No blind spots in the leopard's eyes
Can only help to jeopardize
The lives of lambs, the shepherd cries

An outdoor life for a silverfish
Eternal dust less ticklish
Than the clean room, a houseguest's wish

He lies on his side, is he trying to hide?
In fact it's the earth, which he's known since birth

He lies on his side, is he trying to hide?
In fact it's the earth, which he's known since birth

Face worker, a serpentine miner
A roof falls, an under-liner
Of leaf structure, the egg timer

He lies on his side, is he trying to hide?
In fact it's the earth, which he's known since birth

He lies on his side, is he trying to hide?
In fact it's the earth, which he's known since birth

He lies on his side, is he trying to hide? (he lies on his side)
In fact it's the earth, which he's known since birth (is he trying to hide?)

He lies on his side, is he trying to hide? (he lies on his side)
In fact it's the earth, which he's known since birth (is he trying to hide?)

He lies on his side, is he trying to hide? (he lies on his side)
In fact it's the earth, which he's known since birth (is he trying to hide?)


Lyrics submitted by Dressed2Depress

Outdoor Miner Lyrics as written by Graham Lewis Colin John Newman

Lyrics © CARLIN AMERICA INC

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

Outdoor Miner song meanings
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9 Comments

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  • +5
    Song Meaning

    It's an abstract interpretation of the experiences of a kind of inchworm known as the serpentine miner, which eats the chlorophyll in holly leaves. Graham Lewis wrote the words while watching a BBC nature documentary; he was flummoxed when Colin Newman decided to, rather perversely, put them to the Byrdsy little tune which became this song, but ultimately approved.

    That said, this song is godly. Ranks with "Map Ref." as one of Wire's best pop songs of their first incarnation ("Madman's Honey", "Ahead" and "Kidney Bingos" probably being the best of their second).

    Cynothoglyson May 24, 2010   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    This is one of my favorite songs. I'm also surprised no one has really commented. I was first introduced to Wire, and this song in particular, by the Grays (they released a cover of it as a b-side). I don't even know what to say about it, but I love it. I guess maybe there's not much to say, it's a very simple song (and I mean that in a great way).

    EnidCaulfieldon November 03, 2007   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    I don't think this song means a thing at all. I think it's an easy-listening song which you could associate with anything you'd like.

    windmills20on July 08, 2008   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    Thanks Cynothoglys. I've always loved this song and I always thought it was about a caterpillar but I was never quite sure abuot the leopard bit...

    This also illuminates: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serpentine_leaf_miner

    losttangoon August 25, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I can't believe no one's commented this, I love this song.

    bahbahmakron May 23, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I just love the line "He lies on his side, is he trying to hide? In fact it's the earth, which he's known since birth"

    It like, signifies growing up.

    bahbahmakron January 28, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Beautiful song. Just like all the best Wire songs, you wish it were longer.

    Sluggoon April 04, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Great tune, but the lyrics have me seriously baffled - a dream maybe?

    finnegan63on May 15, 2010   Link
  • 0
    My Opinion

    Inspired by a nature show, sure, but I think the genius is rather in the wordsmith results. And in the melody. Imho this is one of the best pop songs ever written. Even in the longer single version, it's just full of talent and inspiration. Lovely.

    jeroen1066on September 08, 2022   Link

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