| The Verve – Bittersweet Symphony Lyrics | 3 years ago |
| I love how song is played at end of movie "Cruel Intentions." Not the best movie but song was very effective just before closing credits. | |
| The Verve – Bittersweet Symphony Lyrics | 3 years ago |
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Beautiful song ! I agree with comments I've read about how meaning is sad but not depressing. It's an honest assessment of reality that life is for the most part extremely difficult and for some people even more difficult depending on their circumstances with major obstacles such as poverty, mental illness, drug addiction, etc. Change is possible but again with certain barriers (economic difficulties being probably most destructive), the change is extremely challenging as singer expresses in his frustration. I looked up definition of bittersweet: "being at once bitter and sweet. especially : pleasant but including or marked by elements of suffering or regret." The title and repeated use of bittersweet is song is very relevant. Since song is describing feelings of failure or at least dissatisfaction with overall outlook on life, I think important to point out that his life is a "bittersweet symphony" rather than described as awful or some other negative way. He's saying life is complex. There are moments of joy and happiness but when one is trying to lessen the constant struggle and defeating, reoccurring moments it's extremely difficult and warrants the singers frsutration: (" Try to make ends meet Try to find some money then you die"). I like repeated line "I can't change" because even though it sounds like singer is giving up because there is hope as long as singer is expressing his feelings he is trying to change. He mentions praying which shows willing to get on his hands and knees which could be seen as sign of weakness but to me shows he is getting in touch with his true feelings and clearing his mind. I don't have solutions for what difficulties the singer is facing, but I empathize with his struggle and hope he will find inner peace as well as improve his situation in life (materially or whatever else is a burden). I am grateful to have true friends to share and help ease life's difficulties, and with things such as my drug addiction, I've benefitted from Narcotics Anonymous which introduced me to spiritual solutions and the 12 Step Program. The song seems to be part of the long journey to self fulfillment that most people struggle with but hopefully eventually find positive solutions to make (or at least feel) better. |
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| The Wallflowers – One Headlight Lyrics | 3 years ago |
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What a great song! I remember liking the song when it first came out, but after finding out the lead singer is Bob Dylan's son I started looking at the lyrics and appreciating the song more. I can't say I really know what song is about (is singer referring to a specific person's death or is he just reflecting on his past and using "she" and "only friend" as a metaphor of his innocence ?). I just know there is some deep-felt emotion that carries the song with sadness but also with some hope that despite sadness and disappointment there is still a way to improve circumstances. The line "Come on, try a little" stands out to me because I believe if there is a message to this song its to NOT GIVE UP and keep trying to overcome difficulties, not matter how devastating (drug addiction, suicide of loved one, poverty, depression, etc). The reference of "me and Cinderella...put it all together...we can drive it home with one headlight" is a beautiful and (to me) suggests with support from someone or others there is hope for improvement and happiness (for me it was discovering with recovering addicts in Narcotics Anonymous that I am not alone in my disease and through support and effort I have found happiness despite my past mistakes, broken relationships, etc). As far as whether singer is referring to the death of a person who died or not, I think it does. I lost someone very close to me when I was in my 20s (almost 40 years ago), and it really fucked me up. Margaret lived next door to me when I was growing up, and she was like a little sister (a few years younger than me). We were very close, and I had recently reconnected with her a few months before she tragically died in a car accident. She was only 19..... some of the lines bring back emotions of when I first learned she had died: That's when they say I lost my only friend Well, they said she died easy of a broken heart disease As I listened through the cemetery trees I seen the sun comin' up at the funeral at dawn Of long broken arm of human law Now it always seemed such a waste, she always had a pretty face Maybe "she" isn't a specific person the singer is referring to, but the images of losing "only friend" is powerful and seems to be talking about losing a loved one. The line "it always seemed such a waste" certainly hits me hard thinking about the senseless death of Margaret ! She definitely "had a pretty face" but of course its the fact I miss her that carried such a powerful emotion for me. |
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| Olivia Newton-John – Magic Lyrics | 3 years ago |
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Love the song! I used to think it was about a special, romantic relationship implying that this fantasy woman actually exists ( "have to believe we are magic....make all your dreams alive"). The part about "make your dreams come true" makes me think of a sexual fantasy happening (sorry but being a man I can't help it plus which Olivia's beautiful and sexy voice it seems like a common reaction (for a man)). Now, I think the song is more about a spiritual connection. Maybe the physical aspects are there too but as I've learned over many years, the special friendship, support and love that come into relationships is what the "magic" is all about. |
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| The Moody Blues – Legend Of A Mind Lyrics | 3 years ago |
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Beautiful song filled with many cool sounding instruments and the gorgeous singing voices of the Moody Blues. The way the chorus builds up at end of song along with changing music played more and more rapidly reminds me a little of effect similar to Beatles' songs ( "Hey Jude" and "Dear Prudence" come to mind). Yeah I agree the song is about drugs, but I don't think its an attempt to get people to "turn on, tune in and drop out" as Timothy Leary famously advocated. Still it is supportive of the possible positive aspects of drug use specifically mentioning Leary's drug studies that were very controversial t the time: Along the coast you'll hear them boast About a light they say that shines so clear So raise your glass, we'll drink a toast To the little man who sells you thrills along the pier The coast refers to the strong counterculture scene around San Francisco, and there is a repeated mentioning in chorus about how Leary "takes you trips around the bay " (obviously the bay is referring to San Francisco's bay). After the Monterey Pop music festival successfully happened near SF in1967, the music and "hippy" ideas gained popularity and influenced people (particularly young) all over the US. I don't like the line "sells you pier along the pier" (another SF reference) because it changes or confuses (for me) the image of Leary being a sort of prophet or at least an intellectual spreading the "gospel" of "free love" making him seem like a "dope pusher." I believe Leary believed he was offering people a new outlook on life that could help them (not trying to make money with drugs that provided no possible benefits (like "crack" dealers). Sure there were (and are) risks to taking psychedelic drugs, but there are possible benefits with the proper dosing, safe setting or atmosphere, etc, and Leary was looking to enlighten people, not trick them by getting them hooked on addictive pills (like greedy Sackler family did). Anyway, I was put off by first line "Timothy Leary is dead" that keeps getting repeated. I know there is an immediate counter statement each time saying "he's on the outside looking in" explaining he's just in another state of consciousness or something similar, but I still didn't like the death reference. Someone posted how the book "Tibetan Book of the Dead" was popular and was considered like a textbook for people experimenting with LSD, and now I'm thinking that might be why line saying "TL is dead" was used. Maybe? I just know that whole album this song is from is really good, and this one is really, really great. |
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| Chicago – Happy Man Lyrics | 3 years ago |
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I Love This Song ! I know I've heard it a few times but just now I noticed how pretty the guitar playing is and of course the great singing Chicago is famous for. Nice, romantic lyrics that come across meaningful (not sappy that so many cutesy love songs sometimes do). This song surprised me and seems under appreciated or unnoticed. If you live soulful pop music give it a listen. |
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| The Doors – The End Lyrics | 3 years ago |
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WOW! What a GREAT SONG! Musically it is amazing, but what makes the song such a truly incredible song is how the lyrics compliment the music. To me this song is right up there with the best rock "anthems" (songs like Stairway To Heaven, Hey Jude, etc). What makes this one really special is of course the meandering poetic lyrics, sometimes creepy but always intriguing.... In essence the song (to me) is about the loss of innocence. Like good poetry the meaning can be interpreted many ways, and there is long rambling middle part starting with: "Lost in the Roman wilderness of pain" that besides beautiful imagery, I don't really know what the songs talking about, but somehow the whole song works well that way, just a flowing stream of thoughts, expressions, etc. It's a musical "journey" of some kind, filed with mystery and a hint of danger or foreboding. In all its complexities the song is mostly about a beginning and an end (Title The End would could have been called "The Journey" which would more accurately describe whats going on in verses but that wouldn't fit overall eerie effects). I used to think the song was about death but now I believe its the "death of" or removal of innocence," a metaphysical death of some kind). There are two sets of verses in particularl (one at beginning and one at end) that are most relevant part of song connecting the meandering masterpiece: 'Of our elaborate plans, the end Of everything that stands, the end No safety or surprise, the end I'll never look into your eyes, again This sets the stage for a journey (not (necessarily) of death but definitely a profound change like an experience growing up that has a strong, unchanging influence. The line "I'll never look into your eyes, again" is so beautiful although sad. I recently saw the movie Summer of '42, which ends with inexperienced teenager having first sexual experience but unlike his friend who calls experience his "first lay," the main character had a much more powerful emotional connection to woman he lusted for from afar and lost not just his virginity but his innocence (he could never think of same sexual fantasies as a child but now in a much more complex, emotional way because of new feelings that emerged, leading to love rather than just sex itself) Theres A LOT in the middle with some fantastic jamming using unusual sounding instruments (SO GOOD!), and of course the part where Jim wants to kill his father and......well, you know theres the part about what he will do to his mother but I'll not dwell on that.......the song circles back to the closing, wonderfully well sing lyrics creating a connection to beginning verses: This is the end, beautiful friend This is the end, my only friend, the end It hurts to set you free But you'll never follow me Not sure what the line "you'll never follow me" means but I just feel part of an amazing journey with peaks and valleys that somehow comes back to a powerful closing. WHAT A SONG! Final thoughts: I read a biography of Jim Morrison that described the recording of the epic song. Candles were in the studio with few lights to create an appropriate setting, and unlike groups like Beatles who recorded dozens and dozens of "takes" of song, The Doors only recorded the song TWICE. Like the classic album KIND OF BLUE by Miles Davis, the band "nailed it" on one take (or two takes maybe) and didn't need to keep trying to perfect song which doesn't need more improvements. The raw emotions and slow flowing musical nature seem to work best when played in a live setting like The Grateful Dead's classic song "Dark Star." The original album version is the best version I think, but there are some great live versions worth hearing (same as for other Doors masterpiece song "Light My Fire"). The second best version I think is from The Doors BOX SET which has long live supposedly played in New York. It has the funny beginning where Jim is repeatedly shouting "Bring out your dead." Thats funny not but nearly as satisfying as when song slowly starts extraordinary instrumental build up the the classic line "This is the end." That intro is so damn good and brings chills up my spine. Maybe I'll listen to that live version now! There are other versions like at Isle Of Wight concert that are good and worth tracking down, and if you can see live version I think you'll be very impressed with the overall ( Jim's health was not good at that point and tragically close to ending of his brief life) because its obvious the huge audience was transfixed with the band's professionalism made even better with the dark stage (I think they were playing at like 3 in the morning which somehow seemed appropriate for the spooky yet fascinating "anthem.") |
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| David Bowie – Rock 'n' Roll Suicide Lyrics | 3 years ago |
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What a powerful song! The last part of the song has helped me in my recovery from drug addiction and depression. I've learned that isolation can be deadly, but knowing "You're Not Alone" gives hope. These lines seem right out of recovery: "I've had my share. I'll help you with the pain." The soulful singing of David along with such meaningful words brings tears to my eyes every time I hear this song! I think about the close friendships I've had for years with recovering addicts who honestly share their past experiences no matter how painful only hoping they can make a difference and show theres help and hope out there. I've been able to stay clean and sober through recovery groups because of listening and taking advice from others who follow 12 step and other spiritual practices, but also have willingly given my time and shared my experiences with others trying to ease their pain (like help offered towards end of song). Just being willing to help others has made me feel more connected to others and has over time helped me love myself and others since feel connected on deep emotional level to others instead of just scared and alone (which sucks). I also believe there are hints the song is about a failing (at least temporarily) rock and roll musician (hence the title Rock n Roll Suicide), particularly with this line: "And the clock waits so patiently on your song." I think of the pressure of trying to create a "hit" as a solo artist or with a band and probably struggling financially (broke) in an extremely difficult environment, so of course there would be feelings of frustration and other deep emotions trying to succeed and doubting your self esteem while feeling judged based on whether found success or not. Still, I think the whole song could be just a reflection of inner pain and turmoil then a shift to the more positive reflection that things aren't as bad as they may seem. The hope (which I said before) that saves peoples lives if not literally helps to remove "fog" of fear and feelings of worthlessness, loneliness, etc. There seems to SO much wisdom (especially for such a young man- David was in 20s when wrote this song!) in lines such as these: Oh no, love, you're not alone You're watching yourself, but you're too unfair You got your head all tangled up But if I could only make you care Oh no, love, you're not alone Even though song written in early 1970s, I think the song will always be a beacon of hope. I don't remember if song used on tv show Euphoria, but it would certainly add to complexities young people experiencing today, including drug issues and (unfortunately) addictions. It seems implied that whoever song is written for ("Ziggy") is going through drug addiction or starting down path particularly with these lines: You walk past a cafe, but you don't eat When you've lived too long But maybe this just referring to emotional pain most likely including suicidal thoughts? The beauty of David Bowies lyrics (and other greats like Joni Mitchell) is there are not completely clear to meaning but the emotions hit home with me and others EVERY TIME. One of my favorite songs from one of my favorite albums! I miss David Bowie so much ! |
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| George Harrison – Behind That Locked Door Lyrics | 3 years ago |
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Great Song! I didn't pay much attention for years to this song since one of many great songs on album this is from, but recently I've come to really appreciate the beautiful lyrics and heartfelt singing from George on it. Yes, it was written for Bob Dylan by George (read an article about how George wrote it to encourage his friend Bob Dylan to perform at upcoming concert in 1969 (Isle of Wight which was huge concert) and Bob had apparently been shy about playing live again), BUT I think its more than just a song about friendship ad goes much deeper. I cry when I sing along with this song, which is not something I usually do except for a few songs that seem to touch me emotionally. The lyrics start off deeply emotional with opening lines: "Why are you still crying?" But then goes into the first of the many lines about encouragement : "Your pain is now through Please forget those teardrops Let me take them from you" I think line 4 is "take them from you" (as someone noted earlier) Maybe its because I've been in recovery for drug addiction for years that I find the lines so comforting about offering hope and wanting to help others in their journeys to find peace and happiness. I know A LOT of people are really hurting inside ("crying" inside) and the steel guitar seems appropriate with the softly, powerful singing. "Behind that locked door" is a great metaphor for something deeply troubling and causing sorrow or other strong emotions (maybe hiding secrets or feeling shame with an addiction or regrets about past actions ending relationships, etc) The song seems to be talking about more than just encouraging a rock star to get over stage fright! To me, the final verses don't quite fit as well as other verses. The line: "If I'm rich or I'm poor" reminds me think of song Que Sera Sera (lines: "Will I be pretty? Will I be rich?"), and then the lines in same song: "Whatever will be, will be" sounds similar to what George sings : "And if ever my love goes" Still unlike Que Sera Sera (which is lovely but kind of passive or lacking in emotions), the emotions in George's song seem more heartfelt and addressing someone personally. I got to hear a demo or early version of song, and the final lines which come at end of song are not there! I think addition is very nice but somehow not quite as beginning and middle of song. I Love It though and hope more people can relate to the hope it brings or can bring to broken spirits. It certainly lifts me up like another GREAT George song : Blow Away |
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| Styx – Crystal Ball Lyrics | 3 years ago |
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Beautiful song and one of my favorite by Styx. Lyrics seem straightforward, but I didn't know (see earlier comments) Tommy Shaw wrote this before joining Styx. Song seems to be about young man contemplating future: Wonder what tomorrow has in mind for me Or am I even in it's mind at all Perhaps I'll get a chance to look ahead and see As the song progresses this curiosity becomes more frantic leading up to search for a "crystal ball" to get a glimpse of what future may be like. I understand all about fear of an uncertain future, and it makes sense to me that a young songwriter like Tommy Shaw would be very fearful if making the right decision to dedicate his life to making music. |
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| Styx – Suite Madame Blue Lyrics | 3 years ago |
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Love the comments! This is probably my favorite Styx song except for maybe "Crystal Ball." It's interesting both songs deal with observations and questions about time (this one more about the past except in final lines and 'Crystal Ball" mostly about the future). I love how on the album (EQUINOX) there is a short instrumental song ('Prelude 12") that comes before the lovely start of "Suite Madame Blue" leading up the haunting opening lines "Time after time I sit and I wait for your call." There's something haunting about how it comes across like there is some regret or sadness ('I know I'm a fool") . Of course the second part of the song is a great jam. I feel lucky I've gotten to see Styx play this one live, and I was so impressed hearing it done beautifully (just like original song)! As far as whether this song is about a woman or USA, I can see how seems like talking about a woman or a love affair since talking to "Madame" and mentions a "word from lips," but the song is about USA which is represented as a womanly figure (like Statue of Liberty). There are references to past like with "a word from your lips and the world turns around" (I think that is referring to Declaration of Independence or at least earlier times in USA's history. The American Revolution inspired other countries, particularly the French whose Revolution was about ten years after American colonies became an independent nation based on democracy). The repeating linea "America" as well as "Red White and Blue" makes it clear song is about USA. The feeling I'm getting from lyrics is that America (and I understand this was written around Bicentennial or 200 years Celebration) has achieved glorious accomplishments "conquered the world and more." I agree the comment "heavens door" refers to space exploration. Even though there is reverence for America's greatness there is a warning or at least caution about what country may be turning into or where heading: But somehow you've changed, you're so far away I long for the past and dream of the days with you, The line "gaze in your looking glass" which is repeated leads up to request or pleading to remember the past and how America was formed on democracy and "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness" but to escape the present which implies somehow values are not appreciated as much ('dressed in your jewels" sounds like country has gotten rich but possibly weak and lazy, like how Roman Empire became decadent and could not maintain control over time). The last lines give a vision of hope or at least a wish for a better future: So lift up your heart, make a new start And lead us away from here GREAT SONG! |
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| Grateful Dead – Throwing Stones Lyrics | 3 years ago |
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Song is powerful to hear live like I am doing from recent 'Dead and Company version that was played aptly last Friday with reference to Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe Vs Wade (line is something like "Fucking Supreme Court" near part of song that addresses politics in America today: And the politicians throwing stones So the kids, they dance, they shake their bones 'Cause it's all too clear we're on our own. I'm not getting into politics, but I love how song expresses an unclear and basically frightening future (similar to overall feeling I get when I hear song "Won't Get Fooled Again"), Still I think there is hope with people working together for changes (Vote people Vote!) |
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| Grateful Dead – Throwing Stones Lyrics | 3 years ago |
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Song is powerful to hear live like I am doing from recent 'Dead and Company version that was played aptly last Friday with reference to Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe Vs Wade (line is something like "Fucking Supreme Court" near part of song that addresses politics in America today: And the politicians throwing stones So the kids, they dance, they shake their bones 'Cause it's all too clear we're on our own. I'm not getting into politics, but I love how song expresses an unclear and basically frightening future (similar to overall feeling I get when I hear song "Won't Get Fooled Again"), Still I think there is hope with people working together for changes (Vote people Vote!) |
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| Diana Ross – Theme from Mahogany (Do You Know Where You're Going To) Lyrics | 3 years ago |
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Wow! I can't believe there is only comment about this hauntingly beautiful song! I was 11 when the movie and its theme song came out. I remember first hearing how the sweet but introspective opening lines were wonderfully delivered, stopping me in my tracks to question "what am I going to?" and "what am I hoping for?" The pondering questions still seem thought-provoking and relevant. As far as interpretation of the lyrics, I am going to take a stab at this but would really appreciate more thoughts. With this part: Once we were standin' still in time Chasin' the fantasies that filled our minds the song seems to be addressing the present or at least looking further into the past when questioning the quality of ones life or if decisions were made wisely because at that time (I'm guessing when much younger) there didn't seem to be any need for reflection. Now, there is a pause to contemplate and question whether decisions and/or plans were made wisely: Now lookin' back at all we've planned We let so many dreams just slip through our hands The song turns to more sadness with the next part: Why must we wait so long before we'll see? How sad the answers to those questions can be? Since one of the main themes in the movie is about a romance (main character ("Mahogany") choosing her career over person she loved), it would logical for the "questions" would relate to how acted in romantic relationship (like "where are you going to" could be about choosing love and treating someone with love, etc.), but the song seems to be just a soliloquy asking some deep questions about if one's life seems meaningful or satisfactory. |
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