No one here can show you where it is but I can point to a sign
On the roof of the world without apparent design
The frozen definition of a lunatic ambition to rise
The air is thin, the future dim, dimension hard to find

Up on a mountain
Encased in solar rays
Beyond electric dreams
Of inarticulate passion plays
Coming down a mountain
Eons have a human ring
The conversation of impassive planets
Intercepted by a human being

Ratiocination is a practicable way to derive
An attitude of altitude and probity by which to abide
Or maybe a theophany of flaming creosote in disguise
The air is thin, the future dim, dimension undefined

Up on a mountain
Encased in solar rays
Beyond electric dreams
Of inarticulate passion plays
Coming down a mountain
Eons have a human ring
The conversation of impassive planets
Intercepted by a human being

Let's go where the raptor goes
To the mountain in a cosmic glow
We'll have a genuine terrestrial show
On a mountain, on a mountain
Let's scan the horizon clean
For any trace of human schemes
And try to touch upon immortal themes
On a mountain, on a mountain

Up on a mountain
Encased in solar rays
Beyond electric dreams
Of inarticulate passion plays
Coming down a mountain
Eons have a human ring
The conversation of impassive planets
Intercepted by a human being


Lyrics submitted by Clipsy

Beyond Electric Dreams Lyrics as written by Brett Gurewitz Greg Graffin

Lyrics © THE BEST MUSIC COMPANY, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

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Beyond Electric Dreams song meanings
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    General Comment

    I find it unlikely that Bret wrote this alone. While the obscure lyrics are very much his style the use of so many large/obscure words is not at all common for him.

    I agree with xvpatchvx that this song is a more emotional than political or social commentary. Though I am not sure about "Indian Buddhism". It seems to me that this song brings a sense of insignificance and even a bit of hopeless-ness.

    When talking about wether or not you get your morals from a godly manifectation or logical thinking it goes to say that none of it helps much. "The air is thin, the future dim, dimension hard to find "

    The second to last verse is (IMHO) obviously about a person's insignificance and the wonder the world inspires. (I am almost positive the "raptor" in question here is not the 3 foot tall dinosaur but the more modern kind. Say, a hawk or an eagle)

    The last verse is about just stepping back, wiping the slate of human expectation and start over looking for "a probity by which to abide"

    Jae_Don October 12, 2004   Link

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