This song is very difficult to interpret. I think the title 'Duel' implies some sort of internal struggle (evidenced also by the music - the shift at 4:04 from a blazing rocker to softer guitars and peaceful ocean sounds is a drastic contrast).
The most telling lyric is:
"The tightropes wound around
Just one slip and you tumble down"
To me, whomever is being sung to is given a very clear ultimatum - watch your step or you'll lose everything. This could be love, as evidenced by:
"You've been away for so long
You can't ask why"
which implies a loved one who has recently returned to the singer's life.
"A million stars out tonight
Could spark neon from candlelight"
The imagery of this passage clearly evokes a feeling of love.
The only thing that doesn't seem to fit well is:
"I'm goin' down, down to the market place
Goin' to learn to give
I'm goin' down, down by the sea market side
Goin' to learn to live"
This seems to mean the singer wishes to grow as well.
I can only surmise that the internal struggle is between the wish to change and the wish for his former lover to change. The question - whatever came between them, whose fault is it?
This song is very difficult to interpret. I think the title 'Duel' implies some sort of internal struggle (evidenced also by the music - the shift at 4:04 from a blazing rocker to softer guitars and peaceful ocean sounds is a drastic contrast).
The most telling lyric is:
"The tightropes wound around Just one slip and you tumble down"
To me, whomever is being sung to is given a very clear ultimatum - watch your step or you'll lose everything. This could be love, as evidenced by:
"You've been away for so long You can't ask why"
which implies a loved one who has recently returned to the singer's life.
"A million stars out tonight Could spark neon from candlelight"
The imagery of this passage clearly evokes a feeling of love.
The only thing that doesn't seem to fit well is:
"I'm goin' down, down to the market place Goin' to learn to give I'm goin' down, down by the sea market side Goin' to learn to live"
This seems to mean the singer wishes to grow as well.
I can only surmise that the internal struggle is between the wish to change and the wish for his former lover to change. The question - whatever came between them, whose fault is it?