Best remembered for their 1993 single "No Rain", the group enjoyed critical and commercial success in the early 1990s with their neo-psychedelic take on alternative rock. The 1995 death of lead vocalist Shannon Hoon halted the band's activity, and the members went on hiatus until officially disbanding in 1999. The band reformed with new lead vocalist Travis Warren in 2006, and although Warren departed two years later, he has since resumed performing with the band.
Soak the Sin
Blind Melon Lyrics
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These ones are getting lose
My feet are shrinking in the
Sun, and it ain't fun
But it looks like rain up ahead
In forty miles.
A big rainbow took the blue sky.
Her so and thank you for
Giving me these bones o gold
I'm gonna run from my home
Jump in the river and let the
Water soak the sin in my soul.
Fine time we all crossed lines
make the music that makes us
Feel fine
Rednecks on sun decks hearing a
Hillside Romeo say "Boys this is the
Good shit, so come on all and eat
A little bit."
And if I ever go back home I'm
Gonna sell
And tell my momma, I love
Her so and thank you for
Giving me these bones o gold
I'm gonna run from my home
Jump in the river and let the
Water soak the sin in my soul.
Don't even say a word, it confuses me
What he says to do, is that we don't
Have to
We don't have to.
The lyrics to Blind Melon's song "Soak the Sin" are an introspective reflection on the singer's feelings of discontentment and the desire for escape. The song begins with a simple desire to purchase new shoes as the current ones are no longer fitting properly. The imagery of feet shrinking under the sun, and rain clouds on the horizon, create a sense of unease and impending change. The mention of a rainbow and blue skies, however, suggest that change can also bring beauty and hope.
The singer then pauses to express gratitude towards his mother for giving him "bones o gold," a metaphor for the strength and resilience he has inherited. He then declares his intention to run away and jump in the river, allowing the water to "soak the sin" in his soul. This is a symbolic representation of cleansing and renewal, a chance for him to let go of his burdens and start fresh.
The second half of the song shifts to a more communal tone, with references to "crossed lines" and making music together. An encounter with a Hillside Romeo who offers "good shit" and invites them to eat a little bit suggests a temporary escape from reality. However, the singer maintains his desire to leave and take his bones o gold with him. The last line, "We don't have to," implies that there are no easy answers or clear directions, but that it's up to each individual to choose their own path.
Line by Line Meaning
I've got to buy some shoes
I need new shoes
These ones are getting lose
My current shoes don't fit well
My feet are shrinking in the Sun, and it ain't fun
My feet are swelling due to the sun
But it looks like rain up ahead In forty miles.
There is a chance of rain in the near future
A big rainbow took the blue sky.
A rainbow appeared in the sky
I'm gonna tell my momma, I love Her so and thank you for Giving me these bones o gold
I will express my love and gratitude towards my mother
I'm gonna run from my home Jump in the river and let the Water soak the sin in my soul.
I will escape from my problems by jumping in the river
Fine time we all crossed lines make the music that makes us Feel fine
We had a great time making music together
Rednecks on sun decks hearing a Hillside Romeo say "Boys this is the Good shit, so come on all and eat A little bit."
People were enjoying themselves with food and drinks
And if I ever go back home I'm Gonna sell And tell my momma, I love Her so and thank you for Giving me these bones o gold
If I return home, I will sell my belongings and express love and gratitude towards my mother
I'm gonna run from my home Jump in the river and let the Water soak the sin in my soul.
I will escape from my problems by jumping in the river
Don't even say a word, it confuses me What he says to do, is that we don't Have to We don't have to.
I am confused by someone's instructions and refuse to follow them
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: MATT PRIME, SAM SMITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind