With a cult following, McCluskey is remembered for a car promotion: her voice is heard on Télépopmusik's song "Breathe" in a Mitsubishi ad.
The former lead singer of Wild Colonials released her debut solo CD, The Things We Do, in 2004. Recorded in only a few days in New York and Sweden, the album showcases McCluskey's extraordinary, raw vocals.
In 2009, McCluskey released her second solo album, You Could Start a Fight in an Empty House, including the track "Handle with Grace" (featuring Télépopmusik).
Long Live I
Angela McCluskey Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Though the doctor tried to spare me
I'm living on candy now
Got down on my bad knee
To the drip drip of IV
Won't someone hold me as I die?
Long live I
Long live I
Mama would you miss me?
Would you hover and caress me?
Would you hang me from the Christmas tree?
But I leave something burning here
A signal-fire, the moon and stars
Can track my fall, receive me
Love, good love
Goodbye
Bye and bye
Long live I
Long live I
And I don't wanna be your shadow
And I don't wanna know your skin
Tell them not to dig too shallow
I want to sleep in sin
Cut the sun
And steal away a piece
Long live I
Long live I
Long live I
The lyrics of Angela McCluskey's song Long Live I seem to deal with the theme of death and living on despite its inevitability. The first verse sets a somber tone as the singer acknowledges that even though the doctor tried to save them, the devil has taken hold of them, and they are now living on candy, most likely referring to pain medications. The second verse is even more melancholic as the singer is contemplating their own death, wondering who would hold them as they pass away. However, there is a sense of defiance as the chorus declares that even if they die, they will live on.
The third verse takes a darker turn as the singer wonders if their mother would miss them, or if she would hang them from the Christmas tree, which may refer to a family tradition of celebrating the deceased during the holidays. Nevertheless, the singer leaves something behind, a signal-fire that can be tracked from the moon and stars, perhaps symbolizing their legacy or impact on others. The final lines of the song seem to be a message of farewell to a lover or someone close, expressing a desire to be remembered and to live on.
Line by Line Meaning
The devil done got me
I am in a difficult situation, possibly due to my own actions.
Though the doctor tried to spare me
Despite efforts to save me or help me, I am still struggling.
I'm living on candy now
I am relying on something sweet or superficial to get through life.
Got down on my bad knee
I am physically or emotionally vulnerable.
To the drip drip of IV
I am receiving medical treatment, possibly in a hospital setting.
Won't someone hold me as I die?
I want comfort or companionship in this difficult time.
But if I die
I am considering the possibility of death.
Long live I
I will continue to exist or be remembered after my death.
Long live I
I am acknowledging my own worth or place in the world.
Mama would you miss me?
I am seeking validation or love from a parental figure.
Would you hover and caress me?
I want to be comforted or protected.
Would you hang me from the Christmas tree?
I am making an extreme or macabre request for attention.
But I leave something burning here
I am leaving behind a legacy or something worthwhile.
A signal-fire, the moon and stars
I am referencing symbols of guidance or direction.
Can track my fall, receive me
I am hopeful that my efforts or legacy will be recognized.
Love, good love
I am expressing a need or desire for love and affection.
Goodbye
I am acknowledging a departure, physical or metaphorical.
Bye and bye
I am referencing a future or upcoming event, possibly death.
Long live I
I will continue to be remembered or have an impact.
Long live I
I am recognizing my own self-worth and importance.
Long live I
I am affirming my continued existence or influence.
And I don't wanna be your shadow
I do not want to live in someone else's shadow or be subservient to them.
And I don't wanna know your skin
I want to avoid superficial or negative influences or interactions.
Tell them not to dig too shallow
I am cautioning others to take a deeper or more meaningful approach.
I want to sleep in sin
I want to indulge in pleasurable or transgressive activities or behaviors.
Cut the sun
I am being poetic or metaphorical, perhaps referencing a desire to escape or avoid reality.
And steal away a piece
I want to take something or claim it for myself.
Long live I
I am asserting my own power or influence.
Long live I
I will continue to exist or make an impact after my death.
Long live I
I am affirming my own self-worth and importance.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: NATHAN LARSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
NoiXioN
Awesome
Patricia Portillo
Télépopmusik I KNOW HER I LOVE HER SONG
Lavate Las Manos!
Angela McCluskey
Christopher Chambers
@madinkaya Umm..."Long Live I" XD