Queensrÿche – Anybody Listening?

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You and I
long to live like the wind upon the water.
If we close our eyes, we'll maybe realize
there's more to life than what we have known.
And I can't believe I've spent so long
living lies I know were wrong inside,
I've just begun to see the light.

Long ago there was a dream,
had to make a choice or two.
Leaving all I loved behind,
for what nobody knew.
Stepped out on the stage, a life
under lights and judging eyes.
Now the applause has died and I
can dream again...

Is there anybody listening?
Is there anyone that sees what's going on?
Read between the lines,
criticize the words they're selling.
Think for yourself and feel the walls
become sand beneath your feet

Feel the breeze?
Time's so near you can almost taste the freedom.
There's a warm wind from the south.
Hoist the sail and we'll be gone,
by morning this will all seem like a dream.
And if you don't return to sing the song,
maybe just as well.
I've seen the news and there's
not much I can do...alone

Is there anybody listening?
Is there anyone who smiles without a mask?
What's behind the words--images
they know will please us?
I'll take what's real. Bring up the lights.

Is there anybody listening?
Is there anyone that sees what's going on?
Read between the lines,
criticize the words they're selling.
Think for yourself and feel the walls...
become sand beneath your feet.

Send "Anybody Listening?" Ringtone to Cell


Lyrics submitted by Ice


Anybody Listening? song meanings
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16 Comments

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  • 0
    General Comment:I think this song is a little more abstract or conceptual than what most people have said. I think it's about how society brainwashes people into believing certain things and consequently into living a certain way and following certain rules which exist only in people's minds. Organised religion and government and the media and all that stuff play a part in all this, but first and foremost it originates from human society, plain and simple.
    Flag Lesyeuxdeserpenton April 19, 2011   Link
  • 0
    Song Meaning:This song is simply a look at the response that Queensrÿche got from it Operation:Mindcrime album. The band wanted something to change, the government and the media to stop their practices and become honest. "Anybody Listening?" just refers to the fact that nothing actually did change, that the world remains the same as it was before. So, Queensrÿche's question is, is there "Anybody Listening?" to what they had to say.
    Flag antekmanon May 10, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I know exactly what this song is about. It's about the internal struggles Chris Degarmo felt about life, fame, the path he took to get there and how to escape. Kind of ironic since he disappeared a few years later. "And if you don't return to sing the song, maybe just as well". That line tops it off, kind of eerie.
    Flag thomashall1on June 10, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I think this song means that one should try and enjoy life. I love the line "If we close our eyes, we'll maybe realize there's more to life than what we have known." If everyone took a moment to block out all the noise and clutter of their daily life, they can experience something profound and emotional. Everyone should think for themselves and truly listen to their own intuition instead of what society/the media expects people to buy into. "I'll take what's real." I agree. A very relevant song for all times.
    Flag Hermione_Weasleyon May 14, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Beautiful vocals here... definitely can encompass many meanings. Each individual take it as they please, but to me it means to look beyond what life is thought to be...not just to go to work, come home, pay the mortgage and believe what you hear coming from your officials or any religion for that matter. You don't need to have someone give you answers when you can find them yourself.
    Flag venusblewon May 10, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:To me the song sounds like someone who is remembering when they were young and could dream and question things. They've been out in the world and found it a cruel and lonely place, and they are starting to realize that everything isn't as it seems. But the basic "question authority" theme is heavily present, and is without a doubt the message the song conveys.

    By far the best song on the album, and one of my favorite Queensryche songs period.
    Flag Muzzyon April 25, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Queensryche has captured a feeling and turned into such a great song, thats why they make real music
    Flag Brixton89on December 31, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I think basically he's denouncing conforming to what everyone else is doing. Don't be just another product of society. One of favorite songs byt them.
    Flag maddhatter41on October 11, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:This is one of my favorites. It could be about the government, but it could be interpreted in a deeper sense - don't assume life and reality are what other people tell you, don't buy into the assumed reality, the masks that many people wear, what everyone else claims as 'truth' - find out yourself what's 'real'.
    Flag Squeakyrat11on March 23, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I agree with the government stuff, a heavy metal band makes much more sense promoting independance and freedom of thought, which is exactly what advertisement and branding are against. There is no spoon is a good quote for this!
    Flag GunTotingHippyon October 09, 2005   Link

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