Big Audio Dynamite II's lineup consisted of: Mick Jones (vocals, guitar), Nick Hawkins (guitar, vocals), Gary Stonadge (bass) and Chris Kavanagh (drums).
Green Grass
Big Audio Dynamite II Lyrics
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Just look to me have some ancient sleep
Dug inside the coat pulled out a crumpled note
Technology they put on your anti gun
So ya search the rooms
Of the stairway of your mind
Till you reach the Mirror Room
Exactly what you are
Not what you want to be
I'll say
Hey
Well
That's alright by me
You pox me up
Don't wanna take a friend
Leave it to me
The hands will see your hand
Didn't understand
Just took him by the hand
Took him to the cool place of the plan
So ya search the rooms
Of the stairway of your mind
Till you reach the Mirror Room
Expecting what you'll find
Exactly what you are
Not what you want to be
I'll say
Hey
Well
That's alright by me
Feelings is goodbye
You've been searching for days
I remember Christmas Eve
The space craft get away
Feel a little rodent
He really loves me
My Friend in New York and the Best DJ
So ya search the rooms
Of the stairway of your mind
Till you reach the Mirror Room
Expecting what you'll find
Exactly what you are
Not what you want to be
I'll say
Hey
Well
That's alright by me
So ya search the rooms
Of the stairway of your mind
Till you reach the Mirror Room
Expecting what you'll find
Exactly what you are
Not what you want to be
I'll say
Hey
Well
That's alright by me
I'll say
Hey
Well
That's alright by me
I'll say
Hey
Well
That's alright by me
The song Green Grass by Big Audio Dynamite II is a somewhat cryptic and abstract piece of music that appears to be discussing themes of self-reflection and self-acceptance. The opening lines suggest a need for preparation and awareness of external factors, perhaps war or conflict, but then suddenly shifts to an inner focus. The singer refers to "ancient sleep" and finding a "crumpled note" within their coat, perhaps indicating that they are rediscovering or reclaiming something from the past. The reference to "technology they put on your anti gun" is somewhat unclear, but it may suggest a sense of being controlled or monitored by external forces.
The bulk of the song deals with the act of searching through one's own mind and soul, trying to get to the "Mirror Room" where one can see oneself clearly. The singer implies that this process can be difficult and that one may not always like what they find. They suggest that it is important to accept oneself as one is, rather than trying to be something else. The repeated refrain of "that's alright by me" reinforces this idea of acceptance and self-love.
The closing lines describe a memory of Christmas Eve and a "space craft get away". The references to a "little rodent" and a "Friend in New York and the Best DJ" are a bit of a mystery, but they add to the surreal and dreamlike quality of the song. Overall, Green Grass seems to be a meditation on the importance of self-reflection and self-acceptance, particularly in a world that can be harsh and unforgiving.
Line by Line Meaning
Time to plan where's the bugles coming from
It's time to strategize and prepare for whatever challenge or conflict is ahead.
Just look to me have some ancient sleep
Find comfort and solace in my presence, like an old and familiar dream.
Dug inside the coat pulled out a crumpled note
Searching through the pockets of a worn and familiar jacket to uncover a treasured memory.
Technology they put on your anti gun
Advancements in technology have made it harder for weapons to be effective or useful.
You pox me up
You try to infect me with negativity or doubt.
Don't wanna take a friend
I don't want to bring others down with me if I am struggling or not at my best.
Leave it to me
Trust me to handle the situation and make things right.
The hands will see your hand
The truth will be revealed and your intentions will become clear to those around you.
Didn't understand
I was unable to comprehend or grasp the full picture.
Just took him by the hand
Guiding and leading someone through a difficult or unfamiliar situation.
Took him to the cool place of the plan
Finding a calm and collected space to discuss and work through the details and logistics of a plan.
Feelings is goodbye
Emotions can be fleeting and temporary, and sometimes it's best to let go and move on.
You've been searching for days
You've been trying to find direction or clarity for an extended amount of time.
I remember Christmas Eve
Reflecting on a specific, significant memory from the past.
The space craft get away
A sudden and unexpected escape or departure, perhaps to a new place or mindset.
Feel a little rodent
Experiencing a sense of smallness or insignificance in the grand scheme of things.
He really loves me
Despite feeling small or insignificant, there is still love and connection to be found in life.
My Friend in New York and the Best DJ
Referencing specific people who bring joy and positive energy into one's life.
I'll say Hey Well That's alright by me
Accepting and finding peace with the way things are, even if they aren't exactly how you want them to be.
So ya search the rooms Of the stairway of your mind Till you reach the Mirror Room Expecting what you'll find Exactly what you are Not what you want to be
Continuously exploring and analyzing your own thoughts and emotions in order to gain a true understanding of who you are and what you want out of life.
Contributed by Benjamin T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.