall flat

And yet the years still take their toll
They take with no drum roll
It's not the big dramatic things that kill ya
It's the little things that linger
And you'll know you're only human
You'll know you're only human
Cut yourself some slack
When your heart stops beating

Comments

@wynia 1w

Oh jeez it is the little things - these lines just really resonated with me: “It's not the big dramatic things that kill ya
It's the little things that linger
And you'll know you're only human
You'll know you're only human
Cut yourself some slack”

I struggle so much with the inner critic, and I feel like I carry so many little things with me the older I get. Off to cut myself some slack now…

@janeg 2w

Only the lucky have such a sorrow-free start to their lives! And those that do are like the warriors in the Boxer Rebellion, convinced that bullets can’t hurt them. much like the teenagers that step into traffic while staring at their phone! Wonderful, touching song about what we learn by living somewhat longer.

@pumpkinhead 2w

Beautiful lyrics about exactly how it is like.
Wonderful personal and close interpretation that went straight to my heart. 🙏

@pippa 2w

Oh! such a clear setting for such clear words about the human condition! the pause at the end of the verse is particularly fine, and the last, when the beat stops, and pauses, and pauses. My goodness that is moving!

@rosiebans 3w

Aw guys! What a gorgeous song, I really love your chorus, it's beautiful and through these lyrics you've reminded me to be a little kinder to myself, the human condition is one of pain and love. Great collab, great song!

@jerrypettit 3w

Another perfect collaboration by Two Of My Favorites. ELEVEN now! Keep 'em coming, guys. They are consistently wonderful--and I'm really getting a kick out of the arrangement!

@celineellis 3w

This is a great collab guys! The lyrics tell a story - and particularly love the like about its not the dramatic things that kill ya it the little things that linger. Really well delivered in the vocal as well Paul. Great track

@sheslin 3w

Such a lovely chord progression. I really like the melody also - cool pause after "heart"! These lyrics really hit me "It's not the big dramatic things that kill ya It's the little things that linger
And you'll know you're only human". Oh wow what a perfect ending also. Great collab!