Welcome
Christina Aquilera [Disc 1] Lyrics
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Welcome to the greatest show
Greatest show on earth
You've never seen before
Here the fairytale unfolds
What's behind the smoke and glass?
Are you selling them your soul?
Well you'll be left out in the cold
Is it all blue skies
Fun and games untill you fall
Then you're left without anyone at all
You're riding on a shooting star
With a smile upon your face
But soon the shine fades
And you're left out all alone
Wondering where did they all go?
Oooh
Been jaded, hated,
Who'll be around when the limelight's faded?
Been shut down, pushed out
Made to smile when I wanted to frown
Always taking a bow
Always working the crowd
Always breaking new ground
Always playing the clown
Who'll be sticking it out?
Who'll be staying around
When the lights go down?
[whistles to fade]
In these lyrics to Christina Aguilera's song "Welcome," there is a powerful message about the entertainment industry and the seemingly magical and awe-inspiring facade that it presents to the public. The song begins with welcoming us to the "Greatest Show on Earth," which the listener is meant to interpret as the entertainment industry as a whole. The line "You've never seen before" implies that there is something new and exciting about to happen, as if we are all about to enter an extraordinary world of wonder and amazement.
However, as the lyrics continue, we are asked to question what is really going on behind this facade. The lines "What's behind the smoke and glass? / Painted faces, everybody wears a mask" suggest that the glitter and glamour presented are covering up something darker and more sinister. The song seems to argue that those who want to succeed in this industry may have to give up a part of themselves to do so, and ultimately they will be left alone when the "limelight's faded." The song is a warning to those who are seduced by the bright lights and the promise of fame, encouraging them to look deeper and remember what is really important in life.
Overall, "Welcome" is a powerful statement about the negative aspects of the entertainment industry and the toll it can take on those who choose to pursue it. While the song does acknowledge the excitement of it all, it ultimately reminds us to be cautious and to remember our true values as we navigate the world of show business.
Line by Line Meaning
Welcome to the greatest show
You are entering a world full of spectacle and grandeur
Greatest show on earth
This is the biggest production you'll ever witness
You've never seen before
What you are about to experience is truly unique
Here the fairytale unfolds
This is the place where dreams become reality
What's behind the smoke and glass?
What is the real truth behind all of this glamour and glitter?
Painted faces, everybody wears a mask
People are concealing their true selves under a façade
Are you selling them your soul?
Are you sacrificing your personal values to be part of this world?
Well you'll be left out in the cold
If you do sell your soul, you'll eventually end up alone and unsupported
Is it all blue skies
Is everything always perfect?
Fun and games untill you fall
You may be having fun for now, but eventually something will go wrong
Then you're left without anyone at all
When things fall apart, you may not have anyone to turn to
You're riding on a shooting star
You're experiencing an amazing high
With a smile upon your face
You're enjoying the ride
But soon the shine fades
The high won't last forever and reality will set in
And you're left out all alone
You can end up feeling isolated and disconnected
Wondering where did they all go?
You may have lost touch with the people who were there with you at the beginning
Been jaded, hated,
I have experienced cynicism and criticism
Who'll be around when the limelight's faded?
Who will still support me when the attention dies down?
Been shut down, pushed out
I've faced rejection and exclusion
Made to smile when I wanted to frown
I've had to pretend to be happy when I really wanted to express my true feelings
Always taking a bow
I'm used to receiving applause and admiration
Always working the crowd
I'm always putting on a show for the audience
Always breaking new ground
I'm constantly innovating and pushing boundaries
Always playing the clown
I'm often seen as a source of entertainment
Who'll be sticking it out?
Who will still be here when things get tough?
Who'll be staying around
Who will stand by me through thick and thin?
When the lights go down?
When the show is over and the spotlight is gone?
Contributed by Hudson K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.