Show Me How To Live
Audioslave Lyrics


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And with the early dawn moving right along
Couldn't buy an eyeful of sleep
And in the aching night under satellites
I was not received

Built with stolen parts, a telephone in my heart
Someone get me a priest
To put my mind to bed, this ringing in my head
Is this a cure or is this a disease?

Nail in my head from my creator
You gave me life, now show me how to live
Nail in my head from my creator
You gave me life, now show me how to live

And in the afterbirth, on the quiet earth
Let the stains remind you
You thought you made a man, you better think again
Before my role defines you

Nail in my head from my creator
You gave me life, now show me how to live
Nail in my head from my creator
You gave me life, now show me how to live

And in your waiting hands, I will land
And roll out of my skin
And in your final hours, I will stand
Ready to begin

Ready to begin
Ready to begin
Ready to begin

Nail in my head from my creator
You gave me life, now show me how to live
Nail in my head from my creator
You gave me life, now show me how to live

Show me how to live
Show me how to live




Show me how to live
Show me how to live

Overall Meaning

"Show Me How to Live" by Audioslave is a powerful song about the search for purpose and meaning in life. The first verse describes a restless night, which leads to the singer feeling lost and disconnected from the world around them. They compare themselves to a machine, built with stolen parts and a ringing in their head that needs to be cured. The chorus reflects the idea that we are all products of our creator, and we need guidance on how to live our lives to the fullest. The final verse is about being reborn and ready to take on life's challenges, with the help of someone to guide their way.


The song has several biblical references, such as the idea of a "nail in my head" from the Creator, which could represent the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The song also explores the theme of identity and the search for meaning, which is fitting for a band that was made up of members from two of the biggest bands of the 90s (Soundgarden and Rage Against the Machine). The lyrics ultimately convey a sense of hope and determination, as the singer is willing to submit to their Creator's plan and be reborn to fulfill their purpose.


Line by Line Meaning

And with the early dawn moving right along
The morning came quickly and time passes by swiftly.


Couldn't buy an eyeful of sleep
I cannot get any rest, no matter how much I try.


And in the aching night under satellites
The night is long and painful, and I am constantly under the watchful eyes of satellites.


I was not received
I feel alone and disconnected from the world.


Built with stolen parts, a telephone in my heart
I am constructed from pieces of others and my heart is like a phone that never stops ringing.


Someone get me a priest
I need someone to help me find peace and silence in my mind.


To put my mind to bed, this ringing in my head
I need someone to help me stop my thoughts and quiet my mind.


Is this a cure or is this a disease?
I am not sure if this process will help me or make me worse.


Nail in my head from my creator
I feel like my creator gave me life but also caused me pain.


You gave me life, now show me how to live
I am alive but I need guidance on how to truly live.


And in the afterbirth, on the quiet earth
I was born and now live in a world that is both peaceful and dying.


Let the stains remind you
I hope that the stains left behind will serve as reminders of my existence.


You thought you made a man, you better think again
My creator thought they made a man, but they failed to fully realize what they created.


Before my role defines you
I hope that my creator realizes their mistake before my existence defines them.


And in your waiting hands, I will land
I trust that I will find comfort and peace in your waiting hands.


And roll out of my skin
I hope to shed my old skin and become something new in your presence.


And in your final hours, I will stand
When you are at your weakest point, I will be there to help and support you.


Ready to begin
I am ready for a new start and to begin a new chapter.


Show me how to live
Please teach me how to truly live, thrive, and find meaning in this life.




Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Brad Wilk, Chris Cornell, Timothy Commerford, Tom Morello

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@alibriz1688

And with the early dawn
Moving right along
I couldn't buy an eye full of sleep
And in the aching night under satellites
I was not received
Built with stolen parts
A telephone in my heart
Someone get me a priest
To put my mind to bed
This ringing in my head
Is this a cure or is this a disease?
Nail in my hand
From my creator
You gave me life
Now show me how to live
Nail in my hand
From my creator
You gave me life
Now show me how to live
And in the after birth
On the quiet earth
Let the stains remind you
You thought you made a man
You better think again
Before my role defines you
Nail in my hand
From my creator
You gave me life
Now show me how to live
Nail in my hand
From my creator
You gave me life
Now show me how to live
And in your waiting hands
I will land, and roll out of my skin
And in your final hours I will stand
Ready to begin
Ready to begin
Ready to begin
Ready to begin
Nail in my hand
From my creator
You gave me life
Now show me how to live
Nail in my hand
From my creator
You gave me life
Now show me how to live
Show me how to live
Show me how to live
Show me how to live
Show me how to live



All comments from YouTube:

@kjw222whitaker

Dont cry because he is gone, smile because he was here.

@damiannancavil4514

i cry while i smile

@crislicea1831

Thank you for those words. The final hours approach one amongst my family,and those words have lifted me up so much. Thank you.

@thunderturbine8860

Yep that's true

@tammyhostetter423

That's a beautiful way to think. Chris always makes me smile.

@1979Malibuick

I do both.

165 More Replies...

@bradchadley1261

Everyone always talks about his voice, but he truly is one of the best lyricists in rock music. His songs were pure poetry.

@realSICKMAN

big agree

@annamineer2521

Yes! Right up there with Dave Matthews for me.❤ I don't care what kind of song it is, the lyrics must mean something.
That's one reason I can't stand current music.

@delainegray2666

His vocal range is right up there with Freddy Mercury

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