This song, to me, is obviously about Isaac Newton. While talking about his work, Isaac Newton famously said "Pigmaei gigantum humeris impositi plusquam ipsi gigantes vident" [If I have seen a little further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants.] By this he meant that his work built upon the work on other, often earlier, scientists. And "everybody hit the ground", I mean come on - Newton is considered the founder of gravity. So you tell me, considering the intellect of the band and their predeliction for such intellectual "easter eggs" in their songs/videos...doesn't that make the most sense? You don't have to agree with my opinion...I'm just sayin'.
@garbo215
I enjoyed reading your purely subjective interpretation of the song. You may make the Newton reference via Fall On Me.
The actual meaning (c/o Stipe) is about the feud between Morton Downey Jr and Oprah Winfrey
@garbo215
I enjoyed reading your purely subjective interpretation of the song. You may make the Newton reference via Fall On Me.
The actual meaning (c/o Stipe) is about the feud between Morton Downey Jr and Oprah Winfrey
@garbo215 The "shoulders" line is certainly quoting Newton, but is the song about him or only making that one reference? It also says "my kingdom for a…" is quoting Shakespeare, Richard III, so with one reference apiece, we could start guessing if it's about Newton, Shakespeare, Richard, or some fourth person.
@garbo215 The "shoulders" line is certainly quoting Newton, but is the song about him or only making that one reference? It also says "my kingdom for a…" is quoting Shakespeare, Richard III, so with one reference apiece, we could start guessing if it's about Newton, Shakespeare, Richard, or some fourth person.
What they all have in common is greatness (and being English). And as the first person says that standing on the shoulders of giants leaves him cold, he seems not to be Newton.
What they all have in common is greatness (and being English). And as the first person says that standing on the shoulders of giants leaves him cold, he seems not to be Newton.
I think as @heythere81201 suggested, it's about someone who wants to...
I think as @heythere81201 suggested, it's about someone who wants to have an original idea. And, as he wishes to have "a voice," it is perhaps in the realm of art, politics, or something else.
This song, to me, is obviously about Isaac Newton. While talking about his work, Isaac Newton famously said "Pigmaei gigantum humeris impositi plusquam ipsi gigantes vident" [If I have seen a little further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants.] By this he meant that his work built upon the work on other, often earlier, scientists. And "everybody hit the ground", I mean come on - Newton is considered the founder of gravity. So you tell me, considering the intellect of the band and their predeliction for such intellectual "easter eggs" in their songs/videos...doesn't that make the most sense? You don't have to agree with my opinion...I'm just sayin'.
@garbo215 I enjoyed reading your purely subjective interpretation of the song. You may make the Newton reference via Fall On Me. The actual meaning (c/o Stipe) is about the feud between Morton Downey Jr and Oprah Winfrey
@garbo215 I enjoyed reading your purely subjective interpretation of the song. You may make the Newton reference via Fall On Me. The actual meaning (c/o Stipe) is about the feud between Morton Downey Jr and Oprah Winfrey
@garbo215 The "shoulders" line is certainly quoting Newton, but is the song about him or only making that one reference? It also says "my kingdom for a…" is quoting Shakespeare, Richard III, so with one reference apiece, we could start guessing if it's about Newton, Shakespeare, Richard, or some fourth person.
@garbo215 The "shoulders" line is certainly quoting Newton, but is the song about him or only making that one reference? It also says "my kingdom for a…" is quoting Shakespeare, Richard III, so with one reference apiece, we could start guessing if it's about Newton, Shakespeare, Richard, or some fourth person.
What they all have in common is greatness (and being English). And as the first person says that standing on the shoulders of giants leaves him cold, he seems not to be Newton.
What they all have in common is greatness (and being English). And as the first person says that standing on the shoulders of giants leaves him cold, he seems not to be Newton.
I think as @heythere81201 suggested, it's about someone who wants to...
I think as @heythere81201 suggested, it's about someone who wants to have an original idea. And, as he wishes to have "a voice," it is perhaps in the realm of art, politics, or something else.
@garbo215 Close but it’s about the creation and use of the atomic bomb.
@garbo215 Close but it’s about the creation and use of the atomic bomb.