Babylon
David Gray David Gray Lyrics
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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, Babylon
Ah
The central theme of David Gray's song Babylon is the complexity of love and relationships. Throughout the song, Gray explores the tumultuous emotions that can accompany a complicated relationship, specifically jealousy, bitterness, and mistakes made in the past. The song is split into three distinct parts, each representing a different day of the weekend and a different stage of his emotions.
On Friday, Gray is stuck in his own head, wrestling with negative thoughts about past heartbreaks and misunderstandings in his relationships. He feels like he's going nowhere and can't escape his thoughts or change the course of his life. But by Saturday, he's ready to break free from those negative emotions and live in the present moment. He longs for the person he loves to be by his side, wishing he could express his true feelings openly and honestly. Finally, on Sunday, Gray is left feeling reflective, alone and longing for a deep connection with someone he loves.
One of the central messages of the song is that love is a rollercoaster ride, with moments of deep emotional intensity intertwined with periods of calm and reflection. The lyrics touch on themes of vulnerability, trust, and acceptance, all of which are integral to a successful relationship. Ultimately, Gray encourages the listener to let go of their fears and let their hearts guide them to happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
Friday night I'm going nowhere
On Friday nights, I'm bored and unfulfilled with my current situation.
All the lights are changing green to red
I'm noticing how quickly time passes by and how much things change in life.
Turning over TV stations
I'm trying to distract myself from my thoughts by flipping channels on the television.
Situations running through my head
I can't stop thinking about a variety of scenarios in my life.
Looking back through time
When I reflect on my past, it's clear that I was naive and foolish at times.
You know it's clear that I've been blind, I've been a fool
Looking back on my past mistakes, it's obvious that I was ignorant and made poor choices.
To open up my heart to all that jealousy
I regret allowing myself to become jealous and bitter in relationships.
That bitterness, that ridicule
Those negative emotions took a toll on me and had lasting effects.
Saturday I'm running wild
On Saturdays, I let loose and enjoy myself more than usual.
And all the lights are changing red to green
I'm noticing how quickly my mood and outlook can change over a short period of time.
Moving through the crowds I'm pushing
I'm making my way through a densely populated area, sometimes aggressively.
Chemicals are rushing in my bloodstream
I feel a rush of excitement and adrenaline that is often fueled by external factors like drugs or alcohol.
Only wish that you were here
I'm feeling lonely and wish a specific person was by my side.
You know I'm seeing it so clear
I have a much clearer understanding of my emotions and desires now.
I've been afraid
I've been hesitant to be honest with myself and others.
To show you how I really feel
I'm scared to reveal my true feelings to the person I'm interested in.
Admit to some of those bad mistakes I've made
I'm willing to take responsibility for my past errors and make amends.
And if you want it
If you're willing and interested,
Come and get it
Come take what I'm offering.
Crying out loud
I'm expressing my desire and vulnerability to the other person.
The love that I was
The affection that I gave
Giving you was
Offering to you
Never in doubt
I was always sincere and certain about my feelings for you.
Let go of your heart
Release the hold and guard on your emotions.
Let go of your head
Stop overthinking and analyzing everything.
And feel it now
Experience your emotions and allow yourself to be vulnerable.
Babylon, Babylon, Babylon
Repeating this word, which is often associated with corruption, to represent a state of chaos and confusion in my life.
Sunday all the lights of London shining
Sundays are a time of reflection, and the bright lights of London create a beautiful scene.
Sky is fading red to blue
The sun is setting, and the color of the sky is changing accordingly.
Kicking through the autumn leaves
Walking through a park filled with autumn leaves, maybe feeling nostalgic.
And wondering where it is you might be going to
Reflecting on the other person's life and wondering about their future.
Turning back for home
Heading back home after being outside.
You know I'm feeling so alone
I feel isolated and wish for companionship.
I can't believe
I'm shocked.
Climbing on the stair
Walking up the stairs; it's unclear where they are.
I turn around to see you smiling there
The person I've been thinking about is unexpectedly standing there and seems happy to see me.
In front of me
Directly in my line of sight.
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!