Gene Eugene's mystical voice—often mistaken for R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe—remained the least-changing element in a band that Thom Jurek of allmusic has described as "inventive and artfully canny." Adam Again's style was rock and acoustic with strong hints of funk and traces of soul running throughout. The band never achieved commercial viability and quit touring and recording together in 2000 after Eugene died in his recording studio, the "fabulous" Green Room.
Worldwide
Adam Again Lyrics
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And I don't know what it is
A bloody season
Well, I've heard that these things happen
Worldwide
Worldwide
Don't think I'll ever understand it
Three billion people in the world
And I only know a few
Worldwide
Worldwide
It's worldwide
Worldwide
Tears on the driver's side
His head is in his hands
Voice of an angel silenced
At the whim of a mere man
It's worldwide
Worldwide
But we all love that desert thunder
We put some stickers on our bumper
Three billion nothings in the world
Why should anybody bother
Worldwide
Worldwide
What about Headman Shabalala
Does anybody care about justice
Three billion people in the world
And his spirit weeps for all of us
Worldwide
Worldwide
Worldwide
The lyrics to Adam Again's "Worldwide" reflect the confusion and angst of the singer regarding the disparities and injustices of the world. The opening lines of "There is a reason/And I don't know what it is/A bloody season/Well I've heard that these things happen/Worldwide, worldwide," suggest that there is a pattern of violence and suffering, but no clear explanation or justification for it. The chorus of "Worldwide" highlights the vastness and complexity of the world, and the singer's inability to truly comprehend or have an impact on it. "Don't think I'll ever understand it/Don't think it matters if I do/Three billion people in the world/And I only know a few/Worldwide, worldwide," expresses the overwhelming sense of powerlessness in the face of global issues and the realization that their individual experiences are only a small fraction of the bigger picture.
The later verses of the song describe specific instances of tragedy and injustice, including the loss of an "angel" singer, the indifference to the suffering of others, and the plight of a man named Headman Shabalala. The lyrics suggest that despite the fact that many people may not care or pay attention to such global issues, the weight and impact of these events are felt worldwide, and the singer empathizes with the spirit of those who have been negatively affected.
Overall, "Worldwide" expresses a deep sense of concern for the inequalities and tragedies of the world, while acknowledging the difficulty of fully comprehending the complexities and scope of these issues. It is a call to action, urging listeners to not turn a blind eye to the injustices around them and to take steps to create change.
Line by Line Meaning
There is a reason
There exists a cause that resulted in some event
And I don't know what it is
Despite acknowledging that there is a cause, I am unaware of what that cause is
A bloody season
It is a time marked by violence
Well, I've heard that these things happen
Although I do not have firsthand experience, I have been informed that similar events occur regularly
Worldwide
This phenomenon is observed all over the world
Don't think I'll ever understand it
I doubt I will ever fully comprehend this situation
Don't think it matters if I do
Even if I were to understand it, it would not change anything
Three billion people in the world
There are roughly three billion individuals living on the planet
And I only know a few
Out of the vast global population, I am only personally acquainted with a small number of individuals
It's worldwide
This is a global occurrence
Tears on the driver's side
Someone in the driver's seat is crying
His head is in his hands
He is holding his head in his hands, possibly as an expression of distress or grief
Voice of an angel silenced
A singer with a beautiful voice has been silenced, likely by death
At the whim of a mere man
The individual responsible for the singer's silence is not all-powerful, suggesting that the event could have been avoided
But we all love that desert thunder
Despite tragic situations existing all over the world, people still enjoy aspects of life such as a desert thunderstorm
We put some stickers on our bumper
We may take small actions to support or express our opinions on political or social issues, such as placing stickers on our car
Three billion nothings in the world
There is a sense of hopelessness that comes from feeling like an insignificant individual among an enormous population
Why should anybody bother
As a result of feeling powerless and insignificant, people may question why they should expend any effort to bring about change
What about Headman Shabalala
What has become of a man named Headman Shabalala, who may have experienced hardship, injustice, or tragedy
Does anybody care about justice
It is unclear whether individuals or society as a whole value the principle of justice
And his spirit weeps for all of us
Additionally, there may be an emotional or spiritual cost to ignoring instances of suffering and injustice
Worldwide
This broad issue, which encompasses tragedy, apathy, and the need for justice, applies to people all over the world
Worldwide
The repeated use of this word underscores the ubiquity of these issues and their severity
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
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