Currently, the group comprises singer and harmonica player John Popper, guitarist Chan Kinchla, drummer Brendan Hill, bassist Tad Kinchla and keyboardist Ben Wilson. Tad Kinchla and Ben Wilson joined the band following the death of original bassist Bobby Sheehan in 1999.
While Blues Traveler is best known among fans for their improvisational live shows, the general public is most familiar with the group from their Top 40 singles "Run-Around" and "Hook". They gained mainstream popularity after their fourth studio album four, released in 1994. Sheehan's death and Popper's struggle with obesity put a damper on the group's success, and A&M dropped the band in 2002.
Top Of The World
Blues Traveler Lyrics
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Before you realized you were dreaming
And when you finally come to
Your nightmare's warning may still be screaming
Careful what you wish for little man
It might go on and on and on and on
Because there's poison in the rat race
Your royal table
When karma finally puts you in your place
On top of the world
You meet strange people
People choose to turn their back on you
Just to cover their asses
On top of the world
Your soul sells cheaper
Than a pack of used cigarettes
Or your designer glasses
Oh, the rent is cheaper but the climb is steeper
At the top of the world
The rent is cheaper but the climb is steeper
At the top of the world
The rent is cheaper but the climb is steeper
At the top of the world
Yeah, on the top of the world
When your eyes are focused on a price
Your head turned 'round and 'round by some Paddle's panacea
Too late realization will arise
A tower's view won't take you high as a single Good idea
On top of the world
You meet strange people
People choose to turn their back on you
Just to cover their asses
On top of the world
Your soul sells cheaper
Than a pack of used cigarettes
Or your designer glasses
The rent is cheaper but the climb is steeper
At the top of the world
The rent is cheaper but the climb is steeper
At the top of the world
The rent is cheaper but the climb is
No rhyme or reason, no sense of up or down
Not even air up there to fill your beating heart
Icarus can see you from where
He landed on the ground
Right there where everybody also starts
On the top of the world
On top of the world
Your soul sells cheaper
Than a pack of used cigarettes
And your designer glasses, yeah
The rent is cheaper but the climb is steeper
At the top of the world
The rent is cheaper but the climb is steeper
At the top of the world
Oh, the rent is cheaper but the climb is steeper
At the top of the world
The rent is cheaper but the climb is steeper
At the top of the world
Oh, the rent is cheaper but the climb is steeper
At the top of the world
At the top of the world
The lyrics of Blues Traveler's song "Top of the World" delve into the theme of disillusionment and the harsh realities of success and ambition. The opening lines, "You can walk a mile in no shoes, before you realized you were dreaming," suggest a sense of disorientation and a loss of perspective, as the singer navigates through a dreamlike state. However, upon waking up to reality, they are confronted with the lingering warnings of their nightmares, serving as a metaphor for the consequences of their actions and choices.
The cautionary advice to "Careful what you wish for little man, it might go on and on and on and on" highlights the potential pitfalls of pursuing one's desires relentlessly without considering the broader implications. The reference to the "poison in the rat race" speaks to the toxic nature of competitiveness and materialism, where one's moral compass can easily be compromised in the pursuit of success. The concept of karma eventually catching up and putting the singer in their place underscores the idea of facing the consequences of their actions.
The imagery of being "on top of the world" symbolizes achieving a level of success or power, but it comes at a cost. The lyrics describe how at this pinnacle, one encounters "strange people" who may betray or abandon them to protect themselves, highlighting the loneliness and betrayal that can accompany success. The references to the soul being devalued in exchange for superficial possessions like used cigarettes or designer glasses emphasize the loss of integrity and authenticity in the pursuit of status.
The repeated refrain of "The rent is cheaper but the climb is steeper" serves as a stark reminder that the price of reaching the top can be high, both in terms of personal sacrifice and moral compromise. The comparison to the myth of Icarus, who flew too close to the sun and fell to his demise, suggests a cautionary tale about the dangers of hubris and unchecked ambition. Overall, the lyrics of "Top of the World" paint a vivid picture of the disillusionment and moral consequences that can accompany the pursuit of success and power, serving as a poignant reflection on the complexities of human ambition.
Line by Line Meaning
You can walk a mile in no shoes
You can experience a journey without all the necessary tools or support
Before you realized you were dreaming
Before you understood the true nature of your situation
And when you finally come to
And when you finally awaken to reality
Your nightmare's warning may still be screaming
The lessons from your hardships may continue to haunt you
Careful what you wish for little man
Be cautious of your desires, as they may have unforeseen consequences
It might go on and on and on and on
Your desires may lead to an endless cycle of struggles
Because there's poison in the rat race
The competition for success can be toxic
And your tasters won't protect you from
Even your instincts can't shield you from
Your royal table
The luxuries you have may not bring true fulfillment
When karma finally puts you in your place
When the consequences of your actions catch up to you
On top of the world
In a position of success or power
You meet strange people
You encounter individuals with hidden motives
People choose to turn their back on you
People may betray you to protect themselves
Just to cover their asses
Just to safeguard their own interests
Your soul sells cheaper
Your integrity diminishes in exchange for superficial gains
Than a pack of used cigarettes
Cheaper than something of little value
Or your designer glasses
Or than something that is seen as a status symbol
Oh, the rent is cheaper but the climb is steeper
The price of success may seem low, but the path to reach it is difficult
No rhyme or reason, no sense of up or down
There is chaos and confusion in this elevated state
Not even air up there to fill your beating heart
There is a lack of true fulfillment or emotional connection in this position
Icarus can see you from where
Even those who have fallen from great heights can see your struggles
He landed on the ground
Referring to the myth of Icarus who flew too close to the sun and fell to the earth
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: ISAAC HANSON, TAYLOR HANSON, ZAC HANSON, JOHN C POPPER, BEN WILSON, John C Popper
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind