Prayer Lyrics – Tom Odell

Prayer Lyrics Meaning

[Verse 1]
The singer is talking to a young boy, imagining a happy future for him. He’s described as charming, much like his grandmother, and full of dreams while playing a toy guitar. There’s a sweet bond between the boy and his grandma, and big ideas about becoming a musician or anything else he chooses. But there’s also an honest warning that life can be tough, especially with struggles that feel built into him. Still, there’s hope—when life’s battles are over, the boy is asked to come back and share time together.

[Verse 2]
Here, the focus shifts to loss and longing. The singer wonders if heaven is real, wishing it is so he can see the smiling eyes of someone who’s gone. There’s a mix of sadness and frustration, drinking beer and feeling angry at their absence. The mind becomes a restless place, full of thoughts that can be harmful, and although there was a promise to avoid going down that road, the temptation is hard to resist. It’s a moment of raw grief and slipping back into old coping habits.

[Break]
Wordless emotions pouring out through sound.

[Verse 3]
The singer reflects on dreams not turning out as big or bright as imagined. There’s a longing for comfort from his mother, wanting her to sit beside him and take away his worries. While on a plane, he uses alcohol to numb a deep pain that has been there since childhood. The source of it isn’t clear, but it’s familiar. Still, there’s a glimmer of relief—when he’s with friends, the heaviness lifts, and losing himself in moments without overthinking brings out the best version of him.

[Outro]
A lingering emotional release without words.