Writing On the Wall
Adrian Belew Lyrics
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The lyrics of Adrian Belew's "Writing on the Wall" convey a sense of resignation and fatalism, as the singer seems to have lost all hope and has already accepted his fate. The "writing on the wall" is a Biblical reference to Daniel 5:5-28, where a disembodied hand appears and writes a message of doom on the wall during a banquet hosted by King Belshazzar. It prophesies the end of his reign and the fall of the Babylonian Empire to the Persians. In the song, the writing on the wall symbolizes a similar message of impending downfall, both on a personal and societal level.
The opening lines of the song describe the singer's disillusionment with the world around him, as he sees chaos and confusion everywhere he looks. He feels like he's been "stumbling in the dark for hours," unable to find a way out of his predicament. He then acknowledges that the end is near, and there's nothing he can do to change it. He's "counting down the minutes 'til the final curtain call," resigned to his fate.
The chorus of the song further emphasizes the inevitability of the end, as the singer repeats the line "I see the writing on the wall" several times. He knows what's coming, but he's powerless to stop it. The despair and hopelessness conveyed by the lyrics are reinforced by the melancholic music and Belew's plaintive vocals. Overall, "Writing on the Wall" is a poignant meditation on the fragility of life and the futility of trying to resist the forces of fate.
Line by Line Meaning
I see the writing on the wall
I can perceive and interpret the warning signs of an impending undesirable event or outcome.
But I don't wanna read it anymore
Nevertheless, I refuse to acknowledge or accept that bad things are about to happen and I do not want to confront it any further.
The ink is running through my pores
Despite my reluctance, the message is already deeply ingrained within me, affecting me both mentally and physically.
Don't know what I was looking for
When I first encountered the omens of the impending doom, I was unaware of what I was searching for or what I hoped to find from it.
Now I'm not looking anymore
Even though I didn't initially want to see the warning signs, I am now resigned to the fact that I cannot prevent the events from happening and so I stop searching.
I see the writing on the wall
Repeating the first line, to emphasize that the message is clear and cannot be ignored.
And all the signs are pointing to the door
All signs indicate that it is time to leave or escape from the situation, as it will only lead to danger or harm.
So I'll follow the footsteps on the floor
I will copy the actions of those who have already left before me, as they have already recognized and acted on the warning signs.
And get away from the writing on the wall
In order to avoid the upcoming misfortune, I will leave and distance myself from the situation in question.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DAN EARNEST ORTON, BYRON HILL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind