Every Colour You Are
David Sylvian & Robert Fripp Lyrics


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touched his hand
Burned like coal
Put pay to the devil
And saw the mountain fall


Feel like crying
The jokes gone to far
You can be anything you want
Every colour you are


Family man
His patience tried
Put a torch to his home
And warmed his hands by the fire
The greed of desire


My roads uncrossed
White lined and tarred




By believing in you
Every colour you are

Overall Meaning

The lyrics in David Sylvian and Robert Fripp's "Every Colour You Are" express a sense of transformation, overcoming obstacles, and finding oneself. The first verse begins with an image of touching someone's hand and feeling a fiery energy, which brings an end to evil and destruction. This imagery could be interpreted in several ways, perhaps as an inspirational experience or a significant encounter leading to a turning point. The next line "saw the mountain fall" could indicate that the person has conquered their greatest challenge.


The second verse begins with a declaration that the situation is too much to handle and that tears are imminent. But it is followed by an inspiring notion that reflects the song's central message. It suggests that anyone is capable of becoming whatever they want to be, regardless of their background or where they come from. The final verse is about taking chances and believing in oneself. It talks about the risks that come with making a significant change and the importance of having faith in oneself. The line "white lined and tarred" could be representing the singer's journey, which is paved and outlined with the belief in themselves. The entire song could be an ode to self-discovery, finding one's identity, and overcoming the obstacles which hold one back.


Line by Line Meaning

touched his hand
Made physical contact with his hand, perhaps sensing some connection or energy.


Burned like coal
The touch was intense, like the fiery heat of burning coal.


Put pay to the devil
The touch had a transformative effect, ridding the person of some negativity or evil influence.


And saw the mountain fall
As a result of this change, something monumental or insurmountable was overcome.


Feel like crying
Overwhelmed with emotion, feeling like tears may start flowing.


The jokes gone to far
Something that was once humorous has become serious or hurtful.


You can be anything you want
Encouragement to pursue one's dreams and aspirations, without limit.


Every colour you are
The vast spectrum of human experiences, possibilities and identities.


Family man
A man committed to his family life.


His patience tried
Challenged to his limit, perhaps due to a family situation.


Put a torch to his home
Feeling such frustration or desperation that he destroyed his own home.


And warmed his hands by the fire
Finding some solace or comfort in the destruction and chaos.


The greed of desire
The negative influence that led to this destructive behavior.


My roads uncrossed
Feeling lost and directionless in life.


White lined and tarred
A sense of forced order or conformity to societal expectations.


By believing in you
Hope that by following a positive influence or role model, things can change.


Every colour you are
The richness and diversity of human experiences, and the endless potential for growth and change.




Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION
Written by: DAVID SYLVIAN, MICK KARN, RICHARD BARBIERI, STEVE JANSEN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@RaymondPeckIII

Frank's Wild Years
Well Frank settled down in the Valley
and he hung his wild years
on a nail that he drove through
his wife's forehead
he sold used office furniture
out there on San Fernando Road
and assumed a $30,000 loan
at 15 _ % and put a down payment
on a little two bedroom place
his wife was a spent piece of used jet trash
made good bloody marys
kept her mouth shut most of the time
had a little Chihuahua named Carlos
that had some kind of skin disease
and was totally blind. They had a thoroughly modern kitchen
self-cleaning oven (the whole bit)
Frank drove a little sedan
they were so happy

One night Frank was on his way home
from work, stopped at the liquor store,
picked up a couple Mickey's Big Mouths
drank 'em in the car on his way
to the Shell station, he got a gallon of
gas in a can, drove home, doused
everything in the house, torched it,
parked across the street, laughing
watching it burn, all Halloween
orange and chimney red then
Frank put on a top forty station
got on the Hollywood Freeway
headed North

Never could stand that dog



All comments from YouTube:

@FerranK68

The day when Mr. Fripp meets Mr. Sylvian was a great day for Music' history. Two genious playing togheter

@BREEDINGGROUND1

spell check . . . .

@FABCELLI

i TOTALLY AGREE with you

@lesmagranesbedbreakfast2421

ben cert

@nancycastellanos3865

<3 <3 <3

@bk-ew1ny

I would say three geniuses. Michael Brook on the guitar is an amazing musician in his own right. Check out his stellar masterpeice, Cobalt Blue.

2 More Replies...

@gooddogbad

I saw this show at the Beacon theatre in NYC. I had no idea what I was in for - I just went to see Fripp. I was blown away and mesmerized from the first few notes. I wish I could go back and experience it again with my much greater knowledge of all the talent that was on the stage that night. The Damage album that came out of that tour is exceptional.

@frankpetermann9366

Damage (the song)is my all time favorit.First time I hear that,I have tears in my eyes.

@stephenlynchprivate2137

I was on the whole UK tour absolutely mesmerising every night my friend

@kpnconsulting8739

I also saw them at the Beacon Theatre. It was hands down the best rock concert I had ever attended. I seem to remember Sylvian opening solo on keys with "The first day". Then they brought out the heavy artillery. David was basically fronting for King Krimson from then on. Fortunately for all of us the shows were heavily documented...

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