The Fuse
Bruce Springsteen Lyrics

Down at the court house they're ringing the flag down
At the courthouse, they are lowering the flag as a symbol of peace and harmony.

Long black line of cars snaking slow through town
A procession of cars moving slowly through the town creating a sense of melancholy and sadness.

Red sheets snapping on the line
The bright red sheets are flapping vigorously in the breeze, a symbol of passion and excitement.

With this ring will you be mine
A proposal of marriage, asking the question if they will be together forever with an engagement ring.

The fuse is burning
A sense of urgency is implied, that something will reach its climax very soon.

Shut out the lights
A request to turn off the lights, perhaps signaling a moment of intimacy or secrecy.

Come on let me do you right
An invitation to engage in something pleasurable or satisfying, typically sexual in nature.

Trees on fire with the first fall's frost
The visual description of trees catching fire even though it's the first frost of the fall, signifies an ignition of passion in a chilly atmosphere.

Long black line in front of Holy Cross
A long line of mourners paying their respects in front of Holy Cross, a symbol of solemnity and reverence.

Blood moon rising in a sky of black dust
The image of a blood moon rising in a dark sky suggests a premonition of danger or violence that is about to take place.

Tell me baby who do you trust?
A question asking who can they rely on in a time of crisis or uncertainty.

Tyres on the highway hissing something's coming
A sense of impending danger or trouble is looming, which can be sensed by hearing the sounds of the tires hissing on the highway.

You can feel the wires in the tree tops humming
The wires in the tree-tops are emitting a buzzing sound which can be felt, adding to the sense of unease and tension.

Devil's on the horizon line
The presence of the devil on the horizon line implies that something sinister is about to unfold in the near future.

Your kiss and I'm alive
A kiss has the power to invigorate and energize, making the recipient feel fully alive and present in the moment.

Quiet afternoon, in an empty house
A peaceful, possibly lonely time in an empty house with no distractions, which can bring clarity and introspection.

On the edge of bed you slip off your blouse
A moment of intimacy where one removes their clothing, signaling a willingness to be vulnerable and exposed.

The room is burning with the noon sun
A sense of heat and passion is present in the room, perhaps reflecting the intensity of the moment.

Your bittersweet taste on my tongue
A vivid description of a sensory experience, the taste of something bitter and sweet on one's tongue, signifying that nothing is truly pure or simple.

The fuse is burning
Repeating the earlier line, emphasizing the idea that something is building to a climax.

Shut out the lights
Repeating an earlier line, perhaps signaling the continuation of intimacy and secrecy.

Come on let me do you right
Repeating an earlier line, highlighting the desire for pleasure and gratification.

The fuse is burning
Once again emphasizing the idea that something is building to a climax.

The fuse is burning
Repeating the same line, with the same urgency.

The fuse is burning
Repeating the same line, with a sense of urgency and foreboding.

The fuse is burning
Repeating the same line, with a sense of imminent danger and excitement.