Chandelier
Danny Burstein Ricky Rojas Sahr Ngaujah Aaron Tveit Jacqueline B. Arnold Holly James Jeigh Madjus & Lyrics
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The green fairy makes every man a visionary
So drink, and rage and forget
Party girls, they don't get hurt
Can't feel anything, when will you learn?
You must push it down
You must push it do-o-own
Phone's blowin' up ringin' your doorbell
You feel the love? You feel the lo-o-ove
One, two, three, one, two, three, drink
One, two, three, one, two, three, drink
One, two, three, one, two, three, drink
Throw 'em back till I lose count
I'm gonna swing from the chandelier
From the chandelier
I'm gonna live like tomorrow doesn't exist
Like it doesn't exist
I'm gonna fly like a bird through the night
Feel my tears as they dry
I'm gonna swing from the chandelier
From the chandelier
But I'm holding on for dear life
Won't look down, won't open my eyes
Keep his glass full until morning light
'Cos we're just holding on for tonight
Help me I'm holding on for dear life (I'm)
Won't look down won't open my eyes
(Gonna swing)
Keep my glass full until morning light
(From the chandelier)
'Cos I'm just holding on for tonight
(From the chandelier) on for tonight
On for tonight on– on for tonight
Christian
On for tonight on– on for tonight
On for to– on for to– on for tonight
On for to– on for to– on– on– on– on–
We're creatures of the underworld
We can't afford to love
I'm gonna swing from the chandelier
From the chandelier
I'm gonna live like tomorrow doesn't exist
Like it doesn't exist
I'm gonna fly like a bird through the night
Feel my tears as they dry
I'm gonna swing from the chandelier
From the chandelier
The lyrics to "Chandelier" by various artists explore themes of self-destructive behavior, escapism, and the desire to live in the moment. The song begins with a reference to absinthe, a powerful alcoholic drink also known as the "green fairy," which is often associated with enhancing creativity and causing hallucinations. The invitation to drink and forget suggests a desire to escape reality and indulge in a sense of freedom and lack of inhibitions.
The chorus of the song references a party girl who numbs herself to avoid feeling pain, while also seeking love and validation through fleeting experiences. The repeated counting and drinking in threes emphasize a sense of recklessness and abandonment of control. The imagery of swinging from a chandelier evokes a feeling of carefree abandon and living on the edge, as if life is a grand, fleeting performance.
Despite the seemingly carefree attitude portrayed, there is an undercurrent of desperation and a sense of holding on for dear life. The repetition of "won't look down, won't open my eyes" suggests a fear of facing reality or consequences, as well as a reluctance to let go of the temporary escape provided by the party lifestyle. The lyrics also touch upon the idea of living only for the moment and not thinking about the consequences or responsibilities that lie ahead.
The mention of Christian and the creatures of the underworld adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, hinting at characters who exist on the fringes of society or who are grappling with inner demons. The final repetition of the chorus brings the song full circle, reinforcing the theme of swinging from the chandelier as a metaphor for daring to live boldly and embrace life's highs and lows without reservation. Overall, the song captures the conflicted emotions of seeking exhilaration and escape, while also acknowledging the darker, more vulnerable aspects of human experience.
Line by Line Meaning
Have you know the dreadful power of absinthe?
Are you familiar with the intense effects of absinthe?
The green fairy makes every man a visionary
Absinthe can make anyone feel like they have special insight or clarity
So drink, and rage and forget
Just keep drinking, partying, and try to forget your troubles
Party girls, they don't get hurt
People who party a lot often try to avoid emotional pain
Can't feel anything, when will you learn?
Ignoring your emotions doesn't make them go away
You must push it down
You have to suppress your feelings
You must push it do-o-own
Keep burying those feelings deep inside
I'm the one for a good time call
I'll be there for a fun night out
Phone's blowin' up ringin' your doorbell
I'll be calling and showing up at your place all night
You feel the love? You feel the lo-o-ove
Do you feel the connection and affection between us?
One, two, three, one, two, three, drink
Keep drinking and losing count
Throw 'em back till I lose count
Keep drinking until you can't keep track
I'm gonna swing from the chandelier
I'll let loose and have a wild, carefree time
From the chandelier
Emphasizing the idea of letting go and having fun
I'm gonna live like tomorrow doesn't exist
I'll live in the moment without worrying about the future
Like it doesn't exist
Acting as if consequences and responsibilities don't matter
I'm gonna fly like a bird through the night
I'll feel free and unrestricted by my troubles
Feel my tears as they dry
Experience the healing process as I let go of sadness
But I'm holding on for dear life
Desperately clinging to the enjoyment and escape of the moment
Won't look down, won't open my eyes
Avoiding reality and the consequences of my actions
Keep his glass full until morning light
Continuing to party and drink until dawn
'Cos we're just holding on for tonight
We're just trying to make it through the night
Help me I'm holding on for dear life (I'm)
I need support to survive this intense experience
Keep my glass full until morning light
Make sure I keep drinking until sunrise
'Cos I'm just holding on for tonight
Because I'm only focused on getting through the current moment
On for tonight on– on for tonight
Just trying to make it through this night
We're creatures of the underworld
We live in a dark and chaotic world
We can't afford to love
We can't afford to form emotional connections
Christian
A reference to a character or person named Christian
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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