Promenade
Calla Lyrics
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Is she coming back again?
Men of straw sneak a whore
Words that build or destroy
Dirt, dry, bone, sand, and stone
Barbed-wire fence cut me down
I'd like to be around
In a spiral staircase
And I, like a firework, explode
Roman candle lightning lights up the sky
In the cracked streets trampled under foot
Sidestep...sidewalk
I see you stare...into space
Have I got closer now?
Behind the face
Oh...tell me...
Charity dance with me
Turn me around tonight
Up though a spiral staircase
To the higher ground
Slide show, sea side town
coca cola, football, radio
Calla’s song Promenade is a haunting and enigmatic piece of art that captures the essence of the human struggle in its lyrics. The song opens with the imagery of the elements of nature – earth, sky, sea, and rain, that give a sense of continuity and rhythm to the song. The singer then questions if someone who has left will come back again. The lyrics take a turn towards darkness as it speaks of the fragile nature of human relations and how deceit is rampant even in a world where people pretend to be true. The ‘men of straw’ are particularly symbolic in this context, as it signifies men who are vulnerable and powerless.
The words then shift towards a worldly manifestation of emotions, where words can either build or destroy someone’s reputation. The last stanza is particularly profound, as it speaks of the human desperation to find a higher meaning in life. This is symbolized by the spiral staircase that represents the journey towards spiritual fulfillment. The singer implores the listener to join on this journey, where they will discover that hope is alive even in the darkest of moments.
Overall, Calla’s Promenade is a lyrical masterpiece that reminds us that life is a journey that requires equal parts of courage and hope to survive. The words take us on a rollercoaster of emotions that depicts the struggle of the human spirit and the search for higher truths.
Line by Line Meaning
Earth, sky, sea, and rain
The natural elements of the earth are always present and can affect everything.
Is she coming back again?
The singer is hoping for someone's return.
Men of straw sneak a whore
People with no substance can be sneaky and do unscrupulous things.
Words that build or destroy
Words have the power to either create or ruin relationships.
Dirt, dry, bone, sand, and stone
Different types of natural elements that represent the challenging times in life.
Barbed-wire fence cut me down
A physical barrier can emotionally affect a person.
I'd like to be around
The singer desires to be present in the moment.
In a spiral staircase
A metaphor for life where each step takes you to a higher level of understanding.
To the higher ground
The ultimate goal of enlightenment and understanding.
And I, like a firework, explode
The artist is experiencing intense emotions that can be compared to a firework exploding.
Roman candle lightning lights up the sky
The emotions are intense and are symbolized by the bright lights of a roman candle.
In the cracked streets trampled under foot
The hardship and struggles of life can be difficult and challenging.
Sidestep...sidewalk
The singer is moving forward in life, but not always on a clear path.
I see you stare...into space
The singer notices someone who is lost in thought or has a distant look in their eyes.
Have I got closer now?
The singer wonders if they have made progress in understanding the other person.
Behind the face
There is more to a person than what is on the surface.
Oh...tell me...
The artist is seeking answers or guidance.
Charity dance with me
The singer requests a dance with a charitable intention.
Turn me around tonight
The singer wants to experience something new and different.
Up though a spiral staircase
A continuation of the previous metaphor for life.
To the higher ground
Continuing the pursuit of enlightenment and understanding.
Slide show, sea side town
Descriptive words that add to the overall mood and setting of the song.
coca cola, football, radio
More descriptive words that help set the tone and feeling of the song.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Adam Clayton, Dave Evans, Larry Mullen, Paul Hewson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Matthew Inabinett
The lyrics are rather wrong, but it's a really nice rendition of one of U2's most beautiful, underrated tracks.
Miranda Wood
I love this song. More Calla songs need to be on here.
J. Rin
Just came across this song. Love it, too! Thanks for sharing.
chiara ab
Wonderful song but only for the Bono's voice
monica gauer
Chaz... I love you forever for showing me this band and for posting this song Im sorry im a shit friend your missed a fuckton. Dont give up on me.