The lyrics of "The Pan Within" by The Waterboys invite the listener on a journey of self-discovery and introspection. The imagery of going beneath the skin suggests delving deep into one's innermost thoughts and emotions. The reference to Pan, a Greek god associated with nature, wilderness, and fertility, hints at finding a connection to the natural world and one's own primal instincts.
The repetitive refrain of "close your eyes, breathe slow we'll begin" creates a sense of guided meditation, as if the singer is leading the listener on a spiritual exploration. The mention of swinging hips and losing one's head adds a physical element to the journey, as if encouraging the listener to let go of inhibitions and surrender to the experience.
The lyrics also touch on themes of love, desire, and surrender. The mention of lovers, thieves, fools, and pretenders suggests that everyone is on their own journey of self-discovery, and that by surrendering to the process, one can find their true self. The idea of sanctifying the night and finding pleasure in the wind and stars further emphasizes the spiritual and sensual nature of the journey.
Overall, "The Pan Within" is a poetic and introspective song that encourages listeners to explore their innermost selves and find a connection to the natural world and their own primal instincts. It is a call to surrender to the journey of self-discovery and embrace the depths of one's own being.
Popular Lyrics
- Chart for January 10, 2026
More Featured Meanings
The Pan Within
Waterboys, The
Waterboys, The
Through The Dark
Sundays, The
Sundays, The
The lyrics to through the dark seem to reference several film tropes and cinematic imagery, rather than a single specific movie. The references to “Sicilian men” and “brides in black shawls” could evoke scenes from classic mafia or Italian films, possibly drawing from films like The Godfather, which deals with Sicilian traditions and family honor. The imagery of a “silver-screen starlet,” “black and white blonde,” and a “smoke-filled room” could be nodding to the noir or old Hollywood genre, referencing anonymous blonde actresses who were often central to those films but remembered more for their image than their names.
The idea of repeated televised lines and the feeling of having “seen the film before” might suggest commentary on familiar stories that we’ve seen repeated in cinema, especially those involving violence, loss, and tradition. The mixture of personal emotion and cinematic elements suggests a blending of personal experience with iconic film imagery.
Code Of Silence
Billy Joel
Billy Joel
Code Of Silence was basically a Cyndi Lauper penned-song that Billy Joel performed. He was on a writers block and needed to complete a few more tracks so he could cut The Bridge and had Cyndi Lauper assist him on completing the song. She also sang some vocals on the song, but it was essentially a Cyndi Lauper song in DNA with some Billy Joel lyrics. The story of the song in terms of lyrics are about someone who is bottling in their secrets or aspects of their life, when it may be better to live truthfully. The song has often been described as "labored" but I personally have always enjoyed it, even if it is more than likely a filler track on an 80s Joel album.
Timothy
Buoys, The
Buoys, The
Bad luck, Tim.
Show Me a Little Shame
Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals
Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals
He certainly did earn that reputation.