In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
How you turned my world, You precious thing
You starve and near-exhaust me
Everything I've done, I've done for you
I move the stars for no one
You've run so long
You've run so far
Your eyes can be so cruel
Just as I can be so cruel
Though I do believe in you
Yes I do
Live without the sunlight
Love without your heartbeat
I, I can't live within you
I can't live within you
I, I can't live within you
You starve and near-exhaust me
Everything I've done, I've done for you
I move the stars for no one
You've run so long
You've run so far
Your eyes can be so cruel
Just as I can be so cruel
Though I do believe in you
Yes I do
Live without the sunlight
Love without your heartbeat
I, I can't live within you
I can't live within you
I, I can't live within you
Lyrics submitted by strawberygashs
Within You Lyrics as written by David Bowie
Lyrics © Spirit Music Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
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@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
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In complete seriousness, I think Bowie did some of his best work for the Labyrinth Soundtrack.
Agreed
This song isn't really about Jareth declaring his love for Sarah. This is about how throughout the whole movie, he's tried winning her love and making her forget about what's truly important. In this song, he's finally saying "I've given you my everything, and all of me, but I know that's not enough, and you'll not love me. This is one last attempt. Please. Love me. It's not enough for me to live just within your memory."
So, ah, when Jareth says, "Follow me and let me be your slave!" Does anyone else want to throw their baby brother out the window and just say, "Well, fine, if you insist, Jareth!"
ummm you do realize the entirety of what he says, right? "Love me, fear me, do as I say, and I will be your slave"
I wouldn't care. If a super hot guy asked me to be his wife, i couldn't say no. All Jareth wants is Sarah's love. Who needs a half-brother?? JK
@LittleTomato HAHAHAH!!
One of the best songs ever written. Seriously. Not joking. Sounds sarcastic, but I'm not. It's marvelous. Fan-supra-tastic.
i feel that jareth represents sarah's fantasy life. but at this moment he sings this song sarah is growing up and not just living in her fantasy world anymore, so she's "starving and exhausting" him.
he says that everything he's done it's for her, because he is her fantasy and her imagination, and he'll work for no one else but her. but because he's only in her mind, he can "move the stars for no one" -- he can't actually make things happen.
at last he realises that sarah has grown up and that he, the fantasy, can't live inside of her.
sad. he can live inside of me! haha.
@hallospacegirl I agree with this. I think when he sings "you near starve and exhaust me," it shows that he is a childhood fantasy getting choked out by maturation and transition to adulthood. Also, Jareth finally concedes at the end of the song, repeating "I can't live within you" to show that he's, alas, finally acknowledged this fact.
I just love!!! Labyrinth.This song is so haunting it just stops you, just mesmerizing. Great work by Bowie on all the work he did for the Movie
Omg!! I am totally obsessed with this movie.
Kid in hall #1- Hey, isn't that labyrinth girl? Kid in hall #2- Yup.
When I was younger I never understood what this song meant. I was thinking... how the hell do you live inside someone?!?
But now I think that when Jareth (Bowie/Goblin King) says 'I, I can't live within you.' he means that he can't live within her memories and her past, he needs to be with her in her life.
Does that make sense?! hmm...
I think what it means isn't that he can't live in her memories, but that he can't keep trying to live up to her expectations without something in return. Throughout the movie he tries to do everything she expects of him, tries to do everything she wants to believe he'd do. But when he sings this song he's saying he can't live up to that anymore. It's too much. And she shows no appreciation for his efforts either. But he wants to be a part of her life, wants to keep her happy, wants to be part of her. It's one of those situations that's impossible, but he wants it anyway.
this is in that movie labynth..and i abso. adore it. its like..a sweet sad song that he sings and it's just beautiful.
It's beautiful the way he sings it to Sarah... It makes me wish I was Sarah. I mean it.
This songs incredible. I wish someone would sing it to me sigh. I cannot understand how she rejects him after he sang this, it stole my heart!! Best song off the labyrinth.
@ candystripe:<br /> <br /> In all fairness to Sarah, she didn't appear to hear Jareth's song at all. She was far too busy chasing her pesky little brother ;)