Limelight
Alan Parsons Lyrics


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I can see the glow of a distant sun
I can feel it inside
Maybe this day could be the one

I can hear the roar of a distant crowd
They are waiting for me
Calling my name
Shouting out loud

Holding on isn't always easy
I ain't gonna change my mind

Limelight you were all I ever wanted
Since it all began
Limelight shining on me
Telling the world who I am
Limelight don't let me slip right through your fingers
There's a long way to fall
After the years of waiting
I'm gonna show them all

I can see the world in a different light
Now it's easy to say
Where I went wrong
What I did right

I can hear the beat of a different drum
Take it all in my stride
Hold my head high
Second to none

Holding on wasn't always easy
Nothing can change my mind

Limelight you were all I ever wanted since it all began
Limelight shining on me telling the world who I am
Limelight don't let it slip right through your fingers
There's a long way to fall
After all the years of waiting, I'm gonna show them all




Maybe the role's not easy, maybe the prize is small
After all the years of waiting, I'm gonna show them all

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Alan Parsons's song, Limelight, are about the singer's experience of fame and the struggle to maintain it. The first paragraph describes the singer's feeling of recognition and success, but also acknowledges the pressure that comes with it. The second paragraph reflects on the changes that success has brought, including seeing the world in a different light and hearing a beat of a different drum. The chorus of the song emphasizes the singer's desire to hold onto the limelight and not let it slip away. The final lines of the song suggest that despite the challenges that come with fame, the singer is determined to show the world what they are capable of.


Overall, the song is an introspective look at the experience of fame and all that comes with it. The lyrics suggest that while success can be a rewarding experience, it is not always easy to hold onto and can come with its own set of challenges and difficulties.


Line by Line Meaning

I can see the glow of a distant sun
I am able to perceive the light emitted by a faraway celestial object


I can feel it inside
I am experiencing an internal feeling as a result of perceiving the distant sun


Maybe this day could be the one
Perhaps this present moment has the potential to be significant


I can hear the roar of a distant crowd
I am able to recognize the sound of a group of people who are far away


They are waiting for me
The crowd is anticipating my arrival or performance


Calling my name
The people are trying to grab my attention by uttering my name


Shouting out loud
The crowd is expressing their enthusiasm or excitement in a vocal and enthusiastic manner


Holding on isn't always easy
It can be difficult to persist in certain situations


I ain't gonna change my mind
I am committed to my course of action and will not change my decision


Limelight you were all I ever wanted
The attention and recognition of the public, represented metaphorically by the term 'limelight,' is my ultimate goal


Since it all began
From the beginning of my journey towards my goal


Limelight shining on me
The 'limelight' is currently highlighting me as the center of attention


Telling the world who I am
The attention I am receiving is communicating to the world my identity or significance


Limelight don't let me slip right through your fingers
I am asking for the continued attention of the public, so as not to lose my current status


There's a long way to fall
The potential loss of the public's attention would have great consequences and could result in significant setbacks


After the years of waiting
Following a considerable length of time spent working towards my goal


I'm gonna show them all
I am determined to demonstrate my worth or talents to those who have been waiting for me


I can see the world in a different light
My perspective on the world has changed as a result of my experiences


Now it's easy to say
I have gained sufficient insight or understanding to express my thoughts or opinions with ease


Where I went wrong
I am able to identify my past mistakes or errors in judgement


What I did right
I am also able to recognize the actions or decisions that have positively impacted my journey


I can hear the beat of a different drum
I am attuned to a unique or unconventional rhythm or way of living


Take it all in my stride
I am able to handle any obstacles or challenges that come my way with ease


Hold my head high
I am confident and proud of who I am and what I have accomplished


Second to none
There is no one else who compares to me or my abilities


Nothing can change my mind
No external force or influence can alter my decisions or beliefs


Maybe the role's not easy, maybe the prize is small
There are potential downsides or difficulties associated with my desired position or goal


After all the years of waiting
Following a prolonged period of anticipation or preparation


I'm gonna show them all
I am determined to prove myself to those who have been following my journey




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ALAN PARSONS, ERIC WOOLFSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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