Denali - Portugal. The Man

[BootinUp]

Last edited Sun Jan 4, 2026, 12:59 AM - Edit history (1)

Flowers
Running through the fireweed
Collecting sugar
And Coca Cola for the honey bees
Cause we take it
Just to feel the buzz it brings
Silos echo troubles from my life
It's you, juggling controversies
Fruit is never gonna fall from plastic trees
I just wanna burn it down
Be the snow inside my cloud
Catch a snowflake on my tongue
Can't tell what's real life or dreams
Guatemala, no unity for ghosts in the sugar cane
Haha no laughing
It's karma for your empathy
But you could never see
Blinded by your soft core masculinity
Leaving all your woes in the sauna build community
Yeah you
Master of reality
Always was, always will be, Denali
I just wanna burn it down
Be the stoic to my cloud
*Follow the rolling crown*
Just one drop under your tongue
Can't tell what's real life or dreams
Down the crimson stream
Catch a snowflake on my tongue, can't tell what's real life or dreams
Oh no kings, or master over me, marching towards a guillotine
Catch a snowflake on my tongue, can't tell what's real life or dreams
Catch a snowflake on my tongue, can't tell what's real life or dreams
Catch a snowflake on my tongue, can't tell what's real life or dreams
Catch a snowflake on my tongue, can't tell what's real life or dreams
Can't tell what's real life or dreams
Can't tell what's real life or dreams

Songwriters: Christopher Funk, John Gourley, Daniel Bell, Zoe English Manville, Kane Ritchotte, Quinn Christopherson, Nicholas Charles Reinhart. For non-commercial use only.

[BootinUp]

1. Navigating the Blurred Lines of Reality and Dreams

https://www.lyricslayers.com/portugal-the-man/denali/
"Denali" by Portugal. The Man is a song that delves into the complexities of reality and perception, using vivid imagery and metaphors to explore themes of escapism and disillusionment. The lyrics paint a picture of a world where the lines between dreams and reality are blurred, symbolized by the recurring motif of catching a snowflake on one's tongue. This imagery suggests a fleeting, ephemeral experience, highlighting the difficulty in distinguishing between what is real and what is imagined.

The song also touches on themes of societal critique and personal introspection. References to "plastic trees" and "soft core masculinity" suggest a commentary on artificiality and superficiality in modern life. The mention of "Guatemala" and "ghosts in the sugar cane" hints at historical and social injustices, perhaps alluding to the exploitation and struggles faced by marginalized communities. The desire to "burn it down" and "be the snow inside my cloud" reflects a yearning for transformation and liberation from these constraints.

Portugal. The Man is known for their eclectic musical style, blending elements of rock, pop, and psychedelia. Their lyrics often carry a sense of social consciousness and introspection, encouraging listeners to question the status quo and reflect on their own experiences. "Denali" encapsulates this ethos, inviting listeners to ponder the nature of reality and the societal structures that shape our perceptions. The song's dreamlike quality and introspective themes resonate with those seeking to understand their place in a complex and often contradictory world.