Scorpio Rising
10000 Maniacs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Dizzy with it stumble
Detail
A chance for us to quarrel
Anger
My head is shaken violent
If I could calm or restrain you
Save the pistol
Save the cynics tongue
Save the cool white stare
And treat me to an honest face sometime
Amaze me now
Trust is
The greatest human error
Empty
Used me as a vessel
Ruthless
You're not known for subtlety
If I could calm or restrain you
For the sake of pity
Save the pistol
Save the cynic's tongue
Save the cool white stare
And treat me to an honest face sometime
Amaze me now
Artful
Well there's quite a skill to torture
Half smile
Was it all you could deliver
Token
So hard to be pleasant
If you could calm or restrain it
For the sake of pity
Save the pistol
Save the cynic's tongue
Save the cool white stare
And treat me to an honest face sometime
Amaze me now
The lyrics of 10000 Maniacs's song Scorpio Rising are dense yet powerful. The verses expose the raw emotions of a person who is trying to deal with the anger and violence of another. The use of astrological sign 'Scorpio' in the song title perfectly fits the intensity and depth of the lyrics. The opening lines describe the feeling of being overpowered, dizzy and stumbling, as if there is an unknown force controlling one's every action. The subsequent lines explore the complex relationship between two individuals, where quarrels and anger exist, yet there is a shared yearning for honesty and trust.
The second and third verses depict the desperation and hopelessness that comes with betrayal and loss of trust. The person being addressed here is not one for subtlety, but instead, uses their power ruthlessly, leaving behind a hollow shell of a person in their wake. The plea for restraint and pity come from a place of great vulnerability, as the singer struggles to hold onto their self-worth and identity in the face of the other's callousness.
In the final verse, the use of 'artful' and 'torture' highlight the manipulative nature of the person being addressed, who delivers only a 'half smile' and 'token' gestures. The closing lines of the song ask for an 'honest face' and for the other to 'amaze' the singer. The sense of longing and yearning for something that may never come to fruition is palpable.
Line by Line Meaning
Power
The ability to control or influence others
Dizzy with it stumble
Feeling disoriented or unsteady due to the exertion of power
Detail
An itemized account of specific aspects or features
A chance for us to quarrel
An opportunity for conflict or argument between two parties
Anger
An intense emotional response characterized by hostility or resentment
My head is shaken violent
Expressing a strong emotional reaction, such as anger or frustration
If I could calm or restrain you
Expressing a desire to moderate someone's behavior or actions
For the sake of pity
As a gesture of sympathy or compassion
Save the pistol
Referring to metaphorical or literal device of violence, urging against its use
Save the cynic's tongue
Encouraging honesty, approaching dialogue with sincerity instead of sarcastic criticism
Save the cool white stare
Urging for an end to a cold, apathetic, or distant attitude in favor of emotional openness
And treat me to an honest face sometime
Requesting honesty and openness in communication
Amaze me now
Expressing a desire for something extraordinary or unexpected
Trust is
Expressing a belief or statement about the nature of trust
The greatest human error
Suggesting that trusting others is a flaw inherent in human nature
Empty
Describing a feeling of hollowness or dissatisfaction
Used me as a vessel
Feeling exploited or taken advantage of by another person
Ruthless
Without mercy or compassion
You're not known for subtlety
Describing someone as being direct, blunt, or insensitive
Artful
Having or demonstrating artistic skill
Well there's quite a skill to torture
Suggesting that causing pain or discomfort to others requires a certain level of proficiency
Half smile
A smile that is not fully or genuinely expressed
Was it all you could deliver
Questioning the effort or ability of another person
Token
Expressing something done merely for show or formality
So hard to be pleasant
Acknowledging the difficulty in maintaining a kind or congenial demeanor
Lyrics © Hipgnosis Songs Group
Written by: JOHN LOMBARDO, NATALIE A MERCHANT, ROBERT BUCK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind