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”
I'm sick of working for a living
I'm just ticking off the days 'til I die
I miss you Louise
And the sickest little pleasures keep me going in between pulling teeth
Periscope up
I've been looking for a ladder
I need to see the Commander in Chief
And remind him what was passed onto me
Your mum don't sleep
The friends you keep
I didn't raise a thief
But the leaders of the free world
Are just little boys throwing stones
And it's easy to ignore 'til they're knocking on the door of your homes
My thinking isn't driven
But the music always gives me a lift
I'm so easy to please
But I think we dropped the baton like the 60's didn't happen. Oh no.
Periscope up
Should be looking for a ladder
I need to see the Commander in Chief
And remind him what was passed onto me
Your mum don't sleep
The friends you keep
I didn't raise a thief
Passing the gun from father to feckless son
We're climbing a landslide where only the good die young
I'm just ticking off the days 'til I die
I miss you Louise
And the sickest little pleasures keep me going in between pulling teeth
Periscope up
I've been looking for a ladder
I need to see the Commander in Chief
And remind him what was passed onto me
Your mum don't sleep
The friends you keep
I didn't raise a thief
But the leaders of the free world
Are just little boys throwing stones
And it's easy to ignore 'til they're knocking on the door of your homes
My thinking isn't driven
But the music always gives me a lift
I'm so easy to please
But I think we dropped the baton like the 60's didn't happen. Oh no.
Periscope up
Should be looking for a ladder
I need to see the Commander in Chief
And remind him what was passed onto me
Your mum don't sleep
The friends you keep
I didn't raise a thief
Passing the gun from father to feckless son
We're climbing a landslide where only the good die young
Lyrics submitted by Leif_Erikson
Leaders of the Free World Lyrics as written by Richard Barry Jupp Peter James Turner
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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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,
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Any idea what the line "I miss you Louise" is in reference to? Possibly one of the greatest songs ever written.