Helicopter
Beth Orton and M. Ward Lyrics
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I am climbing up a fire escape
I am somewhere in this city
I am climbing up a fire escape
I have gotta save my baby
From the mess this world has made.
I arrive through a window
I arrive through a window
I leave through a whole in the wall
I scramble down the stairwell
With my baby, cradle and all.
Helicopter, helicopter let your long rope down
Let us sway into the sunset,
I have done all I can do in this town.
Tom, violence has taken
The wind out of my sails
Tom, violence has taken
The wind out of my sails
Helicopter has taken to
Breaking this dream as well.
My mind is 'a racing
My heart is prepared somehow
My mind is 'a racing
My heart is prepared somehow
For that searchlight come shining
And find me under a cloud.
Helicopter, helicopter let your long rope down
Let us sway into the sunset,
I have done all I can do in this town.
The song "Helicopter" by Beth Orton and M. Ward expresses a sense of urgency and desperation, as the singer is trying to save their baby from the chaos and violence of the city. The repeated line "I am somewhere in this city, I am climbing up a fire escape" creates a sense of disorientation and confusion, as the singer navigates through a confusing and dangerous urban landscape. The use of the imagery of climbing up a fire escape and arriving through a window suggests a sense of stealth and danger, as the singer is sneaking around to avoid detection.
The chorus, which repeats the line "Helicopter, helicopter let your long rope down, Let us sway into the sunset, I have done all I can do in this town," suggests a sense of hope and escape, as the singer looks towards the sky for salvation. The helicopter becomes a symbol of rescue and freedom, with its long rope representing a lifeline to a better future.
Overall, "Helicopter" is a song that explores the themes of danger, desperation, and hope, painting a vivid picture of a city fraught with danger and a protagonist who is struggling to survive.
Line by Line Meaning
I am somewhere in this city
I am currently in an undisclosed location in the city.
I am climbing up a fire escape
I am ascending a ladder-like apparatus on the side of a building typically used for emergency exits.
I have gotta save my baby
I have a strong desire to protect and rescue my child.
From the mess this world has made.
From the chaos and destruction caused by humanity's actions.
I arrive through a window
I entered a building through an opening designed for light and ventilation that can be closed off.
I leave through a whole in the wall
I exit a building through a gap or opening in a portion of the structure.
I scramble down the stairwell
I make a hasty descent down a series of steps within a building.
With my baby, cradle and all.
While holding my child and all the items related to their care and comfort.
Helicopter, helicopter let your long rope down
A plea to a hovering aircraft equipped with a long cable to lower it to the ground.
Let us sway into the sunset,
Allow us to swing or move gently suspended in the air under the influence of the helicopter's motion in the direction of the setting sun.
I have done all I can do in this town.
I have exhausted all of my options and resources in this specific place.
Tom, violence has taken
A reference to an individual named Tom who has experienced the negative effects of brutality and aggression.
The wind out of my sails
An expression reflecting how Tom's energy, resolve, and enthusiasm have been lost or decreased due to the aforementioned violence.
Helicopter has taken to
The helicopter is now involved in a new action or task.
Breaking this dream as well.
The helicopter's actions are disrupting and ending another hope or aspiration.
My mind is 'a racing
My thoughts are moving quickly and with intensity.
My heart is prepared somehow
Although my emotions are strong, I am ready or equipped to handle whatever comes next in this situation.
For that searchlight come shining
Anticipating a bright beam of light to suddenly illuminate the surrounding area.
And find me under a cloud.
The searchlight's beam reveals I am in an unfortunate, difficult, or troubling situation.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Matthew Stephen Ward
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind