I've had an mp3 version of this video for years now but guess I never took the time to read the description. Didn't even know he was in another band for a while. I loved his solo Korea/asia tour stuff from 2011 ish and this song is absolutely amazing. Guess it's high time to look into his Juniper era of performing.
Lyrics: Should I speak? Should I bother shaking hands? Am I weak If I leave it as it stands? I've submerged And I've surfaced with the blame I guess I'm no good, I guess I'm insane Should I go, if she calls out my name? And if she bleeds, should I wipe up the stain? And if I'm low, can I drown in this rain? I guess I'm no good, I guess I'm insane And I hate when you say That I never fight for you Sometimes you breathe All over my scar And you always end up Closer than close That's where I give in Should I confess The actions of a hand In my mind I'll betray you once again Why should I climb? What is there to gain? This is no good This is insane And I hate when you say That I never fight for you Sometimes you breathe All over my scar And you always end up Closer than close That's whenre I give in You're taking, you're taking You're taking me down You're taking, you're taking You're taking me down And you always end up Closer than close That's where I give in
I'd like to add my interpretation of the song under the lyrics. I think you can interpret them in two different ways. First way (and most obvious) I think it is about a relationship that is with someone difficult and he is insane to be in it. "I hate it when you say I never fight for you" means to me that this woman is a nagging type that is never happy. "If she bleeds, should I wipe up the stain?" He is always trying to make her happy...Always taking the blame etc...he knows she's a type that probably doesn't deserve his attentions, but in the end, they always get 'closer than close' and he 'gives in' to his feelings. Second (and what I like most and find very heart-wrenching) it's about the clash between his sexual impulses and his self consciousness. 'should I speak...' he's talking to himself about if it's really worthy to approach someone just for the sake of sex and to get into a relationship, since 'in his mind' he'll betray her once again' (either through masturbation, "the actions of a hand" or just thinking about another). 'I never fight for you', he's talking to his sexual impulse. But when his senses mount ('closer than close'), he can't take it anymore and he gives in and decides to approach someone.
2023-This song is still my absolute favorite-as well as Damien Rice! <3 Really hope his tour this year brings him to the U.S. I was in the front row in 2018 New Orleans (traveled from Northern Michigan to go to the concert-my 4th time seeing him live) and it was easily one of the top moments of my entire life <3
I love that you went to back to back shows! The show in Chicago was mesmerizing -we were 5th row, I think I prefer him alone, but the gals were very talented and enjoyable. I will always travel to see him when he’s in the states 🙌 ❤
I love how people in some places of the world get together here to love this song and I feel so happy. I wish if i could talk to people who absolutely loves Damien Rice and talks about his songs and if we can sing together doesn’t natter how it goes.
Grow up child, come and face me We've held on like orphans to a faded dream We're not what we were. We won't fit in We don't have to fight what is not what it seems So don't think I'm going back to beginning Oh, my love Are you listening? Been trying so hard to understand I'm not here What turns the heart of a man? We've tried, and failed, again Hold me tight, where did you go? The look in your eyes is scaring me so I feel so alone when we are this way And dreams of tomorrows are our yesterdays But why can't we go back to beginning? Oh, my love Are you listening? Been trying so hard to understand I'm not here What turns the heart of a man? Oh we've tried, and failed No no no no, oh, my love You're not listening But I'm trying so hard to understand I'm not here What turns the heart of a man? We've tried and failed, again
