Faster Sooner Now
David Gray Lyrics


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Hey now, you got me by the tongue
I feel like there's nowhere I belong
And they're working it pretty hard
And they're selling it by the yard
But it's more than I can afford
That's all that I know

Leader, it comes as no surprise
See now, these are coins that were his eyes
Silver dollars and hoods of steel
Tell me nothing can be revealed
The more you get it the less you feel
That's all that I know
Starts a shivering in my spine
And a fever I can't define
It gets colder the higher you climb
That's all that I know

You kill me with every word you say
I'm dead now, along with faith and chivalry
Silver dollars and hoods of steel
Tell me nothing can be revealed
The more you get it the less you feel
That's all that I know
Colder the higher you climb
Colder the higher you climb




Colder the higher you climb
That's all that I know

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of David Gray's song Faster, Sooner, Now are filled with vivid imagery and captivating metaphorical expressions. The verse "Hey now, you got me by the tongue, I feel like there's nowhere I belong" captures the feeling of being trapped, unable to escape or express oneself. The next line "And they're working it pretty hard, and they're selling it by the yard, but it's more than I can afford" speaks to the idea of people trying to sell us things we can't afford, whether it be material goods or societal expectations.


The imagery in "Leader, it comes as no surprise, see now, these are coins that were his eyes, silver dollars and hoods of steel, tell me nothing can be revealed" is hauntingly beautiful. It tells the story of leaders who are blind to our struggles, and the value of material possessions like silver dollars and hoods of steel which are hurled our way as a form of false comfort, but ultimately reveal nothing. The haunting repetition of "The more you get it the less you feel, that's all that I know" seems to suggest that seeking material wealth or happiness ultimately leads to emptiness and numbness.


The chorus "Starts a shivering in my spine and a fever I can't define, it gets colder the higher you climb, that's all that I know" is a warning against the dangers of ambition and the pursuit of success. The shivering in the spine and fever symbolize the fear that comes with taking risks to achieve success, and the coldness that comes with getting higher in society represents the loneliness and loss of connection that success can bring. Finally, "You kill me with every word you say, I'm dead now, along with faith and chivalry" speaks to the idea that words can be weapons that bring death to our beliefs and values, leaving us numb and devoid of hope.


Line by Line Meaning

Hey now, you got me by the tongue
The singer is trapped in a situation and unable to speak up for themselves.


I feel like there's nowhere I belong
The singer feels out of place and disconnected from the world around them.


And they're working it pretty hard
Others are putting in a lot of effort to manipulate or control the situation.


And they're selling it by the yard
Those in charge are trying to make a profit from the situation.


But it's more than I can afford
The situation is overwhelming and the artist cannot handle it alone.


That's all that I know
The singer is limited in their knowledge and understanding of the situation.


Leader, it comes as no surprise
The singer is cynical about those in charge and their motives.


See now, these are coins that were his eyes
The artist sees through the lies and manipulation of those in power.


Silver dollars and hoods of steel
Money and power are the driving forces behind the situation.


Tell me nothing can be revealed
The true intentions and actions of those in charge will remain hidden.


The more you get it the less you feel
The more involved one becomes in the situation, the more jaded and disillusioned they become.


Starts a shivering in my spine
The artist feels a sense of fear or unease when confronted with the situation.


And a fever I can't define
The situation is causing the singer to feel unwell or distressed.


It gets colder the higher you climb
The higher one climbs the social or economic ladder, the more detached and isolated they become.


You kill me with every word you say
The words of others are having a harmful effect on the singer's well-being.


I'm dead now, along with faith and chivalry
The artist feels defeated and has lost their sense of morality.


Colder the higher you climb
The higher one rises in society, the more emotionally numb they become.


Colder the higher you climb
The higher one rises in society, the more emotionally numb they become.


Colder the higher you climb
The higher one rises in society, the more emotionally numb they become.


That's all that I know
The artist is limited in their ability to understand and cope with the situation.




Lyrics Β© O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: DAVID GRAY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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