The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
When I was a young boy
My father took me into the city
To see a marching band
He said, "Son, when you grow up
Would you be the savior of the broken
The beaten, and the damned?"
He said, "Will you defeat them
Your demons and all the non-believers?
The plans that they have made?
Because one day, I'll leave you
A phantom to lead you in the summer
To join the black parade"
When I was a young boy
My father took me into the city
To see a marching band
He said, "Son, when you grow up
Will you be the savior of the broken
The beaten, and the damned?"
Sometimes I get the feelin'
She's watchin' over me
And other times I feel like I should go
And through it all, the rise and fall
The bodies in the streets
And when you're gone, we want you all to know
We'll carry on, we'll carry on
And though you're dead and gone, believe me
Your memory will carry on
We'll carry on
And in my heart, I can't contain it
The anthem won't explain it
A world that sends you reeling
From decimated dreams
Your misery and hate will kill us all
So paint it black and take it back
Let's shout it loud and clear
Defiant to the end, we hear the call
To carry on
We'll carry on
And though you're dead and gone, believe me
Your memory will carry on
We'll carry on
And though you're broken and defeated
Your weary widow marches
On and on, we carry through the fears
(Oh, oh, oh)
Disappointed faces of your peers
(Oh, oh, oh)
Take a look at me
'Cause I could not care at all
Do or die, you'll never make me
Because the world will never take my heart
Go and try, you'll never break me
We want it all, we wanna play this part
I won't explain or say I'm sorry
I'm unashamed, I'm gonna show my scars
Give a cheer for all the broken
Listen here, because it's who we are
I'm just a man, I'm not a hero
Just a boy, who had to sing this song
I'm just a man, I'm not a hero
I don't care
We'll carry on
We'll carry on
And though you're dead and gone, believe me
Your memory will carry on
You'll carry on
And though you're broken and defeated
Your weary widow marches on
Do or die, you'll never make me
Because the world will never take my heart
Go and try, you'll never break me
We want it all, we wanna play this part
We'll carry on
Do or die, you'll never make me (we'll carry on)
Because the world will never take my heart (we'll carry on)
Go and try, you'll never break me (we'll carry)
We want it all, we wanna play this part
(We'll carry on!)
My father took me into the city
To see a marching band
He said, "Son, when you grow up
Would you be the savior of the broken
The beaten, and the damned?"
He said, "Will you defeat them
Your demons and all the non-believers?
The plans that they have made?
Because one day, I'll leave you
A phantom to lead you in the summer
To join the black parade"
When I was a young boy
My father took me into the city
To see a marching band
He said, "Son, when you grow up
Will you be the savior of the broken
The beaten, and the damned?"
Sometimes I get the feelin'
She's watchin' over me
And other times I feel like I should go
And through it all, the rise and fall
The bodies in the streets
And when you're gone, we want you all to know
We'll carry on, we'll carry on
And though you're dead and gone, believe me
Your memory will carry on
We'll carry on
And in my heart, I can't contain it
The anthem won't explain it
A world that sends you reeling
From decimated dreams
Your misery and hate will kill us all
So paint it black and take it back
Let's shout it loud and clear
Defiant to the end, we hear the call
To carry on
We'll carry on
And though you're dead and gone, believe me
Your memory will carry on
We'll carry on
And though you're broken and defeated
Your weary widow marches
On and on, we carry through the fears
(Oh, oh, oh)
Disappointed faces of your peers
(Oh, oh, oh)
Take a look at me
'Cause I could not care at all
Do or die, you'll never make me
Because the world will never take my heart
Go and try, you'll never break me
We want it all, we wanna play this part
I won't explain or say I'm sorry
I'm unashamed, I'm gonna show my scars
Give a cheer for all the broken
Listen here, because it's who we are
I'm just a man, I'm not a hero
Just a boy, who had to sing this song
I'm just a man, I'm not a hero
I don't care
We'll carry on
We'll carry on
And though you're dead and gone, believe me
Your memory will carry on
You'll carry on
And though you're broken and defeated
Your weary widow marches on
Do or die, you'll never make me
Because the world will never take my heart
Go and try, you'll never break me
We want it all, we wanna play this part
We'll carry on
Do or die, you'll never make me (we'll carry on)
Because the world will never take my heart (we'll carry on)
Go and try, you'll never break me (we'll carry)
We want it all, we wanna play this part
(We'll carry on!)
Lyrics submitted by AbsolutionAgent_gMs, edited by Shadows145, SmashingDestiny, thatoneemokid, JulianDoes, R4D4R
Welcome To The Black Parade Lyrics as written by Gerard Way Frank Iero
Lyrics © BLOW THE DOORS OFF CHICAGO, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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Great version of a great song,
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This is probably one of my favorite songs off all time because of all the messages it carries. Of losing a Parent (more specifically your father.) Of Mourning and how even though you might feel like the world is over because someone important to you died, you will get through it. Which then can be taken into any context of how you can get through any major problem in life... It realy is a beutifull song to me.
He is talking about going to a funeral when he say the black parade. He went to his Mom funeral with his dad and his dad said that he wants him to handle losing his Mom at a early age well and the chance that his father will die as well. He wants him to set a example for others going through problems. His mother died and his father was warming him that some day he'll be gone too. So during the process the writer is trying his best to live life and He will not let Life live him sort of speak. He taking pressure off himself by not trying to hard to be a savior and set a example for others but instead He is going carry on. When you lose a parent at a young age especially a mother for a son or a father for a daughter. Or even worst both parents. The kids life is tougher and most likey the kid becomes too wild either in the party Life or in a violent life maybe a combination of both. So when he does bad, he is heavy on himself because of the convo with his dad at his Mom funeral. But now he is trying to harden and do what he wants. He is going to Live on how he feels until his black parade. Not caring about setting the example anymore. At the end of the day sometimes living on is setting a example for itself.....
This song helped to take some of sting off how bad it felt when I lost a close one. Just listening to this song, helped me through my grieving process. It talks about "her" memory "carried on", and "though you're dead and gone believe me", my memory of you will always carry on, because you were an important part of my life, and I choose never to forget you. Sometimes he feels her presence, and that too helps him to "carry on" in life.
"I won't explain or say I'm sorry, I'm not ashamed, I'm gonna show my scar", talks about how he feels that showing sadness and pain, is something that one should never be afraid to show, we are all human an feel these things.
I just thought I would throw in my two cents.
I think people are hitting the nail on the head when they talk it's about death - indeed it is but it's not that blatantly obvious.
I feel that this song is more explaining the revelation he had during the time as a comic book writer during the 9/11 attacks. It was then that MCR spawned, and then that he decided he wanted to "spread a message".
He's previously mentioned being very spiritual/religious, evident in the time he was sharing about when he was around fifteen, he was held at gunpoint.
"I got held up with a .357 Magnum, had a gun pointed to my head and put on the floor, execution-style. No matter how ugly the world gets or how stupid it shows me it is, I always have faith." So, I believe that a more personal experience is shared with the first verse(s).
The obvious references to the fallen people are of course, in loving memory of those who have died on September 11th.
"And though you're dead and gone believe me Your memory will carry on Will carry on And in my heart I can't contain it The anthem won't explain it"
The anthem, perhaps making a reference to this nations anthem.
"We want it all, we wanna play this part I won't explain or say I'm sorry I'm not ashamed, I'm gonna show my scar"
Maybe a deeper meaning that, if there was indeed a draft, he would not fight it like most do, but, play his part as a soldier and fight without mercy and remorse against the tyrants whom killed his fellow people.
He ends that nicely with this, a modest answer to when people (alot of crazed-fans, I'd deduce) assume he is:
"I'm just a man, I'm not a hero Just a boy who's meant to sing this song Just a man, I'm not a hero I don't care"
...Okay, I haven't looked through all the comments yet, but it seems that most of the comments are just talking about how shitty they are or how they're emo/gay/sellouts/lame/whatever, or even how this song is overplayed, instead of talking about what the song is about. This is SONGMEANINGS.net, not dissallbands.org, SELLOUTS.com, whichbandsareemo.net, songsthatareoverplayed.net, dissdissdiss.com, THEYAREGAY.org, or letstalkshit.com. It's not a chatbox, it's a lyric site. :)
Though, some of the comments I've seen have made me chuckle.
Anyways, to the meaning, I feel that the "black parade" is a metaphor for death... or the grim reaper. Since it's a concept about a dying patient, it makes sense. Though, the 9/11 idea someone came up with is actually pretty neat. And original. :) In the way of "why didn't I think of that D:?"
Saint_street, your idea of the songs meaning is really neat too.
And the piano part at the beginning reminds me of another song I've heard... but I have no idea what.
I like this song. I lot. It's catchy. I want to give a nice "fuck you", to everyone who has been bashing this song... or the band. That's not what the lyric comments are for... bitch in your journal about it if you cannot hold it in... it may be better for you.
@ChemicalDeath the first note of the piano in the beginning reminded me of darkside by Alen Walker.
I think this is secretely dedicated to his father.
I almost shed a tear when I read through the lyrics with this in mind. This song just got ten times better...
This song yes is secretly dedicated to his father but also to a friend to the because of how much its mentioned. Most likely a friend of the band or even just Gerard in general not the September eleventh attack here in the United State.<br /> <br /> Just my thoughts any one can disagree
I have read the comments but this is how I perceive the meaning...
To me it starts with a father taking his son to a marching Parade. The parade is a metaphor for death. Possibly the father’s. He can’t exactly tell his son that he is going to die soon, possibly because he is too young. So instead, he spends his last few days with him providing prominent advice and explaining the ‘Black Parade’ (death) in a diplomatic way. One in which the boy will likely comprehend and understand.
In the end, I picture (in my head) that the father tells his son that he too is going to join the parade, and that he’ll see his son again in the distant future. Eventually, the boy waves goodbye as his father smiles and walks with the parade over the horizon. The boy, now growing up understands his father’s prominent words and “carries on” with his own life/family.
That’s my take on it anyway!
do you? have you ever walked on cocrete? its alot like concrete except more stupider with no Ns :]
Argh bloody hell, didn't even press enter =S
Anyway,from what I've heard, there's a story to the album. The Patient has died, more than likely from cancer:
He looks back on his life, contemplating the mistakes and such like in his life.
Gerard said that he believes Death comes in the form of however you want it. As seeing the marching band was a strong memory from The Patient's childhood, The Black Parade is how he sees Death coming to get him.
When I was a young boy, my Father took me into the city, to see a marching band.
reflection on childhood past with father (a heroic like figure)
He said "Son when, you grow up, will you be, the savior of the broken, the beaten and the damned."He said "will you defeat them, your demons and all the non-believers, the plans they have made."
A message for the youth of today - unite. live together nd not seperated by pain nd oppression. do it 4 ur father. the man who raised u 2 be brave in a world of whimps
Because one day I'll leave you, A phantom to lead you in the summer, To join the black parade."
phantom: ghost, hidden demon or pain mayb. the death of his father will go with him 2 tha grave. black parade nd summer? death nd joy? mayb the black parade r tha courageous human beings that break away from tha bullshit that surrounds them "carry on" living their own life.
Sometimes I get the feeling she's watching over me. And other times I feel like I should go.
she = god. unconventional - if u believe in god, "it" is not the judge of moral gud nd evil or tha powerful vision of masculinity. god is the mother - the caring, compassionate, woman who gives all her children unconditional love - sumtyms he thinks she doesnt exist so he doesnt care about tha world or neone around him
Through it all, the rise and fall, the bodies in the streets.
thru tha shit , tha ones who wasted their lives nd ended up in shit places
When you're gone we want you all to know We'll Carry on, We'll Carry on Though your dead and gone believe me Your memory will carry on We'll carry on
though the father has died - he realises he shuldnt waste his life bitching about how bad it is - he shud make tha best of it - there is no reason 4 all tha shit that happens it just does - just make tha world a better place - wat his father told him 2 do - carry on
And in my heart I cant contain it The anthem wont explain it.
i have 2 help ppl - u cant understand it - u have 2 already kno it 2 understand the anthem
and we will send you reeling from decimated dreams Your misery and hate will kill us all
fuck ur bitching 2 put it bluntly - dont hate try 2 understand other ppl nd help them
So paint it black and take it back Lets shout it loud and clear do you fight it to the end
the modern day pop image took "the beautiful life" nd made it look gud nd crystal clear - nothing is perfect, say it for what it is - its not pure white so paint it black- take back the image we shud strive for. r u strong enuff 2 fight it out?
we hear the call to to carry on etc...
...and though you're broken and defeated you're wiery widow marches on and on we carry through the fears
reference 2 the mother. the fears: failing
dissapointed faces of your peers take a look at me cuz i could not care at all
u fail tha ppl around u by doing nothing. but i dont care about u if u make no effort 2 change tha world
do or die you'll never make me cos the world, will never take my heart though you try, you'll never break me
it doesnt matter if i fail -il die a happier man. i wont be seduced by the evils of the world
we want it all, we wanna play this part wont explain or say i'm sorry im not ashamed, i'm gonna show my scar
we want 2 tha whole world 2 listen - im not saying soz 4 bein different - i wont show how it hurts
Give a cheer for all the broken
the ones who tried nd were crushed by the world around them
listen here, because it's only.. i'm just a man, i'm not a hero just a boy, whos meant to sing this song just a man, i'm not a hero i, don't, care
im not doing this cus i feel im special or its m,y duty - i do it bcos i want 2 - bcos i have 2 - its a drive that was instilled by the father - he just kinda worked it all out
beautiful song - thnx 4 readin
@songs4aburningcity I would gladly have upvoted this, because you have a solid and good meaning, however your english is so extremely bad that I simply can't get myself to do it.
i think that the song says "...defiant to the end we hear the call..." im not completely sure but thats just what i think...