Thirteen
¡Forward Russia! Lyrics
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We all can lean on figures and crutches
It's such an easy thing to do when you're so unaware
We all can change our tegument's function
Replace the outer shell with something more neoteric
We all can lean on figures and crutches
A busy wife-child losing all her selfish memory
Become a child and plastic surgeon
Let her go
Yelled the occupied pharaohs
A lucky soul
Who just so happened to break out
She took the corner way
And in the event of that the normal result should fail...
If you won't blink at me, I'm coming
If you want to be something new, I'm coming
If you won't blink at me, I'm coming
And I won't breathe at all
Until you blink at me, I'm coming
If you want to be something new, I'm coming
If you won't blink at me, I'm coming
And I won't breathe until
We all can lean on figures and crutches
The politburos will expect their free lunches
And all the prison guards rely on their hunches
But we're assured of the existence of a better way:
We all can lean on figures and crutches
Replace our hearts
And if you won't blink at me, I'm coming
If you want to be something new, I'm coming
If you won't blink at me, I'm coming
And I won't breathe at all
Until you blink at me, I'm coming
If you want to be something new, I'm coming
If you won't blink at me, I'm coming
And I won't breathe until
You're strolling down the pavement
If you won't blink at me, I'm coming
If you want to be something new, I'm coming
If you won't blink at me, I'm coming
And I won't breathe at all
Until you blink at me, I'm coming
If you want to be something new, I'm coming
If you won't blink at me, I'm coming
And I won't breathe at all
The lyrics of ¡Forward Russia!'s song Thirteen are ambiguous, but they suggest themes of boldness, liberation, and transformation. The first verse may indicate a fear of getting stuck in routine and conformity, and conveys the idea that we can all change and evolve by breaking out of our shells and leaning on figures and crutches. It also alludes to the idea of plastic surgery, which may represent a metaphorical transformation into something more avant-garde or different.
The second verse is more abstract, using language of occupation and luck to suggest a desire for freedom and a refusal to be held down by external forces. The chorus repeats the idea of moving forward and being unafraid to take risks, and implies a sense of urgency and persistence through phrases like "I won't breathe at all until you blink at me." The final verse adds a political dimension, referencing politburos, prison guards, and the search for a better way through radical change.
Overall, the song seems to encourage daring and taking the initiative to go after what one wants, rather than waiting for it to materialize. It also suggests that change is possible and necessary for growth and fulfillment.
Line by Line Meaning
Choose life
Choose to live without blindly relying on external influences and crutches
We all can lean on figures and crutches
It's easy to rely on others and external things to get by without putting in the effort to think for ourselves
It's such an easy thing to do when you're so unaware
The unawareness of our own potential makes it easy to rely on others and external things
We all can change our tegument's function
We all have the ability to change our outer appearance to fit in with societal norms
Replace the outer shell with something more neoteric
Replace the old and outdated exterior with something new and modern
A busy wife-child losing all her selfish memory
A woman who has internalized the societal expectation of being a mother and wife, losing her own identity
Will only lean on figures and crutches
Will only rely on external things to get by, without realizing her own potential
Become a child and plastic surgeon
Become someone who both creates and conforms to societal norms
Let her go
Let go of societal expectations and norms that hold back individual potential
Yelled the occupied pharaohs
The powerful rules who benefit from society's conformity and external reliance
A lucky soul
An individual who has managed to break free from societal norms
Who just so happened to break out
Who managed to break free from the societal mold and not by some fortuitous circumstance
She took the corner way
She chose a different path from the societal norm
And in the event of that the normal result should fail...
Even if taking the different path doesn't lead to the expected outcome
If you won't blink at me, I'm coming
I'm not giving up on trying to break free from conformity and societal norms until I get noticed
If you want to be something new, I'm coming
I'm ready to support anyone who wants to break away from societal norms and expectations
And I won't breathe at all
I won't stop trying even if it means it's hard to continue
Until you blink at me, I'm coming
Until someone notices and acknowledges my efforts to break free and push beyond societal norms
The politburos will expect their free lunches
Those in power will continue to prefer conformity because it's easier for them to maintain control
And all the prison guards rely on their hunches
Those who are employed to enforce conformity will continue to uphold their positions by relying on instinct rather than open-mindedness
But we're assured of the existence of a better way
We're sure that breaking free from conformity and societal norms can lead to something better
Replace our hearts
Replace societal norms and expectations with one's own individuality
And I won't breathe until
I'm willing to keep trying without giving up
You're strolling down the pavement
Until individuals start thinking for themselves and break free from societal conformity
Writer(s): Kathryn Rose Nicholls, Robert Francis Canning, Samuel Nicholls, Thomas Dominic Woodhead Copyright: Warner/Chappell Music Publishing Ltd.
Contributed by Nicholas T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.