Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: emo
Song Meaning of “Penny Black” by Further Seems Forever
The song “Penny Black” by Further Seems Forever encapsulates the struggle of trying to live for today without thinking of the consequences. In this song, the narrator acknowledges that their current actions may leave them with a feeling of guilt or regret later on, but they choose to let go and enjoy the moment regardless.
The title of the song is a reference to a type of postage stamp from 1860s Britain. The Penny Black was special because it was the world’s first adhesive postage stamp. To those living in the 1860s, it must have seemed like an amazing invention—a system designed to facilitate the free flow of communication across the world.
The Analogy of the Penny Black can be applied to the song, as it is symbolic of the narrator’s life. The Penny Black can represent the narrator’s present state, as they try to communicate their feelings openly without worrying about the repercussions. But looking to the future, they realize that they could be left with a sense of guilt or regret.
The song’s chorus sums up this dilemma: “Live for today, forget about tomorrow./ I know, what I do could lead to sorrow.” Despite the potential for sorrow, the narrator nevertheless chooses to live for today and take the risk.
The song paints a vivid picture of the situation—the narrator is in feelings and emotions that they’ve never known before. Despite the risk, they can’t help but want to explore this newfound world and experience everything that comes with it. This brief taste of freedom is what they hold on to—the “gold-winged dreams” that keep them going despite the potential consequences.
Ultimately, the narrator of “Penny Black” is living for today—taking risks and exploring the unknown. This sense of freedom may lead to regret, but they’ve decided to take the risk anyway.