| Joe Jackson – A Slow Song Lyrics | 2 years ago |
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I think this started as a song about music itself.... Joe has a tough time of it during the day. More about that in the next paragraph. Music is his friend. He always wants it around. So at night they dance. He loves it. They have energy, but the songs he loves are not always sympathetic to the plight of the writer. Who wants something that's not upbeat? Classic or Timeless music is hard to write. Popular tunes are not so difficult. Rhyme implies bounce, in a way.... Write one that's popular. Listen to what's playing (I have a Demo for you), or what they are asking you to play, or what they are asking you to produce or write.... Interview? its about your hits. The highs and lows of it all can be exhausting. So who cares who is in charge (tired of DJ's) and yes the old days were better when a Hop could end with a slow dance. But no more. So "play us a slow song" is about writing one that is good enough to bring back the good old days. Or at least really help you remember them. And it does a hell of a job. |
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| David Bowie – Fame Lyrics | 4 years ago |
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There's some fascinating background info about the studio development and recording of this song. Bowie said its his least favorite song on the LP. But he loved meeting (and working with) Lennon. About the song itself, it has a great melodic hook (James Brown riff?), some great effects, and some cool "easter eggs". Headphones recommended. Did no one else hear something like "What's your name?" (with strong echo) and a whispered reply "Satan". I dunno maybe just imagining it. |
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| Lamya – Splitting Atoms Lyrics | 5 years ago |
| Excellent song. Whimsical and melodic... featured on QuiteFrankly podcast / radio show 2/7/19. | |
| Depeche Mode – Policy Of Truth Lyrics | 6 years ago |
| @[gamonbozia:22378] Excellent write up thank you. I agree ! | |
| Depeche Mode – Policy Of Truth Lyrics | 6 years ago |
| Strangely enough, it could have even More contemporary meaning. These days, the government, the media, academia, and / or the "Landed Gentry" class could be ( one or all ! ) aligned against you... if you follow .... "The Policy of Truth" | |
| Depeche Mode – Policy Of Truth Lyrics | 6 years ago |
| @[banananana:22377] I have seen this happen many times in the US Navy and in commericial nuclear power. | |
| Depeche Mode – Policy Of Truth Lyrics | 6 years ago |
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So there you have it.... this is about as close to research as I can get, taking something I love (music) and finding meaning. By the way, I think that the song "Policy of Truth" is about honesty is the smallest things, regardless of the consequences. It differs from a spiritual or universal Truth-with-a-capital-T. In my philosophy, Truth is permanent, real, universal, and goes beyond the everyday world. |
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| Depeche Mode – Policy Of Truth Lyrics | 6 years ago |
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I did not believe it at first, but this wonderful song uses a quote from a military officer, individualist, unitarian, anarchist in the 1800's. Don't shoot me, I am only the messenger. The incredibly talented Depeche Mode wrote policy of truth and -- as so often happens -- the best art is open to many different interpretations..... Here is the quote: Hide what you have to hide, And tell what you have to tell. You'll see your problems multiplied If you continually decide To faithfully pursue The policy of truth. -- William Batchelder Greene Now, I think many of the modern interpretations are SPOT ON especially about "coming out of the closet". But, one of the meanings could come from further writings of William Batchelder Greene, who was a proponent of mutual banking (free banking). Here he describes the consequences of our financial systems of fiat and debt. The existing organization of credit is the daughter of hard money, begotten upon it incestuously by that insufficiency of circulating medium which results from laws making specie the sole legal tender. The immediate consequences of confused credit are want of confidence, loss of time, commercial frauds, fruitless and repeated applications for payment, complicated with irregular and ruinous expanses. The ultimate consequences are compositions, bad debts, expensive accommodation-loans, law-suits, insolvency, bankruptcy, separation of classes, hostility, hunger, extravagance, distress, riots, civil war, and, finally, revolution. The natural consequences of mutual banking are, first of all, the creation of order, and the definitive establishment of due organization in the social body, and, ultimately, the cure of all the evils. which flow from the present incoherence and disruption in the relations of production and commerce. (The Radical Deficiency of the Existing Circulating Medium 1857). Deep thoughts. libertarian thoughts. People who seek more government regulations for a system bought and paid for by bankers.... well, they must not realized that the bankers and politicians are in it together. Chaos is what they prefer. Further government regulations simply compound the confusion. I read only a little bit more about him. And this is one of his other quotes I like: “Life is a waste of woes, And Death a river deep, That ever onward flows, Troubled, yet asleep.” — William Batchelder Greene |
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| The Arc Angels – See What Tomorrow Brings Lyrics | 8 years ago |
| These lyrics remind me of "Living life by the drop." (Stevie Ray Vaughn) and "One day at a time" (12-step or "AA" saying) | |
| Aimee Mann – Save Me Lyrics | 9 years ago |
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"Save Me" is a beautiful song, and very deep! As the song proceeds: There is a new awareness about this next lover. There is an awakening about the dire straits she is in..... The new lover -- he or she -- could be just the one to help stop the bleeding, to recover and heal. (IMHO a "perfect fit" means both someone who can BE a tourniquet and someone who NEEDS a tourniquet.) The last relationship left a big wound and it still hurts like hell, like someone could die if the bleeding is not stopped. The process of starting over is now part of the focus, so that falling in love is part cynical, part unavoidable, and part romantic. Expressing the hope that she will be saved from the sick-at-heart people, and from BECOMING ONE OF THEM, she asks to be saved. Its a poignant bit of prose, and the beautiful singing does it justice, allowing the need and longing and loneliness to come through clearly. Like Peter Pan could swoop down and snatch her from the jaws of the crocodile, or Superman could carry her away. Both heroes are able to fly, and that is what she saw in previous relationships as they started. But before too long she realized that those super powers come with drawbacks. Peter Pan and Superman are at the extreme opposite ends of what she has experienced in her love-life. Even though they both are always interested in saving someone, that can be a real drawback, too. One is a boy who will never grow up. The other is the strong silent type, too reserved. Whoever it is, they will come with only her in mind. This poking fun at the men is what makes me think that the singer could be looking for salvation in another woman. Thats one possible interpretation, in which case the "ranks of the freaks who suspect they could never love anyone" are men who have difficulty and discomfort with expressing their feelings and giving themselves to someone wholly. But both men and women have been stuck in failed relationships before. So the singer's reference to the "long farewell of the hunger strike" could be about anyone. It speaks of the lack of affection before it ends. Aloof becomes cold. Cold becomes dead. Sometimes a couple will be holding it together even though the love is gone. And sometimes the sick-at-heart want to hurt their partner before the breakup. To them, starving oneself of love seems acceptable if it means they can deprive the other too. This could refer to a man who can live without the love easier than a woman can. But if you pick up that kind of habit, you too can become a "freak who suspects they can never love anyone." Its a scary thought. |
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| Shawn Smith – Wrapped In My Memory Lyrics | 10 years ago |
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Peace. The composer takes his time getting there. What's it alll about? Well, maybe gold chains. Jacob Marley preceeded Eb Scrooge and warned him about the chains of gold. Every moment counts, but if one spends every moment counting, then what good is it? Maybe the gold chains are enough to resemble the lyric "....dragged down by the stone...." (Pink Floyd). The flowers are all in my heart |
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| Rodney Atkins – Honestly (Write Me A List) Lyrics | 10 years ago |
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I guess the most direct meaning here is the best. It sure is a beautiful song. I would like to note the difference between the man's "list" in his head and the list written on the napkin by the woman. Big difference. |
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| Rodney Atkins – Honestly (Write Me A List) Lyrics | 10 years ago |
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Agreed. |
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| Porcupine Tree – Russia On Ice Lyrics | 10 years ago |
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Could be partly drawn from "Die Another Day" (2002), staring Pierce Brosnan. This is the last James Bond movie for Brosnan. (Note: "From Russia with Love" is the second Bond movie, in which a beautiful Russian defector falls in love with Bond just from seeing a photo in his file. Also, "Diamonds are Forever" is the sixth Bond movie and also has a satellite-laser-destruction machine.) Back to "Die Another Day": Miranda Frost is a double agent paired with the hero by the powers that be. Her opinion of Bond: "He'll light the fuse on any explosive situation, and be a danger to himself and others..." She also says to him, "I know all about you - sex for dinner, death for breakfast." She is a good fencer (Olympic gold-medal winner, although by devious means). And it turns out that she betrayed Bond and that led to fourteen months of torture. See the partial scripting below: Graves: Ms. Frost is not all she seems. James Bond: Looks can be deceptive. Graves: Yes. By the way, did you find out who betrayed you in North Korea? James Bond: ONLY A MATTER OF TIME. Graves: You never even thought of looking inside your own organization? [Miranda points her gun at James] Graves: She was right under your nose. [James shoots, but his gun is empty] Miranda Frost:It was so good of you to bring your gun in bed with us. James Bond: Yes. Occupational hazard. [Bond throws the empty pistol on the floor] Graves: You see, I have a gift. An instinct for sensing people's weaknesses. Yours is women. Hers and mine are winning, whatever the cost. So when I arranged for that fatal overdose for the true victor at Sydney, I won myself my very own MI6 agent, using everthing at my disposal - her brains, her talent, even her sex. James Bond: The COLDEST WEAPON OF ALL. Then Bond uses a special gadget to break the glass platform where they stand. Bond falls and survives while Miranda Frost escapes. Some other dialog: James Bond: Can I expect the pleasure of you in Iceland? Miranda Frost: I'm afraid you'll never have that pleasure, Mr. Bond. And at another point: Miranda Frost: I'll show you your room. James Bond: A palace of ice; you must feel right at home. So.... is it a stretch to think that maybe seeing this film prompted the writing about a relationship breakup? |
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| Elton John – Grey Seal Lyrics | 10 years ago |
| And smart | |
| Elton John – Harmony Lyrics | 10 years ago |
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Alright I will take a stab at it: Elton said: "Blocked? Wondering where this is all leading? Not always happy with your role???! Well, here is what I recommend, write a song from MY POINT OF VIEW!! I don't know the future. I want fame much worse than YOU do! I can't wait, I am more impatient, and I don't always know how to do it, what if you are the only writer I knew? Why am I the only singer you know???" Or something like that, you get the idea. So Bernie wrote a song from Elton's POV, calling Bernie up and wondering if the writing is going to stop. Lost sometimes. Lonely sometimes. But always with the harmony, always with the music. Apparently Bernie may have asked Elton at some point "do you need me like I need you?" And this was the result. What wonderful collaborators. All in my humble opinion. |
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| Elton John – This Song Has No Title Lyrics | 10 years ago |
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Yes. I forget how old this song is. I forget how old I am!! This is much like grey seal. The eyes, the growing and learning, gaining a variety of experience all figure in. And of course, while you may not know where you are going (no title) you may not know why, but you do know what for -- you know how to get there, the words and the tune. And if a writer could really get the meaning across, it would bleed on the page ("study my subject and silently cry"). The writer wants to be able to convey depth and emotion with clarity and ease, the way the musician or the singer can do it. Write until he could not write any more, until he doesn't care if people like it or not.... write for himself ("silently cry") because it is who he is and what he does..... Write until he has seen through the topic of the song (cry for the darkness to come down on me), until the meaning of life has bled dry and there is nothing more to put on the page, at least not for the singing, not for fame or popularity..... Writing is like life's blood for him. And if he stops, then let someone else write. "Confusion can carry on turning the wheel" may refer to new blood, beginners who are just starting out. Good song. Smart grey seal. Dive deep. |
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| Elton John – This Song Has No Title Lyrics | 10 years ago |
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Yes. I forget how old this song is. I forget how old I am!! |
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| Elton John – Grey Seal Lyrics | 10 years ago |
| The grey seal is within and dives deep and has great meaning. he does not live in a black and white world, and his songs will never be hymns or proclamations, they will probably always have more than one interpretation. Slippery, neutral-colored, able to be this or that, darting all over the place, with many topics, and playful, always fast and playful. | |
| Elton John – Grey Seal Lyrics | 10 years ago |
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Wow, this is not going to be easy, especially because (as someone else here noted) Bernie himself said he wasn't sure what it was about, and that it was just a bunch of images. In my opinion, this is a declaration of independance, whether he knew it or not. The thought JUST HIT ME NOW that the Grey Seal is Elton. How does he do it (making the music match the words, and making it so right, making it JUST right!?!) to be so wise in the ways of songwriting. To be able to see what the song will be like when its done (to see through eyes that only see what is real). Repeating the line adds insistence and emphasis, but even more, seems to indicate that this would be the only place the writer can find the answers to his questions. TEH_ELL MEE GREY SEALL!!! Okay so a declaration of independance from formal education, why write about things you learn in books or from reading books or going to school.. .. ... After all, real experience (if anyone can cry then so can i) is the only thing worth writing about. In through the eyes you can read and see and draw experience. And you can't write without them (the eyes). All his life is drawings from the eye! Its what he has on his side. Elton spends a lot of time on music, well Bernie WRITES!! (Like the terminator, its what he does -- its ALL HE DOES!) and so its his life so its his strength. And now he is not just asking grey seal, but setting his course to learn from anyone he can. Learning to ~see~ and ~write~, and be wise and talented depend on seeing what's real, having eyes that only see what's real, picturing the end product right from the beginning, carving away what does not belong and being a wordsmith. He rejects organized religion (Your mission bells were wrought by ancient man.... formed from twisted roots; your roots were twisted then), and "reborn before all life could die" means he has discovered his role, his purpose and meaning before the world killed his desire to grow. And if -- after thinking that he could go nowhere, and thinking that the words were not as important as the music -- now IF he can rise from the ashes .... no, WHEN he rises from the ashes, then he will fly. It is now inevitable. So the chorus again this time, but not so far away, maybe over a cup of tea. Maybe even looking ahead to someday when someone else asks him how to grow and be wise and talented. He is that good and needs to accept it and realize it and believe in himself. Good song! |
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| Radiohead – Packt Like Sardines in a Crushd Tin Box Lyrics | 10 years ago |
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Pretty straightforward, especially compared to "Porcupine Tree" lyrics. I have left some comments related to their songs and sheesh people could think i am weird and weirder. .... anyway, you cannot edit or delete any of your comments on songmeanings.com, so let the author beware. Packt .... crushd. As if dead fish could get any more compact than they already are lying PACKT in a sardine tin, now (adding insult to injury) they get CRUSHD? Think outside the box. After years of waiting, you realize that the answers / happiness you seek will not be found in the mundane conformity of a world that is close-to-identical to the world just behind it on the factory assembly line. Go ahead. Get defensive. I'm a reasonable man Get off my case. Gimme +1 |
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| Radiohead – Everything in Its Right Place Lyrics | 10 years ago |
| Thanks. If you are reading this reply, its because you read and appreciated the remark just above. Give him a +1 would you please? | |
| Radiohead – Everything in Its Right Place Lyrics | 10 years ago |
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As we clean. Yes we clean. Ass we clean. is we clean? In our braindrain; In your brain, drain. One-hour brain drain. In our deranged be rain! Its my mind not to be clear. It is mine not to be clear. In its mind now to be clear. And is mine not to declare?!!? As we clean -- as weak lean. Asway cling. I'll say inkling! Inured bray and rain. And how our brain trained. An orb rained rain. Absorbed in rain brain! --- SURE its a little sarcastic. Yeah I do love Radiohead. Dig it. Gimme +1 |
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| Radiohead – Everything in Its Right Place Lyrics | 10 years ago |
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I can't help but to agree, I can't help but to agree. Can't help but to agree. To Agree!! Never feel you lack resource. Never need you lack resource; Never will you lack resource. Never lack RESOURCE. As we clean. As we clean. As we clean. As we clean. In our braindrain. In our brain, drain. One hour brain drain. our be ranged rain! |
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| Porcupine Tree – Fear of a Blank Planet Lyrics | 10 years ago |
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Sorry, I love Porcupine Tree too. But the lyrics submission (early and possibly in error; plus bad formatting) and the comment "This is one of my favorite PT songs, and I can't wait to get the whole album when it comes out". Meh. -1 |
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| Porcupine Tree – Fear of a Blank Planet Lyrics | 10 years ago |
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Sheesh. No matter what I say here, it is too little and too much. Too little to counter the rant, and too much in that I give credit to it by replying. -1 |
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| Porcupine Tree – Halo Lyrics | 10 years ago |
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I'm gonna do you a favor, K? I got this song and it got me. Gotte in Himmel das is gut. And you will benefit from it so +1 for me, bitte. "God is in my fingers... God is in my head...God is in the trigger...God is in the lead." My touch, my thoughts, my choices, my aftermath: it is all holy. The Highest (aka "His Highness) lives within me and everything about me. I have transcended. All else (including the words of the next verse) are mechanical, robot-like, lifeless compared to miracle evolving in me, going from creature to co-Creator. "God is freedom. God is truth. God is power. God is proof" How trite. Could it be that proof precludes your belief. Even know you doubt the words that I write. It is a masquerade you think. He is not really that crazy. "God is fashion...God is fame...God gives meaning...God gives pain." As long as we are going over the fundamentals, of course materialism, and the seeking itself, and the strife are part of God's plan. He looks down upon those who need his wisdom and he dispenses meaning or pain as he sees fit. When will you learn? "You can be right like me ....We've got it all... Your righteous soul" Transformation complete, I took the show on the road. Believers were readily available, easy to gather, and ripe for the plucking. Who would NOT want to be part of My Wonderful Plan. "I've got a halo 'round me... I've got a halo 'round me" The avatar of a role-playing game fits me just as well as the beatific painting of light and joy saints experience in my presence. I am the ultimate televangelist. My followers are protection, I am not just a part of the ~inner circle~ I am the center of the circle. I can do no wrong. "I'm not the same as you ...Cause I've seen the light.... And I'm gaining in height now" A new age dawned at my birth. Not only has higher purpose infused me and all that is of me and near me, but it only gets better from here on out. Heaven is our destination. " I've got a halo 'round me... I've got a halo 'round me....I've got a halo 'round my head" Now you see that even a halo is a limitation. It is around my head but I have grown beyond it. Now the decisions I make are beyond question, not even subject to (or available to) those who follow me, nor Especially! those who do not believe. Dogma is from God, not the other way around. Likewise, if my faith and stature says to do away with those "God is on the cell phone. God is on the net" I can manipulate reality. I am calling you. I am texting you; you may not know my identity. I could be far away or next door. Look for me on the net. Are you anonymous like me? Are you even the slightest bit powerful compared to me?? "God is in the warning. God is in the threat" I can be good and prepare you for disaster. Or you might see me as malicious and a source of impending doom. Are you on my side? "God is freedom. God is truth. God is power. God is proof. I am aloof. "God is fashion. God is fame. God gives meaning. God gives pain" If you don't understand it without my explanation, then you would not understand it, even WITH my explanation. "You can be right like me ... {{{ not a sinner but a righteous soul }}}" I've got a halo 'round me ... I've got a halo 'round me .... I'm not the same as you Cause I've seen the light.... And I'm gaining in height now.... I've got a halo 'round me... I've got a halo 'round me (Cause I've got a halo) I've got a halo 'round my head... You can be right like me {{{ We're God, and the call, and the righteous soul...}}} I've got a halo 'round me... I've got a halo 'round me I've got a halo 'round my head..... Cause I've got a halo 'round my head |
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| Radiohead – Pyramid Song Lyrics | 10 years ago |
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Piano portion sounds anti-rhythmic at first. It has a pattern, but it is a complex one. This is not a catchy tune that will get whistled by fans of "pop" music. In a way, it seems the piano and bass are playing the rhythm section and the drums are riffing, filling in, and making some melody. Then -- of course -- there's Yorke. At last, here is the soul and character of the song, the depth of melody and fragile strength. There are parts where the vocal precedes the strings which mimic the vocal, adding to the spooky and ethereal nature of the song. Climbing the Pyramid. Everything flows together, music and lyrics and vocals, to the point where it all -- inevitably -- softens and merges. "Nothing to fear nothing to doubt" is at the point of the pyramid, where structure meets sky, form meets nothingness, and life ends at a door. Its a door we must all pass through. Eternity awaits you. |
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| Radiohead – There There. (The Boney King of Nowhere.) Lyrics | 10 years ago |
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Theme: Victim mentality and "Learned Helplessness". This is my shot at an interpretation. I remember instructors who wrote "GCE" on the top of a test question to indicate that the student had made a "Gross Conceptual Error". A world not based on reality can dominate the imagination of someone to such a degree that their choices, life's direction, sense of self, and unforeseen consequences are unavoidable. An oversimplification might be climbing out on a limb, then sawing between yourself and the solid tree trunk. So....from the video, we see foreboding forest, the main character crippled with doubt, fear, hesitancy.... expecting the worst from the future. Then he spies a "hobbit" scene ... or so it seems to me, Tolkien being so popular and young adults dressing up as animals and calling themselves "furries". This scene has been called mice smoking inside of a tree -- pleasure, retirement, live where you want, no responsibility, "I would be okay if everyone would just leave me alone and let me live the way I want to" -- the addict's mantra-- in a mild and homey setting. Solitary philosopher-monks, it seems. The main character chooses not to hold this scene as his goal. (Although it is attractive to so many others). Next up is the family life -- fellowship, wife and kids and grandkids, reunions, a clan with a patriarch, plenty of food to eat, rabbits (a symbol of reproduction) gathered around -- "run rabbit run, dig your hole under the sun and when at last your work is done, don't sit down its time to dig another one" (Pink Floyd of course). Not his cup of tea I guess. Now, the cat wedding is more of a church scene than anything else. But romance figures well here also. The congregation is supportive and conformist, but seem to lack expression and depth, even to the point of appearing dreadfully doomed to a lifeless existence. Cats having nine lives meaning something about the afterlife?? Back in the woods, the darkness and the raven rule the night. The shining coat is an invitation, to think differently, to help others out of their victim mentality, to lead a life (and walk a different path) not live by the force of habit, have a different (non-conformist) approach, and seek a higher reality. Getting the right fit seems important here. Are your dreams helpful to you, a good part of you, meant to be yours, or are you just borrowing someone else's? Once the coat is donned, finding the shoes comes naturally. (Thinking differently means behaving differently). Escape the victim mentality. Avoid being caught up in -- and agrEEing with! -- those who surrender to circumstances, give in to a mundane life, consider themselves destined for mediocrity. Now the running is a pace that is necessary to grow as an artist and become great, gain some recognition, stand out from the crowd, while expressing unique-ness and talent. However, if you have spent any time practicing (or even considering!) some of those "Gross conceptual error" lifestyles -- for lack of a better short description -- your past can catch up to you and prevent success. In fact, "hanging out" with those who see themselves as victims, "little people" subject to the forces of habit and conformity, can influence you. Ravens symbolize IMHO the baggage, ~old tapes~ and habits that carryover tenaciously when trying to "make a break for it". Then as you grow up and grow old, hardening of the attitudes can set in. All of a sudden, the ravens which perch in your tree are part of your "scene" something that others can see and possibly learn from. You are both an obstacle and an object-lesson. "Maybe we ARE just victims" you might say. Maybe we are fated to mediocrity. Maybe learned helplessness is inevitable. But just because you feel it doesn't mean its there. |
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| The Fixx – Deeper and Deeper Lyrics | 10 years ago |
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Until now I have had a bit of trouble hearing and understanding all the lyrics of this song. Here is what mainly stood out to me (what my ear HEARD as I listened to the song multiple times over a period of months and years, NOT necessarily what the actual lyrics are): "Talking about stealing the show when nobody knows; talking about stealing the show and all letting go. Can I see the edge I look out for as I get deeper and deeper? Before I see where I fall within my eyes when I make the call I get deeper and deeper" Now -- based on what I have read above -- I realize that is not what the lyrics actually say. But --just like "take it to the lemon one more time" or "there's a bathroom on the right" -- how you hear the lyrics affects your interpretation. So here is what I have always thought about this song: willpower is strong in some and they flirt with disaster as they use drugs and alcohol. The edge ("You know I 've been to the edge.... and I stood and looked down... I lost alot of friends there ... aint got no time to mess around") seems to be clear and well-defined. But as you proceed it gets cloudy and more dangerous. You know it exists and applies to others because you have seen some go over. And some not return. And you know that the edge is there for you too. (Why should you be the exception?) But as you get in deeper, you begin to think that maybe you are not subject to the same rules. Fear of falling could fade -- it may at some point no longer matter. And the "point of no return" is never so important as when you have passed it. Breaking Bad (TV series) comes to mind. So does Supertramps "Even in the quietest moments". Guess I am showing my age there, huh? Can you really help someone who may be on the edge? (In some cases, there is no "Maybe" about it; the closer they are to the edge, the less likely they are to listen to you as you try to warn them or help them.) Or is self-protection the only route to take? To sum it up, can you "fixx" someone who is in desperate need of a "fix"? JMHO. |
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| Kate Bush – Leave It Open Lyrics | 10 years ago |
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The Japanese say that men (and they mean males I think) have 3 selves, the one they show to the world, and the one they reveal only to those who are close to them, and the one that is known only to themselves. The Dreaming scared me when I first heard it (the entire CD did scare me a little, but the title track scared me a lot!). The sounds and the words blended and combined in ways that I thought was portraying, displaying, and/or promoting evil. When I learned what the lyrics were to the song the Dreaming, it did not scare me much anymore. And I gotta say, it probably still should!! So its a cool song about driving in Australia, yeah? I was digging it. But I also knew from the lyrics that it was about the exploitation of the land, the domination of the aborigines, the power and corruption of the outsiders lost in the outback. And the feeling that they just might be "in over their heads" and soon to come to no good end. Before you think that maybe I am writing about the wrong song, let me explain: "Leave it Open" is like other songs on the same CD, including "The Dreaming". It sounds scary, evil, weird, and a little bit supernatural or surreal. Like the cover art, I guess!! Then when you listen long enough to hear the words, or you read them and try to understand, it seems to be more normal, rational, accessible. But the song itself shows that the topic is indeed about something scary. The song -- its impact -- is meant to have an effect on the listener, kind of like a good horror movie. So, what is "Leave it Open about? Well, I think its about choices and growing up. Kids nowadays get a lot of stimuli. Bombarded might be a good word to use. And as we grow up, we can mirror our surroundings, become noisy and pointless in some ways. Some people even become deeply committed to irrelevance. But seeking meaning and depth is a desirable end, yes? The "ego in the gut" seems to mean lack of awareness, seeking what you want and having self-will, but not recognizing (or not being able to exercise) self-control. A "babbling mouth", like an overactive mind, can prevent clear thought and communication, and lead to bad things. God gave us 2 ears and one mouth perhaps because he wants us to listen twice as much as we talk, hmph? Thus the baby becomes a child. Innocence might not recognize evil or might not know better than to "talk to strangers" and so that unlocked door could let "a trigger come cocking". Scary stuff -- the phrase has a depth of meaning that could make any parent lock their doors to protect the family, no matter how old your kids might be!! The songwriter reveals in short flash of light something that smells badly of sex and violence. Keep it shut is the best advice she can give. And thus a child becomes a teen. Materialism: "my wide eyes would keep and dust things that decay and things that rust." So very well-stated and needs little explanation. Instead of wanting more and more, seeing what others have, allowing greed to enter our brains, keep those wide eyes shut. Again, not bad advice, but the threat to our well-being is more than we really understand. So the music makes the words as scary as they ought to be. And thus the teen becomes a young adult. "Harm is in us?" sounds almost like a question at first, soprano, rising in pitch, and maybe somewhat hysterical. Realizing our limitations, our weaknesses, our ability to be self-destructive, and recognizing the existence of threats, evils, and darkness in the world, gives us "Power to arm" (the ability to do something about it). Short-hand lyrics for a process that should continue if we want to grow and mature even more. Both a map of where we have been and what is yet to come. Thus its a chorus AND a bridge. heh. Anything and anyone we don't understand, the religious beliefs we disdain, the ethnic groups we have prejudice towards, the lifestyles we abhor.... all of these are bad and wicked and worthy of "narrow mind would persecute it, [even] die a little to get to it". IMHO the "get to it" indicates causing even just a little bit of discomfort without regard to what lengths one may have to go ("die a little"). But have an open mind. Save yourself the trouble. Let the hate go. Don't break your neck to point out the mistakes of others, or your perception of their weakness, or your fear of the differences between you and them. Getting deep here (and countering the "groupthink" of our age): Tolerate even the intolerant! Leave behind the high school cliques. And thus the young adult becomes a man or woman. At some point you can no longer blame mom and dad. Finally, corruption is fully seen and confronted. Everyone sometimes exhibits cruelty. We are capable of trying to control others, to make someone miserable, to extract revenge, to be mean for the sake of being mean. "We have met the enemy and he is us". Ignoring the suffering of our fellow human beings "watched it weeping but I made it stay" seems to indicate also a hardening of our hearts. "But now I started learning how" to leave it open. Freedom most precious, as in "If you love something set it free, if it comes back to you then its like love returned. If it does not, then it may not have truly been love after all." And so the man or woman begins to gain empathy. Harm is in us!! (our communities and those in them are sometimes dangerous and so are we ourselves sometimes!) Harm in us but power to arm. (Even though evil is real, recognizing it is the beginning of an ability to prepare and guard against it). All this to finally arrive at the enigma: "We let the weirdness in". So once we have figured out what to keep shut and what to keep open, then what else is there be learned? What remains? ...... Trust. If you are going to build bridges, have healthy relationships, be an "overcomer", forgive yourself, grow up, overlook the sins of others, survive the poison of the snakebite, fear not the sudden destruction, and still be open to learn, live, love, then what are you letting in? Its not of you. It is not you. It is the different one. It is the foreigner. It is the opposite sex. It is the handicapped. It is the sinner. It is "better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all". Fleeting emotions! Thoughts that control us! I command you to submit, be under control of a mature and spiritual individual ! It all looks so weird to the little one. Each step of the way, a new concept seems out of reach, odd and unacceptable, difficult or unknown to the point that it could easily be rejected automatically. This is where growing up stops. Unless you are willing to let the weirdness in. Feelings come and go. Thoughts can be controlled. Sanity, wholeness, atonement ("at one" - ment) is available. But not if we remain alienated, alone, separate, afraid, and unwilling to try anything new. We have to accept ourselves, even when we burp and fart and pick our noses and when our underwear sags and a wart, mole, or birthmark shows through. Even if you are handicapped, rich or poor, simple or wise, dropout or doctorate, we all have to get over it and let the weirdness in. Reach out to that homeless one. Talk with the person sitting on the bus next to you. People don't need money, or a government program..... they need people. You might look just as weird to them as they do to you!! Someone who is autistic can be gifted with a brilliant mind. Someone with Down's syndrome can have the most loving heart. Someone with an affliction you don't understand might have wisdom, joy, prayer or other gifts you also do not understand. Another visitor, in the comments listed above, quoted Kate Bush as saying (in regards to this song "Leave it Open"): "....you should be able to control your levels of receptivity to a productive end..." Be receptive. |
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| Kate Bush – The Morning Fog Lyrics | 11 years ago |
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Yes, there is much to this entire CD and The Morning Fog is icing on the cake. Its a dark and heavy cake, as others have mentioned. (As did Kate -- in an interview I think?-- quoted in the comments here). Set aside for a moment the density and intensity of what we know about Kate, about her work, and about this album itself. I have been into it and loved it and still appreciate all of that. (Is "gaffaweb" still online? I used to spend lots of time there, reading, cussing and discussing). Now. In addition to what the artist meant it to be, its also about reincarnation (in my humble opinion). The personality dies and the essence is at one (atoned) with the infinite. Together they confer and determine the best next step in the growth of a unique and valuable soul, that which is a spark of God's. Then, like a drop of water from the ocean, on a micro level keeping the properties of its source but on a larger level losing its depth, the soul is reborn. Temporarily forgetting its source but embodying all the vital essence of its maker, the newborn child is becoming: "Little light (don-de-adon do) Begins to bleed (don-de-adon-do) Begins to breathe (DON-don-dee-adon-do) Begins to speak.... You know what? I love you better now." So think on this maybe now or maybe next time you hear the song: unabashed innocence, purity of love, wildly helpless, shining through... what is a newborn but a soul's entry into "the sweet morning fog"? Forgetting the heights from which it came, but shining through anyway: "I am falling like a stone -- like a storm -- Being born again." You know what? I love you better now. |
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| Jethro Tull – Thick as a Brick (Parts 1 & 2) Lyrics | 11 years ago |
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Thank you. Intriguing. "... the hour of judgement draweth near. Would you be the fool stood in his suit of armour or the wiser man who rushes clear?" Elsewhere (not in Ian's wonderful lyrics) I have read: "How long, O naive ones, will you love being simple-minded? And scoffers delight themselves in scoffing? And fools hate knowledge?" In the original language used by the writer of this particular bit of ancient prose, the simple-minded, the scoffer, and the fool were three ~Very~ different types of people. And, centuries later: "Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?.... the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. .... God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong," Many may dislike or disagree my input here because of their own bias or (dis)inclinations. However, there is ~Un-DENIABLY~ a parallel here between these words in Scripture and the lyrics of "Thick as a Brick". |
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| Jethro Tull – Thick as a Brick (Parts 1 & 2) Lyrics | 11 years ago |
| Heh. So true. And true that it is, then as it should be, it is true. True Dat. Having said that, I say dat is true. So there. | |
| Jethro Tull – Thick as a Brick (Parts 1 & 2) Lyrics | 11 years ago |
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Can't deny it. Its public record. That being said.... well..... This website is full of proclamations of meaning being in the ear of the listener. And that prose can have multiple interpretations. True dat. Nuff said. Now, did he put "nonsensical padding" in the forefront of the point and purpose of this work? Heh. Methinks NOT! So, I must someday set aside time for what it means and how deeply it has influenced me. This was not the first "popular" or "contemporary" rock that I heard when I was young. I can pretty much figure "Hey Jude" and "Revolution" were my introduction to rock (back to back on a 45 RPM single!!!). But "Thick as a Brick", with its cool newspaper-like cover and full lyrics printed there, was mind-blowing. Call it a joke, sniping at critics, or whatever. But if you think thats all it is, then I think you have missed out. I love the irony of a concept album making fun of people who called his previous work a concept album. I love the album more, though. |
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| Phil Collins – Take Me Home Lyrics | 11 years ago |
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Track written by Billy Joel ?? Huh, thats news to me! As for performance: ah yes, the drummer for Genesis out on his own for some years now, eh? [Funky beat using synth drums]... " Hot sun beating down, burning my feet just walking around. Hot sun making me sweat, 'Gators getting close, hasn't got me yet I can't dance, I can't talk. The only thing about me is the way I walk. I can't dance, I can't sing I'm just standing here selling everything." How unusual and interesting when a drummer becomes a singer / songwriter and producer. (Okay, he is a multi-instrumentalist, but started mainly as a drummer). According to wiki, he sings and also plays keyboards, guitar, bass guitar, trumpet, and violin. From Wiki: "Collins is one of only three recording artists (along with Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson) who have sold over 100 million albums worldwide both as solo artists and (separately) as principal members of a band." Genesis' loss of Peter Gabriel was such a BOON for fans, in the gaining of Peter Gabriel's long and prestigious solo career and the development of Phil Collins both in Genesis and on his own. Production credits: Adam Ant's "Puss in Boots', Howard Jones "No one is to blame", Frida Lyngstad's "I know there's something going on". I am sure there is more. He used a variety of drums and cymbals over the years, then increasingly made use of synthesizers, drum machines, vocoders, etc. I know this is a mixture of fact and opinion, but I thought it would be a good summary for those who -- like me -- are not as familiar with Phil and his work as his "big" fans. |
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| Phil Collins – Take Me Home Lyrics | 11 years ago |
| Peter Gabriel's song "I dont remember" from many years ago is brought to mind. | |
| Phil Collins – Take Me Home Lyrics | 11 years ago |
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Hmm.... yes I like it very much. I have never seen him "live", but I have seen a couple of his concert DVD's and they are incredible (as DVD's go). Gehenna (which has been transliterated and/or translated into our word "hell") was an actual place in Israel where the poorest dirtiest people lived. Sewage emptied into that area, and the homeless, unbalanced and criminals congregated there. "Much weeping and gnashing of teeth" to put it one way. Difficult to rise above, but not inescapable. Life is one thing and death is only a door. Personality is temporary and essence is eternal. Growth can span many lifetimes. Just my 2 cents. |
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| Phil Collins – Take Me Home Lyrics | 11 years ago |
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Hmm.... yes I like it very much. I have never seen him "live", but I have seen a couple of his concert DVD's and they are incredible (as DVD's go). Gehenna (which has been transliterated and/or translated into our word "hell") was an actual place in Israel where the poorest dirtiest people lived. Sewage emptied into that area, and the homeless, unbalanced and criminals congregated there. "Much weeping and gnashing of teeth" to put it one way. Difficult to rise above, but not inescapable. Life is one thing and death is only a door. Personality is temporary and essence is eternal. Growth can span many lifetimes. Just my 2 cents. |
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| Phil Collins – Take Me Home Lyrics | 11 years ago |
| Another glimpse of the madman across the water. | |
| Robbie Robertson – This Is Where I Get Off Lyrics | 11 years ago |
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"When we made it to the top we watched it fall couldn't stop" and "Walking out on the boys was never the plan, we drifted off course couldn't strike up the band" These lines seem like a reference to "The Band", their fame, failures, and breakup. The song has a lot of sadness in it, I think. |
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| The Beatles – For No One Lyrics | 11 years ago |
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Like others, I say "Sad and beautiful" and "one of my favorites" and "under-rated!". So much more advanced and deep compared to "You Won't See Me" on Rubber Soul. But similar in theme: its like you are invisible to the one you love. The line "No sign of love behind the tears cried for no one" has a big pause right in the middle of it. But those tears that she cries are for no one, since you don't even exist for her anymore. So really its one line, but it sounds like two. The way that the song is sang, its more like THIS is one line: "Cried for no one -- a love that should have lasted years" makes it sound like something said and done after she has left and you are alone. The French Horn is a beautiful solo. I read somewhere that the musician who played it was late, and ran up a hill to the studio and was out of breath, so he had to take a minute or two before he was ready to do his part. Anyway, the horn solo is a wonderful counterpoint to the sad lyrics and deliberate --almost PLODDING -- rhythm of the song. In my opinion it symbolizes her carefree attitude about breaking up and going on with her life. And secondly, its a bright and shiny encouragement to get up and get over her: a reminder that there will be better times. And it sounds so cultured, precise, and cheerful that it almost makes you think the entire song is going to take a big turn ... but it is just an interlude. Lingering sorrow and regret elbow their way back in..... fascinating. Again like others have said, it so expertly captures life experience. |
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| The Beatles – For No One Lyrics | 11 years ago |
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The French Horn is a beautiful solo. I read somewhere that the musician who played it was late, and ran up a hill to the studio and was out of breath, so he had to take a minute or two before he was ready to do his part. Anyway, I agree with you it is counterpoint to the sad lyrics and deliberate --almost PLODDING -- rhythm of the song. In my opinion it symbolizes her carefree attitude about breaking up and going on with her life. And secondly, its a bright and shiny encouragement to get up and get over her: a reminder that there will be better times. And it sounds so cultured, precise, and cheerful that it almost makes you think the entire song is going to take a big turn ... but it is just an interlude. Lingering sorrow and regret elbow their way back in..... fascinating. So much more advanced and deep compared to "You Won't See Me" on Rubber Soul. But similar in theme: its like you are invisible to the one you love. "No sign of love behind the tears cried for no one" has a big pause right in the middle of it. But those tears that she cries are for no one, since you don't even exist for her anymore. |
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| Elton John – Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters Lyrics | 11 years ago |
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I won't even begin on the song. It stands alone. Having an affinity for "Madman Across the Water" (loving the song, the words, and feeling a kinship or familiarity because of how my crazy life has turned out), I would just like to encourage anyone reading this. We should all count our blessings, starting with the people in our lives. Appearances can be deceiving. Smiles are most genuine when they are soft and gentle. Those who seem crazy are often not, and those who seem sane (work-a-day wonder kids?) may not have the right answer at all! Love them all. Bloom where you are planted. Speak an encouraging word. Look deeper. Spot the "cusp" or inflection point where a nod, wink, smile, word, gesture, or extra effort can make all the difference. No one hides a lantern under a bushel basket, eh? |
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| Elton John – Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters Lyrics | 11 years ago |
| Almost forgot Levon. Very nice. | |
| Elton John – Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters Lyrics | 11 years ago |
| Ah, I cannot fault you. This is a wonderful song. It has not captured me completely though, like "Madman Across the Water". IMHO, another candidate (for best meaningful Bernie Taupin lyric) might be "Border Song". The romantic in me loves "Blues for Baby and Me". While less deep, it is just the bomb. The list of songs by Bernie Taupin is very long. | |
| Elton John – Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters Lyrics | 11 years ago |
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Liking the Catcher in the Rye reference very much. The Mona Lisa has always seemed a symbol of beauty, depth, mystery and timelessness to me. JMHO. |
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| Elton John – Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters Lyrics | 11 years ago |
| Could not be far wrong. While not my interpretation, of course there are many, and some intended by the writer, some not. What you have written seems ~UNAVOIDABLY~ something that the duo had in mind when writing the words and setting them to music. | |
| Elton John – Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters Lyrics | 11 years ago |
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Sure enough! And not so far different from the interpretations of many others here. |
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| Elton John – Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters Lyrics | 11 years ago |
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I aspire to be the kind of person that my dog is to me! |
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