Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

North South East And West
The Church Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

A war's being waged and the world's just a stage (in this city)
The real estate's prime, the number plates rhyme (liquidity)
Wear a gun and be proud, but bare breasts aren't allowed (in this city)
Dream up a scam and then rake in the clams (liquidity)

(It's neither here nor there) It's neither here nor there
North and south and east and west
(It has to be somewhere) It oughta be somewhere
North and south and east and west
I take my payment, I catch my flight,
And don't wait up for me tonight
(And you might find me there) and you might find me there
North and south and east and west

Have a quick throw or host your own show (in this city)
To a wolf from a lamb for just half a gram (liquidity)
The face of today just a scalpel away
Restore your lost soul for two dollars plus toll (liquidity)

Backs are patted when calves are fatted (in this city)
The emperor's clothes are host for the proles (liquidity)
The guys with the brains are all bitter and vain (stupidity)
The guys with the luck got the bimbos and bucks (liquidity)
(Chorus)

Overall Meaning

The Church's song "North South East And West" is a commentary on the state of society in a large, bustling city. The lyrics suggest that a war is being fought, but it is not clear what kind of war it is. The emphasis seems to be on the superficiality of the city, where real estate is seen as more important than people, and where wearing a gun is more socially acceptable than showing a woman's bare breasts. The lyrics also suggest that people in the city are focused on making money, regardless of the harm it may cause to others. The song suggests that those who are lucky enough to make money through scams or other means are the ones who succeed in this city, while those who are more intellectual are left feeling bitter and frustrated.


The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "north and south and east and west," suggesting that this sense of superficiality and greed is not limited to one particular area of the city but exists everywhere. The verses, on the other hand, describe specific instances of how these values are manifested. The first verse, for example, talks about how number plates rhyme and real estate is prime, but also describes the contradiction of how wearing a gun is acceptable while nudity is not. The second verse describes how people in the city are willing to do whatever it takes to make money, even if it means scamming others or turning to drugs.


Line by Line Meaning

A war's being waged and the world's just a stage (in this city)
There's a constant battle happening with everyone performing their roles in this bustling city.


The real estate's prime, the number plates rhyme (liquidity)
Property values are high and even license plates have a certain luxury to them, highlighting the city's emphasis on wealth.


Wear a gun and be proud, but bare breasts aren't allowed (in this city)
While it may be acceptable to carry a firearm openly, the city has strict moral standards when it comes to nudity.


Dream up a scam and then rake in the clams (liquidity)
Opportunities to make money through dishonest means abound, and many people take advantage of them to amass great wealth.


(It's neither here nor there) It's neither here nor there
The city's location is not particularly relevant to its character or influence.


North and south and east and west (It has to be somewhere)
Despite its ambiguous location, the city must exist somewhere in the world.


I take my payment, I catch my flight, And don't wait up for me tonight (And you might find me there)
People come to the city to make money, but they are not tied to it and may leave at any time. The singer himself may be found in the city at any given time.


Have a quick throw or host your own show (in this city)
Entertainment is plentiful in the city, with options ranging from gambling to creating one's own performance.


To a wolf from a lamb for just half a gram (liquidity)
Dangerous substances are readily available and can easily turn someone from innocent to ruthless with only a small payment.


The face of today just a scalpel away Restore your lost soul for two dollars plus toll (liquidity)
Cosmetic surgery is common and is seen as a means to regain one's sense of self for a relatively low price.


Backs are patted when calves are fatted (in this city)
People are praised for their financial success and are encouraged to continue pursuing wealth.


The emperor's clothes are host for the proles (liquidity)
The wealthy elite often use the lower classes for their own gain, giving them the illusion of power while maintaining their own control.


The guys with the brains are all bitter and vain (stupidity)
Those who possess intelligence are often unhappy and self-absorbed, while those with less intellect are more content in their ignorance.


The guys with the luck got the bimbos and bucks (liquidity)
Those who have good fortune in their lives often end up with fame, wealth, and attractive partners.


(Chorus)
Despite the city's flaws, it can be found in any direction and continues to attract people seeking money and excitement.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

BittersweetSymphony


on You're Still Beautiful

Sometimes I wonder if he is writing about himself

More Versions