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.
You always said I was a liar
But we burn like a house on fire
No matter what, you know that to be true.
And everything you gave to me
Changed everything I used to be
Much more than anyone I ever knew
And I don't need a hero
I don't need a soldier
I did when I was younger
But now that I'm older
I don't need a father,
I don't want to be your mother
It's just that anyone of us is half
Without another one is you
The colors of that piece of time
Are still so fresh inside my mind
And it makes the movie
Of my life seem pale
And all the games I have to play
I got to give a lot of me away
But the part with us
Will never be for sale
The words of love have been confused
The ways of love have been abused
Is this a lottery you win or lose?
I don't know
It's an endless circle over time
The place inside where I hold and find
Your sweet and happy music in my soul
But we burn like a house on fire
No matter what, you know that to be true.
And everything you gave to me
Changed everything I used to be
Much more than anyone I ever knew
And I don't need a hero
I don't need a soldier
I did when I was younger
But now that I'm older
I don't need a father,
I don't want to be your mother
It's just that anyone of us is half
Without another one is you
The colors of that piece of time
Are still so fresh inside my mind
And it makes the movie
Of my life seem pale
And all the games I have to play
I got to give a lot of me away
But the part with us
Will never be for sale
The words of love have been confused
The ways of love have been abused
Is this a lottery you win or lose?
I don't know
It's an endless circle over time
The place inside where I hold and find
Your sweet and happy music in my soul
Lyrics submitted by sunlaugh786
I Don't Need a Hero Lyrics as written by Johnette Lin Napolitano
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
Holiday
Bee Gees
Bee Gees
@[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.
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
Gentle Hour
Yo La Tengo
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This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
I absolutely love the lyrics here, the back and forth of the emotions, pushing the other person away ("I don't need a hero") and then pulling them back ("It's just that any one of us is half without the other one"). It seems to be about a complex relationship, possibly one that spans years, and the two have grown older/matured together. The expectations for the relationship change, as do the people in it, but the feelings...not quite.
There are so many layers here. The whole "I don't need a hero" bit could be a nod to feminism and the "we burn like a house on fire" part has multiple possible interpretations. Mostly, (as I see it) it's about a relationship that has changed you and helped mold you over the years, possibly with an older partner, a person you admire that has opened you up to many new things, and while the relationship is moving into a new direction, there is always the appreciation and sense of fondness for what it was and where it has brought you.
Lyrically, this has to be one of my favourite Johnette/CB pieces.