Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
You're not doing it this alone
You're not doing,
You're not doing this alone
For my sweetheart the melancholic, you have crossed the river Styx
And the waves have taken you away
As I lay my head on your chest, I can hear it your veins
Wake me up when you come to bed
[Chorus]
So toughen up
Biko toughen up
Biko toughen up
This world isn't kind to little things
Was my love strong enough to bring you back from the dead
If I could eat your cancer I would but I can't
So I keep writing these songs for you
To steal you from your gray
And we can dance in our front room again
So toughen up
Biko toughen up
Biko toughen up
I need you be strong for us
[Chorus]
Don't you know that when you stand you stand up for the both of us
Remember that when the darkness looms
Every tear you shed is cleansing, taking the pain away from you
I left you blueberries in the fridge, the little things that I can do
You're not doing this alone
Resist
You're not doing,
You're not doing this alone
For my sweetheart the melancholic, you have crossed the river Styx
And the waves have taken you away
As I lay my head on your chest, I can hear it your veins
Wake me up when you come to bed
[Chorus]
So toughen up
Biko toughen up
Biko toughen up
This world isn't kind to little things
Was my love strong enough to bring you back from the dead
If I could eat your cancer I would but I can't
So I keep writing these songs for you
To steal you from your gray
And we can dance in our front room again
So toughen up
Biko toughen up
Biko toughen up
I need you be strong for us
[Chorus]
Don't you know that when you stand you stand up for the both of us
Remember that when the darkness looms
Every tear you shed is cleansing, taking the pain away from you
I left you blueberries in the fridge, the little things that I can do
You're not doing this alone
Resist
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Probably the most powerful and underrated song on the album, especially for those that have experienced a great loss to the hands of cancer.
"For my sweetheart the melancholic You have crossed the River Styx And the waves have taken you away"
The person in question is dead, they have crossed the river styx, they have been taken away.
Now, I believe the next verse begins a flashback, to when the person is first diagnosed with, presumably, cancer. He can't see the physical manifestation of the illness but "I can hear it in your veins", he knows it is there, inside here.
"You're not doing this alone" repeated throughout the verse implies he is very close to 'Biko', possibly romantically attached.
I don't like the "eat your cancer" line. yes it is graphic, but it is too candid, it just shoves cancer in your face, which to me, seems crude.
"I left you blueberries in the fridge, the little things..." Again, very powerful imagery. It shows the desperation of trying miracle cures like anti-oxidant rich blueberries, coupled with the helplessness he feels because, really, its just a "little thing" that he can do.
"resist" seems obvious, and the repetition shows a sense of urgency towards the end of the song as the flashback is drawing to its conclusion (Biko's death).
The line "when you stand up, you stand up for the both of us" is again very powerful. It is saying, if you cant do it for yourself, at least try for me. It isn't just yourself that you are fighting for, fight for me, just so I can have one more day with you. Again, this view is backed up by the constant "toughen up", the "resist" at the end, and the general tone of the song.
Its just a sad, sad song, and for me, it is this bands very best.
I really like your explanation. I already understood its meaning but your interpretation made the whole song much more graphic so thank you. As you said, cancer is very explicitly stated on the song but I don't think this is bad: is a song about a cancer stricken person and not trying to be one of those songs that "depend on someone's interpretation" (most of them). There's a place for songs like this.
I think the "eat your cancer" line is a nod to Nirvana.<br /> <br /> From Heart Shaped Box:<br /> <br /> She eyes me like a Pisces when I am weak<br /> I've been locked inside your heart-shaped box for weeks<br /> I've been drawn into your magnet tar pit trap<br /> I wish I could eat your cancer when you turn black