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Manual Lyrics
Go your own way, rid lies,
Burn the stitches that held your eyes shut.
Vacate and wonder, rid time,
Take off reminders and strive to shine.
You said you've got it, and I believe that you've got it,
And that you'll survive.
Our hearts have exchanged the gifts that carry
Carry us over the walls,
The walls that blind us, the walls that bind us,
The walls that stand too tall to conquer alone.
Bring back your wisdom to trade, bring back the words you've saved
And teach me so that I may teach on.
We reach, we learn. We don't, we burn,
Burn on the inside as well as out.
we search to solve how to not dissolve
On the inside as well as out.
So you're at war with yourself
With space (and time) you'll find a breakthrough.
If you don't lose what's real
You have our blessing.
Clear your conscience and ride away.
What does this song mean to me? My 10th grade english teacher played us this song on the last day of school. Lyrically it seems to be about moving on, striving to learn, being yourself. I think the reason my teacher played this particular song, other than that he was a huge Hot Water Music fan, had to do wiht the incorporated messege that we all can teach each other, he'd said he learned so much from us, and I know I learned a lot from him. Be willing to learn from one another, and spread what knowlege you've aquired from others...
This was the first HWM song I heard in '98 and the same song I did a speech on like two years later and I keep coming back to it. Heartfelt. Cool English teacher by the way...
If you lived by the words in this song, i believe you would live a life of true happiness. It reminds me of a Charles Bukowski poem (the author Hot Water Music took their name from) Called "Roll The Dice." Search for it, read it, and you will understand what they are teaching. Life is about finding what you want to do and doing it, at all cost, at all times. Anytime I am afraid, i listen to this song and everything is put into perspective.
That is an english teacher i want my kids to have.
this music is very nice but I didn't get it it's kinda weird ya know? weird
Random poetry. Most of Hot Water is.. just random poetry.
That's what makes them the best band around, the way they are so different from everything out there.
We know what know one else does . We are the HOT WATER MUSIC FANS AND WE STAND STRONG. But we stand practicly alone and thats the only way it can be. It is great that not everyone understands you because not everyone diserves to be saved by you like i was. I have realized so much since listening to you guys . You have changed my life . And i am so envious that you are so positive and everything i could ever strive to become. The few that know the truth. we love you HWM . and always will .thank you for all you have writen and for singing your heart out for what you beleve in. You will always be remmembered by the people that understand you. We have faith because of you and only in you. Though i dont think that you will ever get to see the true impact you have on your few fans. I am glad you can see us singing our hearts out with you at your shows. I can only say one last thing that sums you up into one word TRUTH.
NEVER SURRENDER ROCK AND ROLL
Here's what it says about this song in the cd booklet from "Live at the Hardback:"
It seems that everyone, at one time or the other, gets a calling. Or gets a tugging on the heart for some kind of choice of direction. Some follow that tug, while other do what is expected of them. Some break the rules to feel free while others abide just to get by. "Manual" is a farewell song for our brother and great inspirations, David Williamson, who is known to split at any given time, on foot or otherwise, in search for a better way. His integrity and true free spirit helps show us what is living is all about. His generosity and benevolence radiates the fact that there is more to this world than greed and hostility. Just as his companionship and loyalty remind us of our family outside of blood. We still bid him farewell. As we patiently await his returns.
This song makes me feel guilty at all the times I've only done something or said something because someone else has, or becuase I'm woried about what someone else might think. I agree with schlieffen, it's fookin' perfect!