Science of the Mind
Lou Reed Lyrics
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There is no forgiving
Paralyzed I lay here sleeping
Quiet as a little child
Heart starts beating
Blood rushing pounding
Moving quiet as a little lamb
In the science of the mind
Limbs are bound devoid of movement
The injuries we do in kind
Are visited upon us often
In the science of the mind
Trying hard to move a shadow
Don't bury me I'm still alive
The science of the mind unyielding
The science of the mind unyielding
The science of the mind unyielding
Lou Reed's song Science of the Mind paints a picture of a person trapped within their own mind, unable to move but still conscious of their surroundings. The lyrics suggest that in the science of the mind, forgiveness does not exist and that the consequences of our actions are visited upon us frequently. The first verse describes the sensation of being paralyzed while still conscious, feeling the heartbeat and blood rushing through the veins. The second verse extends this feeling to imply a sense of being trapped in the body and the mind, possibly due to past injuries inflicted on oneself or others. The final verse is a plea to be alive and not buried alive.
The song's repeated refrain, "the science of the mind unyielding", suggests a lack of control over the mind's processes and the inevitability of the consequences of our actions. The lyrics evoke a sense of futility and powerlessness, suggesting that the mind has its own agenda that can't be overridden by willpower alone.
Overall, Science of the Mind is a haunting and introspective song about consciousness and the limits of human agency, highlighting the ways in which the mind can both empower and imprison us.
Line by Line Meaning
In the science of the mind
Exploring the inner workings of the mind
There is no forgiving
No mercy or compassion in one's own mind
Paralyzed I lay here sleeping
Being mentally stuck, unable to move forward
Quiet as a little child
Silent and helpless
Heart starts beating
Feeling the intensity of emotions
Blood rushing pounding
Physical sensations accompanying emotions
Moving quiet as a little lamb
Moving with caution and submission
Limbs are bound devoid of movement
Feeling trapped and helpless with no way out
The injuries we do in kind
Harming oneself through negative thought patterns and actions
Are visited upon us often
The negative consequences of one's actions or thoughts are often experienced
Trying hard to move a shadow
Struggling to change something intangible or impossible to change
Don't bury me I'm still alive
Asking others to acknowledge one's existence and struggles
The science of the mind unyielding
The complexity and stubbornness of the human mind
The science of the mind unyielding
The resilience and inescapability of one's own thoughts and emotions
The science of the mind unyielding
The relentless nature of the mind when it resists change or positive transformation
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LOU REED
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind