Babylon
David Gray (with Damien Rice) Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All the lights are changing green to red
Turning over TV stations
Situations running through my head
Looking back through time
You know it's clear that I've been blind, I've been a fool
To open up my heart to all that jealousy
That bitterness, that ridicule
Saturday I'm running wild
And all the lights are changing red to green
Moving through the crowds I'm pushing
Chemicals are rushing in my bloodstream
Only wish that you were here
You know I'm seeing it so clear
I've been afraid
To show you how I really feel
Admit to some of those bad mistakes I've made
And if you want it
Come and get it
Crying out loud
The love that I was
Giving you was
Never in doubt
Let go of your heart
Let go of your head
And feel it now
Let go of your heart
Let go of your head
And feel it now
Babylon, Babylon, Babylon
Sunday all the lights of London shining
Sky is fading red to blue
Kicking through the autumn leaves
And wondering where it is you might be going to
Turning back for home
You know I'm feeling so alone
I can't believe
Climbing on the stair
I turn around to see you smiling there
In front of me
And if you want it
Come and get it
Crying out loud
The love that I was
Giving you was
Never in doubt
Let go of your heart
Let go of your head
And feel it now
Let go of your heart
Let go of your head
And feel it now
Let go of your heart
Let go of your head
And feel it now
Let go of your heart
Let go of your head
And feel it now
Babylon, Babylon, Babylon, Babylon, ah
The lyrics to David Gray's song "Babylon" paint a picture of a weekend spent in reflection and contemplation. The singer begins by expressing their sense of directionlessness on a Friday night, flipping through TV channels and grappling with the weight of their past mistakes. The song moves through to Saturday, where the mood shifts to one of energy and freneticism as the singer is swept up in the rush of a night out. Throughout this, they express a longing for someone who is not present, someone who they wish they had shown more vulnerability and emotion to.
Sunday arrives and has a slower, more melancholy feel. The singer takes a walk through the city, observing the changing of the seasons and wondering where the object of their longing might be headed. At the end of the song, they return home and encounter the person they had been missing before breaking out into the repetition of "Babylon", which could be interpreted as a confusing or complex situation, perhaps reminiscent of the city itself.
Overall, the song is a meditation on the ups and downs of life's experiences, including love, loss, and longing. The lyrics are emotive and speak to relatable feelings of uncertainty and doubt, ultimately ending on a note of hopefulness and connection.
Line by Line Meaning
Friday night I'm going nowhere
I'm aimlessly wandering, with no particular destination in mind, on Friday night.
All the lights are changing green to red
Traffic lights are changing colors from green to red as I observe them while walking.
Turning over TV stations
I'm rapidly switching between various channels on the TV using the remote.
Situations running through my head
Different scenarios are looping in my mind and causing me to overthink.
Looking back through time
Within the context of past events, I'm contemplating my actions and feelings.
You know it's clear that I've been blind, I've been a fool
My hindsight (in referring to past events previously mentioned) makes me realize that I had been foolish and naive.
To open up my heart to all that jealousy
I admit that I have been dangerously allowing jealousy to take up too much space in my emotional life.
That bitterness, that ridicule
I have also allowed bitterness and mocking to inhibit me.
Saturday I'm running wild
I am acting out and indulging in rebellious behavior on Saturday.
And all the lights are changing red to green
Traffic lights are transitioning from red to green as I pass by them.
Moving through the crowds I'm pushing
I'm forcefully moving past people who may be in my way.
Chemicals are rushing in my bloodstream
There is a physical rush in my body caused by endorphins, adrenaline, or other chemicals influencing my mood.
Only wish that you were here
I have a heart's desire for you to be present and accompanying me.
You know I'm seeing it so clear
I now have a newfound perspective on things and realize something that I previously didn't.
I've been afraid
I have been feeling worried or scared.
To show you how I really feel
I'm hesitant to express my genuine, true emotions to you.
Admit to some of those bad mistakes I've made
I must own up to and confess the bad choices I've made in the past.
And if you want it
If you desire or crave it,
Come and get it
You should take it or pursue it.
Crying out loud
I'm making a deliberate and vocal attempt to get your attention or express a strong emotion.
The love that I was giving you was never in doubt
I never questioned how much love I was giving to you.
Let go of your heart
Stop being concerned or worried about your own feelings and emotions.
Let go of your head
Stop overthinking or analyzing the situation rationally.
And feel it now
Be present in the moment and experience the emotions completely.
Sunday all the lights of London shining
On Sunday, the various lights in London are glittering and just as noticeable as before.
Sky is fading red to blue
The sky is transitioning from a reddish hue to blue as the sun lowers during sunset.
Kicking through the autumn leaves
I'm playfully and carelessly crunching dried leaves under my feet.
And wondering where it is you might be going to
I am curious about where you might be going or your next plans.
Turning back for home
I am heading back in the direction of my origin or where I live.
You know I'm feeling so alone
I am currently dealing with the negative emotion of loneliness.
I can't believe
I can hardly understand or accept.
Climbing on the stair
I am ascending a staircase.
I turn around to see you smiling there
I suddenly and surprisingly see you grinning in front of me.
In front of me
You are now directly in my line of sight.
Let go of your heart
Stop being concerned or worried about your own feelings and emotions.
Let go of your head
Stop overthinking or analyzing the situation rationally.
And feel it now
Be present in the moment and experience the emotions completely.
Babylon, Babylon, Babylon, Babylon, ah
Repeating the name 'Babylon' over and over, as if to emphasize the importance of the concept or word.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: David Gray
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@oktoberina
Yeah it came out in like 1999 or 2000.
I had a basset hound named Elvis at the time and any time this song/video would come on he would come running From wherever he was and stand in front of the TV and bark his head off until it was over.
It was hilarious. 🤣
I don’t know what it was about this song but it’s the only one he ever did that to.
So of course I think of him any time I hear this song.
But it’s a great song from a GREAT album and I highly recommend you checking out the rest of this album for sure.
It’s absolutely fantastic.
Glad you found it after looking for it for so long. I know what that’s like and it can be maddening! 😜
Seriously…check out the whole album.
You won’t be disappointed. ❤
@nishbrown
Thank you, Matt McCusker for reminding me of this gem.
@jordandunne5292
Brother, I knew the shaman wouldn't lead me here alone! God bless!
@jaydeatts
the shaman would never mislead us
@JDAWG9162
Took a David Gray deep dive when I heard Matt mention him.
My personal favorite so far is “Lead Me Upstairs.”
Shoutout to all the DAWGZ.
@arlovisuals
That"s how i got here!
@dollabill167
Haha same I couldn't remember who sung "this years love" for years till Matt brought him up 😂😂
@kennygr8ify
David Gray is ridiculously underrated!
@davida.quinnsr.8847
They play him on KOST now!
@anthonymarsden8708
100%
@johnmc3862
He’s isn’t underrated one bit!