Singer/Songwriter Colin Hay is the former front-man of the classic Australian band Men at Work. Since the group disbanded he has released several solo albums, including Man at Work, which featured re-recordings of classic Men at Work songs in an acoustic environment.
Hay has also been involved with the NBC TV series Scrubs, lending several songs to the sitcom, including "Waiting for My Real Life to Begin," "My Brilliant Feat" and "Beautiful World." He also starred as a troubadour in the first episode of season two, "My Overkill," performing his song "Overkill," which was also the basis for the episode's title.
Circles Erratica
Colin Hay Lyrics
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And kick like a tin can in the shape of a man
Trying so hard to break in so I can burst out
Perspectives ever changing leaving me in doubt
I've got a chronic disorder, I'm balanced between
The edge of a razor, trying to cut clean
I've got my eyes on the road, I'm trying to keep steady
I feel, I'm nearly ready
Hope that me who's dreaming and that's not me who's screaming
Want to wake up warm in a tattered down tarn
Still for all the killing, there's nobody winning
I want to spit it out, I want to scream and shout
Lying in the gutter, I heard someone mutter
We'll creep in the shadows trying to get home
Like the swing in the see-saw, hard to keep steady
With some rearranging
I feel, I'm nearly ready
Sometimes I'm invisible, I'm nowhere to be seen
Kick like a tin can into a sugared man
Hope that me who's dreaming and that's not me who's screaming
I want to wake up warm in a tattered down tarn
Lying in the gutter, I heard someone mutter
We'll creep in the shadows trying to get home
I've got my eyes on the road, I'm trying to keep steady
I've got my hand, my hands on the wheel
I feel, I'm nearly ready
The lyrics of Colin Hay's "Circles Erratica" describe a struggle with identity, balance, and perspective. The singer feels invisible and tin-can-like, trying to break in and burst out at the same time. Despite feeling unsteady and doubting their perspectives, they strive to keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel. The singer wants to break free from the chaos around them and find a sense of stability and inner peace.
The line "Hope that me who's dreaming and that's not me who's screaming" suggests a disconnect between the singer's idealized self and their reality. They want to wake up in a peaceful, tattered down tarn (a small mountain lake), but the killing and chaos in the world make it hard to find that calm. The repeated mention of being nearly ready implies that the singer is on the cusp of a breakthrough, but still has work to do to reach that goal.
Overall, the lyrics of "Circles Erratica" encapsulate the struggle to find balance and clarity in a world that can be chaotic and confusing. The singer acknowledges their imperfections and doubts, but continues to strive for a more stable and fulfilling existence.
Line by Line Meaning
Sometimes I'm invisible, I'm nowhere to be seen
I feel like I'm not being noticed or recognized, like I'm not really there.
And kick like a tin can in the shape of a man
I feel weak and helpless, like a tin can being kicked around by someone.
Trying so hard to break in so I can burst out
I'm putting in a lot of effort to achieve something and show my true self.
Perspectives ever changing leaving me in doubt
My views and outlook on things constantly shift, making me unsure of what I believe.
I've got a chronic disorder, I'm balanced between
I have a long-lasting condition that keeps me on the edge, always in a precarious balance.
The edge of a razor, trying to cut clean
I'm trying to navigate through life with precision and care, like the edge of a razor.
I've got my eyes on the road, I'm trying to keep steady
I'm focused on my goals and trying to keep a balanced approach.
I've got my hands on the wheel
I'm in control of my own destiny and actions.
I feel, I'm nearly ready
I have a sense of confidence and readiness to face whatever comes next.
Hope that me who's dreaming and that's not me who's screaming
I hope that the person I want to be, the one with hopes and aspirations, is not silenced by the one who is overwhelmed and upset.
Want to wake up warm in a tattered down tarn
I want to experience comfort and warmth in spite of the difficult situation I may find myself in.
Still for all the killing, there's nobody winning
No one benefits from violence and aggression, only pain and suffering remain.
I want to spit it out, I want to scream and shout
I feel like I need to express my emotions and let my feelings out.
Lying in the gutter, I heard someone mutter
I'm in a low and challenging situation, and I overhear someone speaking softly nearby.
We'll creep in the shadows trying to get home
We're trying to find our way back to safety and comfort, staying hidden and quiet as we do.
Like the swing in the see-saw, hard to keep steady
Life is often unpredictable and unstable, like a swing on a see-saw that's difficult to keep level.
With some rearranging
With some effort and change, things can maybe become more balanced and stable.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: COLIN JAMES HAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind