Stage Fright
Band (The) Lyrics
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Who suffered so much for what he did,
They gave this ploughboy his fortune and fame,
Since that day he ain't been the same.
[Chorus]
See the man with the stage fright
Just standing up there to give it all his might.
But when we get to the end
He wants to start all over again.
I've got fire water right on my breath
And the doctor warned me I might catch a death.
Said, "You can make it in your disguise,
Just never show the fear that's in your eyes."
See the man with the stage fright
Just standing up there to give it all his might.
And he got caught in the spotlight,
But when we get to the end
He wants to start all over again.
Now if he says that he's afraid,
Take him at his word.
And for the price that the poor boy has paid,
He gets to sing just like a bird, oh, ooh ooh ooh.
Your brow is sweating and your mouth gets dry,
Fancy people go drifting by.
The moment of truth is right at hand,
Just one more nightmare you can stand.
See the man with the stage fright
Just standing up there to give it all his might.
And he got caught in the spotlight,
But when we get to the end
He wants to start all over again.
You want to try it once again,
Please don't make him stop,
Let him take it from the top,
Let him start all over again.
The lyrics to The Band's "Stage Fright" tell the story of a performer who is struggling with stage fright. The performer is described as a "lonely kid" who has "suffered so much for what he did," and has been given "fortune and fame" that has changed him. The chorus laments the fact that the performer cannot seem to conquer his fear, despite his best efforts. He is caught in the spotlight and struggles to maintain his composure.
The verses of the song offer insight into the psychological toll that stage fright can take on a person. The singer describes having "fire water right on my breath," suggesting that the performer may be using alcohol to cope with his fear. The doctor warned him that he "might catch a death," but he persists, donning a disguise to hide his fear. Despite his efforts, he cannot hide the fear in his eyes.
Ultimately, the song suggests that the performer is paying a steep price for his fame. He is afraid, and no amount of money or adoration can ease his fear. The only thing he wants is to start all over again - to have another chance to conquer his fear and put on the best show possible.
Line by Line Meaning
Now deep in the heart of a lonely kid
A youth suffering in solitude.
Who suffered so much for what he did,
The youth went through a lot of agony for his misdeeds.
They gave this ploughboy his fortune and fame,
The youth was given wealth and success.
Since that day he ain't been the same.
However, since then, he hasn't been himself.
See the man with the stage fright
The person on stage is very nervous.
Just standing up there to give it all his might.
Trying his best, but in great fear.
And he got caught in the spotlight,
He was thrust into the limelight.
But when we get to the end
When this is all over.
He wants to start all over again.
He wants to try it again.
I've got fire water right on my breath
I'm drunk.
And the doctor warned me I might catch a death.
The physician cautioned me regarding my drinking.
Said, 'You can make it in your disguise,
Advised, 'You can do it even while concealing your fear.
Just never show the fear that's in your eyes.'
Just don't let your fear show in your eyes.
Now if he says that he's afraid,
If he admits to being scared.
Take him at his word.
Believe him.
And for the price that the poor boy has paid,
For all that the young man has been through.
He gets to sing just like a bird, oh, ooh ooh ooh.
He's able to sing beautifully despite everything.
Your brow is sweating and your mouth gets dry,
You're perspiring and have a dry mouth.
Fancy people go drifting by.
Posh individuals stroll around.
The moment of truth is right at hand,
The decisive moment is upon us.
Just one more nightmare you can stand.
One more horrific experience you can cope with.
You want to try it once again,
You want to attempt it again.
Please don't make him stop,
Don't force him to quit.
Let him take it from the top,
Let him start from the beginning again.
Let him start all over again.
Let him begin anew.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ROBBIE ROBERTSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind