| The Cranberries – Zombie Lyrics | 13 years ago |
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I think the use of children in the music video is key in understanding this song. I really don't put much stock into the interpretations of the track being about post-traumatic stress syndrome. There is just not enough to support this idea, whereas there is plenty to support over views. I believe the song is about the conflict in Ireland, but it focusses on the civilian casualties. The children in the video illustrate the innocence of these victims. The line "it's not me, it's not my family" is a tragically brilliant summary of the attitude of people to war and death. I think this line is aimed mainly at the British citizens who were hardly sympathetic towards the death of Irish civilians, but may also be targeted towards some portions of the Irish community who cared little about what was going on unless they were directly affected. The lyric 'in your head they are fighting' I believe is a reference to British soldiers killing civilians (whether by accident or on purpose) the lyric is saying to the British troops - or even the British Government and the British public itself - that you are murdering these innocent civilians and justifying it by saying they are actively fighting you in the conflict, as if it is in self-defence. This idea is reinforced with the line 'it's the same old thing since 1916' the singer is suggesting that this arbitrary killing has been going on in recent memory since the Easter Rising, when over 300 civilians were killed and 2,000 wounded. I think the 'violence causes silence' line is particularly poignant. The band seem to be saying that with all this violence and death comes no protest from the British public. They are seeing this bloodshed but are not appealing to their government to stop their actions. There is little sympathy; no-one is crying for the deaths of these innocents, it falls on deaf ears. The Irish are alone in the misery. I think the cry of 'zombie' is directed at Britain. She is calling the British braindead for their attitude with regards to civilians. She's asking what we are thinking in allowing our government to commit these murderous acts, and why we are foolishly believing these civilians are a threat to our soldiers, when she shouts 'what's in your head' |
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| The Cranberries – Zombie Lyrics | 13 years ago |
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I think the use of children in the music video is key in understanding this song. I really don't put much stock into the interpretations of the track being about post-traumatic stress syndrome. There is just not enough to support this idea, whereas there is plenty to support over views. I believe the song is about the conflict in Ireland, but it focusses on the civilian casualties. The children in the video illustrate the innocence of these victims. The line "it's not me, it's not my family" is a tragically brilliant summary of the attitude of people to war and death. I think this line is aimed mainly at the British citizens who were hardly sympathetic towards the death of Irish civilians, but may also be targeted towards some portions of the Irish community who cared little about what was going on unless they were directly affected. |
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| Radiohead – Just Lyrics | 14 years ago |
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I think the 'he' and the adjectives used in reference to this 'he' is a personification of depression, but not the kind of clinical depression that should inspire our pity and compassion, it's the kind of depression that is self-inflicted through negative and pessimistic outlooks on life and people and the lack of effort to self improve one's self. In essence, allowing one's self to stagnate and be caught up in self pity and self loathing. The song basically says that these people don't deserve sympathy because they also manage to drag others down into the doldrums with their self-pity and depressed nature and that their condition is 'just' The video illustrates this point perfectly I believe. The man seemingly has nothing to be depressed and despondent about and the other man gets extremely angry at the man's behaviour and inertia. When the man on the floor conveys what has caused him to be lying on the pavement (basically moaned about his life and the way he feels) he drags the rest of them into his misery and they become like him. That's my take anyway. |
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| Muse – Resistance Lyrics | 14 years ago |
| It refers to Julia and Winston in 1984. There's enough indicators in the lyrics for this. | |
| Muse – Uprising Lyrics | 14 years ago |
| The whole album is inspired by 1984 | |
| Coldplay – Viva la Vida Lyrics | 14 years ago |
| 'the king is dead, long live the king' refers to the chants of revolutionaries during the French Revolution. | |
| Coldplay – Viva la Vida Lyrics | 14 years ago |
| Any good schoolboy should be aware that this refers to the French Revolution and the fall of King Louis XVI | |
| Interpol – Obstacle 1 Lyrics | 15 years ago |
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It's about a man struggling with his mortality and his aging I think he is also a man who has a mistress or on the contrary a man who is accused wrongly of infidelity. He's lamenting that his growing older could be the end of his libertine ways as he is no longer the attractive man he was. I think all of the lyric below refers to the man's wife who suspects his infidelity. "It's in the way that she poses" the way she stands and looks at him, suggests to him that she suspects him to be cheating. "It's in the things that she puts in my head Her stories are boring and stuff" Referring to her theories on where he's been and who with and her accusations. He's bored by her constant nagging and recurring accusations against him. "She's always calling my bluff" When he proffers an excuse or an alibi to cover himself she calls him on it and tries to prove him to be lying. "She puts the, she puts the weights in to my little heart" His wife is putting a massive strain on his heart and emotions with all this mistrust either because it's a big effort for him to conceal his deceit or he's torn between two women OR the accusations have no truth, he loves his wife and the constant mistrust from his wife hurts him deeply. "and she gets in my room and she takes it apart" Searching for evidence of any wrongdoing. "She packs it away, she packs it away, she packs it away, she packs it away" His wife possibly leaving him (packing her stuff up) because she has found evidence of infidelity or because she doesn't feel she can trust him. |
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| Interpol – Length of Love Lyrics | 15 years ago |
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This is just about a man and woman full of lust and enjoying fucking each other |
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| Interpol – Rest My Chemistry Lyrics | 15 years ago |
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Clearly about overcoming drug addiction from the first 2 lines "I haven't slept for two days I've bathed in nothing but sweat" doesn't need interpreting really. cold sweat is a symptom of withdrawal symptoms as is insomnia. the drug in question is probably predominantly Heroin. "And I've made hallways Scenes for things to regret" Places where he shoots up and maybe even how he or she pays for their habit in dark back alleys or hallways of shady buildings. (prostitution) "Tonight I'm gonna rest my chemistry Tonight I'm gonna rest my chemistry" He's going to try and stay of the drugs (chemistry, drugs are chemical compounds after all) "But you're so young You're so young You look in my eyes You're so young, so sweet, so surprised You look so young Like a daisy in my lazy eyes" This verse suggests he's kicking his habit for a new born child or a young child of his |
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| Interpol – Take You on a Cruise Lyrics | 15 years ago |
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I think we have to look at this as not being about 2 people. But something not human told in a human voice. I think this is actually about a ship (possibly the Bismark during WW2 which at the time was seen to be the greatest ship on the seas) this also fits into the red, black and white goddess of the seas reference as they were the colours of Imperial flag of Germany during Otto von Bismark's days and of course (relating to WW2) they were the colours that comprised the Nationalist Socialist banner. The 'you treat me right' part may refer to the Bismark's image of unsinkability. also the line about 'sailing to Norway' would likely refer to the German invasion of Norway in 1940 "I've seen that you've come to resist me I'm a pitbull in time" could refer to British fleets that came into contact with the Bismarck, and the fact that the Bismark (though it could be about another German ship) is a fierce vessel which will destroy the enemy. "There's nothing like this built today You'll never see a finer ship in your life" This also supports the notion that it is about the Bismark again it was heralded for a time as the greatest ship on the ocean and the pride of the Kriegsmarine. "Baby don't you try to find me Lady there is no need to fight Lady don't you try to find me Baby it will be alright" This is the Bismark talking to Britannia (a goddess like symbol of Great Britain and her navy) in a condescending tone. basically saying don't try to find me and destroy me because you either won't found me or you will be imperilled yourself. "I am the scavenger between the sheets of union" the scavenger part may refer to the Bismark's preying on small convoys and the sheets of union don't refer to the sheets of a bed but the sheets of paper in which treaties or 'unions' between countries are signed. Likely referring to Britain and France's alliance. The crippling of France's navy in quick time was part of France's early capitulation and therefore made Britain's alliance with France useless since it was to be fighting alone in the future until the USSR was invaded and America joined in 1941. "The anatomy of kisses and a teacher who tries Who knows how we'll disappear? Would you like to be my Missus and in future with child? You know we can't get back from here But we can get away" This explanation might be a bit more far fetched but i think the above verse may refer to Germany and Hitler's desperate attempts to get Britain (whom he admired) to become an ally. 'the anatomy of kisses' may refer to the overtures Germany offered to Britain. Would you like to be my missus" may also be a personified attempt at creating a union between the two belligerents. "Along the way Tears drown in the wake of delight" and "we sail today Tears drown in the wake of delight" might refer to the sailors embarking on the ship leaving their loved ones the 'tears are drowned away' because of the 'delights' of sinking the enemy and waging the war in the Atlantic. I think there's some strong proof to my theory but also some tenuous interpretations. |
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| Interpol – Public Pervert Lyrics | 15 years ago |
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It's "turning about" not "turning above" turning about is when a ship turns round in the opposite direction and so fits in more perfectly with the theme in the opening stanza |
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| Interpol – Next Exit Lyrics | 15 years ago |
| It's about a man wanting to have unprotected sex | |
| Interpol – Pace Is the Trick Lyrics | 15 years ago |
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Completely agree I think the first verse refers to the narrator. "You can't hold it too tight These matters of security" He's referring to himself being too controlling, watching a lover's every move so that he protects himself from being hurt. The second verse "Well it's like sleaze in the park You women, you have no self-control We angels remark outside You are known for insatiable needs But I don't know a thing" He is talking of women in the past who have caused him pain. women having no self control and the line about 'insatiable needs' refers to his experience of women being unfaithful and not content with having just one lover. "I've seen love And I follow the speed in the starlight I've seen love And I follow the speed in the star-swept night" I think this could either refer to the singer's folly in continually chasing these less than virtuous women or the revelation that he has finally found a woman worthy of his affections and who is faithful. The repeating of "you don't hold a candle " at the end is a reproach to all the former women in his life. He is saying that none of them compare (or 'can hold a candle' as the phrase goes) to this new woman whom he is enamoured of. |
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| Interpol – Pace Is the Trick Lyrics | 15 years ago |
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Completely agree I think the first verse refers to the narrator. "You can't hold it too tight These matters of security" He's referring to himself being too controlling, watching a lover's every move so that he protects himself from being hurt. The second verse "Well it's like sleaze in the park You women, you have no self-control We angels remark outside You are known for insatiable needs But I don't know a thing" He is talking of women in the past who have caused him pain. women having no self control and the line about 'insatiable needs' refers to his experience of women being unfaithful and not content with having just one lover. "I've seen love And I follow the speed in the starlight I've seen love And I follow the speed in the star-swept night" I think this could either refer to the singer's folly in continually chasing these less than virtuous women or the revelation that he has finally found a woman worthy of his affections and who is faithful. The repeating of "you don't hold a candle " at the end is a reproach to all the former women in his life. He is saying that none of them compare (or 'can hold a candle' as the phrase goes) to this new woman whom he is enamoured of. |
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| Radiohead – 2 + 2 = 5 (The Lukewarm) Lyrics | 15 years ago |
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an add on to my post "It's the devil's way now There is no way out You can scream and you can shout It is too late now" This is the point where the election is over and thanks to corruption and an awful democratic process the actual loser has won. It cannot be undone no matter how much you complain about the outcome it's a fait accompli. It's too late. |
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| Radiohead – 2 + 2 = 5 (The Lukewarm) Lyrics | 15 years ago |
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Although I applaud the 1984 idea. I think it's a satirical take on America's "Greatest Democracy on Earth" 2 + 2 = 5 refers to the fact that a candidate with a majority vote doesn't necessarily get elected, therefore the 2+2=5 means that America can't add up and make their own rules. The line "Are you such a dreamer To put the world to rights?" Is directed at George Bush stealing the election for his first term. "January has April's showers" The inauguration in the States is in January maybe there's some connotations there. and the repetition of "you have not been paying attention" is I think directed at the American electorate. "Don't question my authority or put me in the dock" again directed at Bush. Basically meant in basic terms as 'yeah I didn't have the vote but there's nothing you can do now as I am now your ruler' |
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| Radiohead – Kid A Lyrics | 15 years ago |
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There is no interpretation of this song you'd have to live inside Thom's mind and that's a pretty scary though intriguing place to be |
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| Radiohead – Reckoner Lyrics | 15 years ago |
| I like to believe your interpretation as it's so well thought out and I do love the Faustian legend (Only read Marlowe's version) | |
| Radiohead – Reckoner Lyrics | 15 years ago |
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I wanna cry when i follow these lyrics in my head while listening to this song. Beautiful |
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| Radiohead – Jigsaw Falling into Place Lyrics | 15 years ago |
| It's about a date rape. Quite astonishingly clearly. | |
| The Unbelievable Truth – Solved Lyrics | 16 years ago |
| Andy* | |
| The Unbelievable Truth – Solved Lyrics | 16 years ago |
| Adam Yorke's music is sometimes just as beautiful as his brothers'. He may lack the brilliantly elegant falsetto vocals of Thom but lyrically he can equal his brother and he certainly elicits strong emotion. | |
| The Unbelievable Truth – I Can't Wait Lyrics | 16 years ago |
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This is such a heart rendingly beautiful song that I almost want to cry every time I listen to it. It's clearly about a man broken after being separated from the woman he truly loves and yearning to be with her once again. The 'I can't wait' I think refers to the fact that he can't live much longer without her and is suicidal. |
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| Radiohead – 2 + 2 = 5 (The Lukewarm) Lyrics | 16 years ago |
| anyone who has read 1984 knows that this song is influenced by the scene with Winston in room 101 | |
| Radiohead – Kid A Lyrics | 16 years ago |
| dude why do you have 2 copies? | |
| Gotan Project – Amor porteño Lyrics | 16 years ago |
| was hoping for translation here | |
| Manic Street Preachers – Ifwhiteamericatoldthetruthforonedayit'sworldwouldfallapart Lyrics | 17 years ago |
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also just to add Fuck the Brady bill Fuck the Brady bill refers to the Ronald Reagan assassination attempt the bill (which became the hand gum violence prevention act, saw to it that Americans needed a background check to purchase firearms) was named after a man who was shot during the assassination attempt. |
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| Manic Street Preachers – Ifwhiteamericatoldthetruthforonedayit'sworldwouldfallapart Lyrics | 17 years ago |
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I think this song is predominantly talking about the US Government particularly during the Kennedy assassination (the line about Zapruder being the most obvious connection) Abraham Zapruder was the man who caught on film the shooting of JFK on Dealey Plaza in Dallas, Texas. The title itself I believe refers to the CIA cover up of the assassination, evidence has refuted the lone gunman (Oswald) theory and it's practically a known fact that the Mafia was involved in the hit. The CIA had consorted with the Mafia in their numerous attempts to kill Castro and its thought the men who killed the President were in collaboration with the CIA if not acting on their authority. Some elite members of the Government even had these suspicions but it was widely thought amopngst them that the truth would cause chaos in America a nation that was mourning its beloved President. If the public found out that foul play within the administration was accountable the consensus among the government was that America would collapse into turmoil with its International image of the 'Democratic land of the free' torn to shreds and its citizens turning against its own leadership (especially Lyndon Johnson who was to replace Kennedy and known to have his issues with the fallen President and his brother.) hence if white america told the truth (referring to its men in Government and the CIA regarding the Kennedy assassination) its world would fall apart. Other supports to this thinking is the opening lines Images of perfection, suntan and napalm 'Images of perfection' could refer to the President and the first lady who were always described as a youthful, glamourous, Hollywood couple, the epitome of a perfect husband wife partnership. Grenada - Haiti - Poland - Nicaragua Kennedy visited the first 3 countries and his administration and governments before and after his were embroiled in Nicaragua Who shall we choose for our morality Possibly referring to Kennedy being the symbol of martyrdom for Americans, a man who died for the country and what he believed in, going against the will of the CIA and Pentagon and trying to broker peace with the Soviets and avert Nuclear war, a man who was the first president who tried to ratify Civil Rights legislation and who was an advocate of Civil Rights and integration (another policy where he made enemies.) I'm thinking right now of Hollywood tragedy Hollywood tragedy being the destruction of the glamorous and good looking movie star like JFK and the Kennedy 'New Frontier' administration. Cuba, Mexico can't cauterize our discipline Cuba was a burning issue at the forefront of Kennedy's entire Presidency and he never let the unscrupulous Joint Chiefs of Staff and the CIA bully him into a US invasion of the 'Soviet outpost' hence the 'can't cauterize our discipline' meaning we the Kennedy's have morals and scruples and won't be forced to act on Cuba. the mention of Mexico may be because of the fear that Castro wanted to insight other Communist insurrections in South America, (also as a side note its said that Oswald traveled to Mexico to try and get a visa to enter Cuba.) Your idols speak so much of the abyss Kennedy loyalists who were distraught after the murder (including RFK) who feared the truth who plunge the nation into chaos. RFK himself at first even though he knew it to not be true, endorsed the Warren Reports 'lone gunman theory' at the urging of some govt officials like J. Edgar Hoover (who was anti Kennedy and was undoubtedly involved in the cover up) whom said any mumblings of a conspiracy now would create a public furore. Yet your morals only run as deep as the surface May refer to the rumours of Kennedys contradicting policies on Cuba, although he was totally against any military action in Cuba (which disgruntled anti Castro Cuban Exiles adding them to the list of possible suspects into the Kennedy death) there was some evidence that suggested Kennedy did want to overthrow the Castro regime. Some people also come up with the ridiculous notion that Kennedy was only active in the Civil Rights crisis to secure the black vote and his political future. and thus the possible origin of the 'morals running deep as the surface' line Zapruder the first to masturbate Already commented on above. Zapruder was the man who caught the assassination footage on his own camera The world's first taste of crucified grace Kennedy being the crucified grace a slight comparison to Jesus may be in that he was slain for doing his duty for his country and citizens in keeping them out of Nuclear destruction and wanting to achieve detente with the Soviets and equal rights for African Americans. Jesus died for ours sins..... its a rough interpretation I'm typing quickly without much articulation but I think there's at least some truth in it |
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| Bob Dylan – Subterranean Homesick Blues Lyrics | 17 years ago |
| you cant start an album better than with this song | |
| The Subways – Turnaround Lyrics | 17 years ago |
| best song on the album | |
| The Subways – Girls & Boys Lyrics | 17 years ago |
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I thought the line was "The day is set" The Subways were excellent at Reading this year second best performance of the weekend |
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| Glasvegas – Geraldine Lyrics | 17 years ago |
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Mindblowingly good song his thick Scottish accent is endearing |
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| The Neon Plastix – On Fire Lyrics | 17 years ago |
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eww I'm sure thats what I put originally when i copied and pasted it obviously for wome reason I put 'what' instead which makes little sense. |
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| Clinic – W.D.Y.Y.B. Lyrics | 18 years ago |
| surreal | |
| Clinic – Pet Eunuch Lyrics | 18 years ago |
| i'm inclined to side with deryk | |
| Clinic – Welcome Lyrics | 18 years ago |
| going to see them in april woo | |
| Ambulance LTD – Primitive (The Way I Treat You) Lyrics | 18 years ago |
| Congleton sounds so much like a young Lou Reed on this track | |
| Apartment – Fall Into Place Lyrics | 18 years ago |
| this is the best song I've heard all year the albums great too | |
| Clinic – Walking with Thee Lyrics | 18 years ago |
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i had the pleasure of seeing Clinic this year at the MEN supporting Arcade Fire they were in their Abe Lincoln gear lol they were a sensational appetizer to Arcade Fire and this song is immense |
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