Looking out the window
I see the red dust clear
High upon the red rock
Stands the shadow with a spear

The land here is strong
Strong beneath my feet
It feeds on the blood
It feeds on the heat

The rhythm is below me
The rhythm of the heat
The rhythm is around me
The rhythm has control
The rhythm is inside me
The rhythm has my soul

(The rhythm of the heat ((repeats)) )

Drawn across the plain land
To the place that is higher
Drawn into the circle
That dances 'round the fire
We spit into our hands
And breath across the palms
Raising them up high
Held open to the sun
(Repeat)

Self-concious, uncertain
I'm showered with the dust
The spirit enter into me
And I
Submit
To trust

Smash the radio
No outside voices here
Smash the watch
Cannot tear them into shreads
Smash the camera
Cannot steal them, they're spirits
The rhythm is around me
The rhythm has control
The rhythm is inside me
The rhythm has my soul


Lyrics submitted by Golgotha

Rhythm Of The Heat Lyrics as written by Peter Gabriel

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

The Rhythm Of The Heat song meanings
Add Your Thoughts

4 Comments

sort form View by:
  • +1
    General CommentYeah, he was originally going to call it "Carl Jung in Africa" but decided that title was far too pretentious and went with the title we have.

    Jung did a lot of work on the "shadow self", the subsumed opposite we all have within us, similar to Freud's id. In literal terms this is about a researcher (probably Jung himself) engaging in some kind of tribal ritual around a bonfire - beating drums, evaporating his own saliva off his palms, denying modern technology and allowing himself to regress into a primitive state. He is terrified and fascinated by this wild, primititve man he discovers within himself.

    In the same way, we are all repulsed by the primal urges we all have, but are still tempted by them - tempted to give in to rage, to lust, to gluttony, etc.

    That's my take anyway.
    DexXon January 09, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Commentfirst comment. Woot. Well, I really like this song and I don't know why. But I could listen to it all day everyday :)
    lookitzallieon January 03, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General CommentI remember about 10-12 years ago David Copperfield used this song as background music to one of his levitation tricks. He had this jungle-themed stage setup for the trick, and it fit so well with the music. Sounds like some crazy ass Mayan ritual or something. Love the tribal drumming.
    azraelfarishtaon May 17, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General CommentThe song is a reference to an experience Carl Jung had with a group of African drummers, if i'm not completely off.
    Arujeion September 24, 2006   Link

Add your thoughts

Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.

Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!

Back to top