This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
Love, love is a verb
Love is a doing word
Fearless on my breath
Gentle impulsion
Shakes me, makes me lighter
Fearless on my breath
Teardrop on the fire
Fearless on my breath
Night, night of matter
Black flowers blossom
Fearless on my breath
Black flowers blossom
Fearless on my breath
Teardrop on the fire
Fearless on my
Water is my eye
Most faithful mirror
Fearless on my breath
Teardrop on the fire
Of a confession
Fearless on my breath
Most faithful mirror
Fearless on my breath
Teardrop on the fire
Fearless on my breath
You're stumbling in the dark
You're stumbling in the dark
Love is a doing word
Fearless on my breath
Gentle impulsion
Shakes me, makes me lighter
Fearless on my breath
Teardrop on the fire
Fearless on my breath
Night, night of matter
Black flowers blossom
Fearless on my breath
Black flowers blossom
Fearless on my breath
Teardrop on the fire
Fearless on my
Water is my eye
Most faithful mirror
Fearless on my breath
Teardrop on the fire
Of a confession
Fearless on my breath
Most faithful mirror
Fearless on my breath
Teardrop on the fire
Fearless on my breath
You're stumbling in the dark
You're stumbling in the dark
Lyrics submitted by Selfmutilized, edited by just1x, TheOldHacker, MycroftJr, eeeeee, Stephen1961, o-phelia
Teardrop Lyrics as written by Robert Del Naja Elizabeth Fraser
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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Hayalperest
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Mountain Song
Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction vocalist Perry Farrell gives Adam Reader some heartfelt insight into Jane’s Addiction's hard rock manifesto "Mountain Song", which was the second single from their revolutionary album Nothing's Shocking. Mountain song was first recorded in 1986 and appeared on the soundtrack to the film Dudes starring Jon Cryer. The version on Nothing's Shocking was re-recorded in 1988.
"'Mountain Song' was actually about... I hate to say it but... drugs. Climbing this mountain and getting as high as you can, and then coming down that mountain," reveals Farrell. "What it feels to descend from the mountain top... not easy at all. The ascension is tough but exhilarating. Getting down is... it's a real bummer. Drugs is not for everybody obviously. For me, I wanted to experience the heights, and the lows come along with it."
"There's a part - 'Cash in now honey, cash in Miss Smith.' Miss Smith is my Mother; our last name was Smith. Cashing in when she cashed in her life. So... she decided that, to her... at that time, she was desperate. Life wasn't worth it for her, that was her opinion. Some people think, never take your life, and some people find that their life isn't worth living. She was in love with my Dad, and my Dad was not faithful to her, and it broke her heart. She was very desperate and she did something that I know she regrets."
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
No Surprises
Radiohead
Radiohead
Same ideas expressed in Fitter, Happier are expressed in this song. We're told to strive for some sort of ideal life, which includes getting a good job, being kind to everyone, finding a partner, getting married, having a couple kids, living in a quiet neighborhood in a nice big house, etc. But in Fitter, Happier the narrator(?) realizes that it's incredibly robotic to live this life. People are being used by those in power "like a pig in a cage on antibiotics"--being pacified with things like new phones and cool gadgets and houses while being sucked dry. On No Surprises, the narrator is realizing how this life is killing him slowly. In the video, his helmet is slowly filling up with water, drowning him. But he's so complacent with it. This is a good summary of the song. This boring, "perfect" life foisted upon us by some higher powers (not spiritual, but political, economic, etc. politicians and businessmen, perhaps) is not the way to live. But there is seemingly no way out but death. He'd rather die peacefully right now than live in this cage. While our lives are often shielded, we're in our own protective bubbles, or protective helmets like the one Thom wears, if we look a little harder we can see all the corruption, lies, manipulation, etc. that is going on in the world, often run by huge yet nearly invisible organizations, corporations, and 'leaders'. It's a very hopeless song because it reflects real life.
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
The first time I heard this song, I was blown away by what I heard. After a while, I came to the conclusion I wanted to know what the song was about. After reading what is on this forum and information dealing with the song, I think I know what the song is about. I don't know if has been posted here already or not, but the song is about being in love with someone who cannot hear it, due to death. It's hard when you lose someone you love, which is what the lyricist Elizabeth Fraser was feeling when she lost her good friend Jeff Buckley. This is what I believe is the analysis of the song.
"Love, love is a verb Love is a doing word Fearless on my breath" -In this instance, she states that love is what she feels and that she's not afraid to say it.
"Gentle impulsion Shakes me makes me lighter Fearless on my breath" -This is speaking of living on without the person she loves, as impulsion means the act of impelling, driving onward, or pushing. The thought of living without this person is bittersweet as it shakes her to tears but it also make her happy to have known that person.
"Teardrop on the fire Fearless on my breath" -This can mean two things at once. A teardrop cannot put out a fire. Therefore this means that though she cries for this person, the sadness will not extinguish the passion she has for this person. The other thing this means is that she will not spend the rest of her life crying for this person, as crying when grieving is healthy, but one cannot cry forever if they want to live on.
"Nine night of matter Black flowers blossom Fearless on my breath Black flowers blossom Fearless on my breath" -This has to do more with the actual person that died, Jeff Buckley. I believe the nine represents the 29th, which is the day he died, May 29th. Night refers to the last time he was seen alive. Black flowers represent death and farewell. The fact that they are blossoming means that it is not a dismal farewell but one that she grow from.
"Teardrop on the fire Fearless on my..." -I believe this is a reflection, like she was thinking strongly of the person lost, because after this there is an instrumental part before it starts up again.
"Water is my eye Most faithful mirror Fearless on my breath" -She states that the tears she cries for the person are an honest reflection of her feelings.
"Teardrop on the fire of a confession Fearless on my breath Most faithful mirror Fearless on my breath" -I believe the confession she is speaking of is a confession of love, which now falls on deaf ears since the person the love confession is to has died and can no longer hear it. She repeated the part about most faithful mirror which goes back that she is being honest about her feelings.
"Teardrop on the fire Fearless on my breath" -Repeated from above.
"Stumbling a little Stumbling a little" -This is showing how it has been hard to deal with the death.
Also, the "fearless on my breathe" throughout the song refers to not being afraid to speak. In this case, it is that she not afraid to express her feelings about the death.
Really well done. I feel the same way since losing somebody very close but was afraid to step out. This song haunts me...
I will buy this interpretation. I've been trying to figure this one out for a while now.
quite agree with your interpretation.. and this song's original video is an unborn fetus, which indicates the reincarnation of the lost friend, or the writer thinks her friend will always stay in her heart.
I was about to come here and voice my disbelief at the ignorance of everyone who provided an opinion about the meaning of this song until I read ",ozoneocean's," post. FINALLY someone used the gray matter between their ears and did some research. This song is clearly about loss, and dealing with loss. The woman who provided the vocals for the song was even quoted as saying that she had her friend Jeff Buckley, who died in a drowning accident, in mind when she was writing it! She said it helped her cope. It could be interpreted as any loss, it depends on hoe the individual listener relates to it. It could be the loss felt due to the ending of a relationship, or the loss felt over a loved one passing away. Anyone who has ever lost someone that meant the world to them knows how difficult it is to deal with it. It's as difficult as trying to put out a fire by standing over it and crying. "Teardrops on the fire...?" You people who say its about abortion are just plain dumb. Yeah, Massive Attack is going to make a song that describes in detail an abortion procedure; are you mad? I seriously doubt a woman would listen to this song for comfort after having an abortion. And those who say that is what it's about because of the video...you're even dumber than the other people. Have you never seen a music video from Tool, or Gorillaz? Their videos have nothing at all to do with the lyrics of their songs. Massive Attack is a new age rock band. Of course their videos are going to be weird. It's how they are defined.
C'mon people, think before you post dumb crap. This is a very sweet and touching song. Don't ruin it's meaning with the macabre.
don't get mad just tell your opinion without screaming, by the way i was here just to say the same ozone and yourself said, thanks to him and u for the good explanation
i think your right, but in your fit of rage you have overstated yourself, and thats when you begin to look like an idiot yourself. the song can be about abortion because that is loss aswell. you can assert yourself if you believe you are correct and justify, but there is no need to criticise.
Bitter much?
bang on my son. Good work.
I think the whole reason songs are made with such vague lyrics is so that they take on different interpretations. This very site has categories such as "My Opinion, My Interpretation." Now if you want what the ARTIST was thinking about when he/she put it down to relate to other people- maybe, yes, there is one meaning for that person. Or maybe, again, for one person it could have multiple meanings as they try to make sense out of the world and relate to others through music. Some songs are written purposefully to inspire thought and feeling and what it means to that individual, so I wouldn't knock others too hard. I can definitely see how this song could be about abortion... even though maybe that's not what the artist meant. I actually thought it meant something completely different than both of these things, but I will buy the death/loss interpretation because I was looking for what the artist was talking about.<br /> <br /> Here is my, somewhat looser interpretation of such a vague song:<br /> <br /> "Love, love is a verb" - Verbs are action words, love is more than words, it is action<br /> "Love is a doing word" - Possibly talking about sex here- sex is the act born out of love<br /> "Fearless on my breath" - I'm still not sure she says "breath" every single time. I've listened to this hundreds of times to try and find out. At any rate, fearless on my breath could mean she's not afraid to express herself sexually.<br /> <br /> "Black flowers blossom" - Obviously unpleasantry is blooming. Could be death, or just consequence.<br /> <br /> <br /> "Teardrop on the fire of a confession" - A confession was made, and through the confession that individual is seeking freedom from pain. The fire of the confession may be punishment for one's sins- wrath of God, hell, etc.<br /> <br /> "Water is my eye"<br /> "Most faithful mirror" - The person making the confession is crying and will never be the same, and will never look the same in the mirror<br /> <br /> I don't know- this one is still tough. The "confession" word does not fit the explanation about loss of a loved one. What would either party have to make a confession about? Also, why would loss of a loved one involve crying in the mirror? And, she keeps repeating "Fearless on my breath" as if to remind herself of the bad decision she made.<br /> <br /> The jury is still out on this one for me personally. Also remember, just because an artist tells a story to the camera, it doesn't mean it is true. There are plenty of songs out there that are puzzles like this. It's the artist's way of hiding the truth in plain sight.
@IrishWxman Actually you need to do some research about the gorillaz. Their videos have very much to do with the lyrics. Not all of it. But you obviously know nothing about the gorillaz. I could go into detail. But I'll leave you to figure out the relation to the extensive history of the virtual members of the band and the music and the videos.<br /> I would also recommend looking at "Rise of the Ogre"
@IrishWxman For many, a spontaneous abortion is a loss. A loss of someone they in many ways already loved, and waited for. A unfulfilled love. I agree that the song song is not about the performance of a medical procedure. But if it is about loss (in general), grief after an abortion (spontaneous or not) is still a valid personal interpretation.
@IrishWxman i am unclear as to why if one's opinion differs from yours, that you must not only perceive him or her as "dumb" but also publicly state this. you don't stop there tho, you feel the need to go on as to suggest such people are "mad." <br /> <br /> btw massive attack are a trip hop band, not a new age rock band. notice how i can state this without insulting you.<br /> <br /> you are lacking understanding if you do not know that an abortion is a tremendous loss with accompanying guilt. i agree with the writers who point out why a confession if the song is taken at the given meaning? as another mentioned, artists frequently mislead us with the actual meaning of songs. i could make a short list off the top of mine head.<br /> <br /> i don't know that its meaning is ruined if it was in fact about an abortion (which other tunes by liz suggest, such as "perhaps some other aeon"), and for the record this was one of the most comforting songs if not THE most comforting after abortion gave me its permanent scar.<br /> <br /> ""Teardrops on the fire...?" You people who say its about abortion are just plain dumb." <br /> <br /> ......abortion, as any death- is permanent. no amount of crying can change it. the lyrics apply quite well.<br /> <br /> "Yeah, Massive Attack is going to make a song that describes in detail an abortion procedure; are you mad?" <br /> <br /> ...... liz wrote the lyrics!<br /> and they do not describe an abortion procedure- not in detail and not at all. they do happen to perfectly describe the post-abortion experience, however.<br /> <br /> as you wrote "C'mon people, think before you post dumb crap". not to be insulting, but perhaps you should follow your own advice?
@IrishWxman So one thing im hung up on, at the very end, no matter how many times i turn this up and listen to it. The current lyrics dont fit what i hear at all It sounds like she's saying "You're stumbling in the daaaark<br /> You're stumbling in the daaaaark" given that this is about someone who died, and their being in the "hereafter" or on the "otherside". It would make sense. Maybe she feels that he's lost with out the friendship they had? Or his stumbling in the dark is a reflection of her belief that there may not be anything after death and so he's stumbling, tripping over other souls in the dark. Idk. Those are just my thoughts.
@IrishWxman @SgtReznor<br /> Also <br /> "Water is my eye"<br /> "Most faithful mirror" - The person making the confession is crying and will never be the same, and will never look the same in the mirror<br /> <br /> This explanation is way to vague. <br /> "Water is my eye" <br /> Being a practitioner, water is a reflective element. It can reflect back, but can also be used to see through to certain truths. water is my eye to me sounds like she's saying that her eyes are quite literally water. They reflect, just like water, and in doing so any look in her eyes gives her feelings away. They tell a truth. <br /> And how does she translate that truth? In the next line, "most faithful mirror" she can depend on her eyes and face and the water in her tears to be a most faithful mirror, even when she doesnt want them to be. Like a mirror she cant hide her feelings about her friends death. <br />
WHY IS MUSIC SO AWESOME?
im a huge rock/metal fan, but for some odd reason i really really like this song. its just...mesmerizing.
As quoted from the Guardian. [The news that Buckley had disappeared — he drowned, swimming in the Wolf river in Memphis — came while Fraser was recording Teardrop with Massive Attack. "That was so weird," she says. "I'd got letters out and I was thinking about him. That song's kind of about him — that's how it feels to me anyway." It seems she is haunted by guilt: for not being there for Buckley, for everything. As she puts it: "I need to forgive myself."]
It's her process of breaking up with him and forgiving herself and her feelings of being responsible for it..
Her feelings of love, fearlessly saying it, and crying drives her forward in her process of mourning.. black flowers are goodbyes/farewells to let that love for him go...
She had an abortion and said so in an interview. Elizabeth Fraser sang it and wrote it. She was in the Cocteau Twins.
They played this song at the funeral of my sister... this song is so beautiful.
oops, i posted this as a reply just now instead of a comment.
Even before reading the lyrics, one immediately feels the sensuality present in this song. I believe this song is about giving in to the passion one feels, confessing your love for another person, and being unafraid of the possibility of having made a mistake.
Love is a verb; love is a doing word: -the singer is convincing herself to act on her desires. Fearless on my breath: -almost like a mantra, this phrase is repeated throughout. it has to do with being confident and unafraid to express what you are truly feeling. Gentle impulsion: -an impulsion is a thrust, a push forward, representing her desire to act, with an obvious sexual connotation. It is a confession of love or the act of making love or giving in to her physical desire. shakes me makes me lighter: -reservations are cast off. this line evokes a sense of releasing a burden. the singer is casting aside her fears and doubts and giving in to the passion she feels. Fearless on my breath: -aware of possible consequences, but unafraid. Teardrop on the fire: -This line does not represent futility so much as it represents the fire of passion consuming any remorse or regret she might feel.
Nine night of matter: -it has already been mentioned on this thread that nine nights are Jamaican multi-day wakes. Rather than mourning a lost loved one, the friends and family throw a big party and sing songs and play games and share food and memories. The singer is acknowledging a potential loss by giving in to her desires, and she is celebrating that loss rather than mourning it. Black flowers blossom: -same idea. black flowers are both dark and beautiful. this is a symbol of lustful, passionate sex.
Water is my eye: -this is an obvious metaphor for crying. the singer is feeling remorse, most likely after the act at some point. most faithful mirror: -her own eye is her most faithful mirror, in other words she knows herself better than anyone else. she knew there would be remorse and loss. fearless on my breath: -but she is still unafraid and has no regrets. Teardrop on the fire of a confession: -her passion was so great that she had to acknowledge it and act on it (love is a verb, after all) regardless of the consequences.
stumbling a little: -mistakes are inevitable, but it is better to feel passion and pain than to live in fear.
The video is a metaphor. The child is shaken from it's place of comfort and thrust into the world, which is a big scary place rather than being allowed to stay in the peaceful tranquility of the womb, much like the singer who opts to live passionately and stumble a little rather than play it safe and never learn or grow.
That's my take on this beautiful song.
Strange lyrics but the song is truly beautiful...look at my arm! Goosebumps!
I think I understand now! This song is about declaring one's love to another person at cost of his/her peace of mind:
Love, love is a verb//love is shown by acts Love is a doing word//love is said and done Fearless on my breath//I'm not scared to admit it.
Gentle impulsion//Love makes me go for it Shakes me makes me lighter//this is what it makes me feel Fearless on my breath//However, I'm not scared.
Nine(I think it's 'nigh') night of matter//A difficult time is coming Black flowers blossom//With hardships Fearless on my breath//But love makes me fearless.
Teardrop on the fire//suffering won't extinguish my love (fire) Fearless on my breath//I'm not scared.
Water is my eye//I cry Most faithful mirror//Tears are enough to show my feelings
Teardrop on the fire of a confession//My sadness means nothing, I'm telling you how I feel.
Stumbling a little//I did it and I feel insecure.
They said in an interview that it was written for a friend. Nothing special. It's just a peaceful song - and don't forget they're poets and artists so maybe they put the words together this way because it sounds good. It's so simple it's hard not to overanalyse.
There's a nice cover by Newton Faulkner on Youtube.