According to Ian Gillan, "It’s just an example, for example, if you think of the phrase 'if a blind man cries' then it's pretty sad, those who are disadvantaged tend to be less complaining than those who are able-bodied".
When a Blind Man Cries
Deep Purple Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm not expecting people, anymore
Hear me grieving, lying on the floor
Whether I'm drunk or dead, I really ain't too sure
I'm a blind man
I'm a blind man
And my world is pale
Lord, you know
There ain't a sadder tale
Had a friend once, in a room
Had a good time, but it ended much too soon
In a cold month, in that room
Found a reason, for the things we had to do
I'm a blind man
I'm a blind man
Now my room is cold
When a blind man cries
Lord, you know
He feels it from his soul
Deep Purple's When A Blind Man Cries is a powerful and heart-wrenching song that touches upon the theme of loneliness and the struggles of a blind man in the world. The song begins with the lyrics "If you're leaving close the door, I'm not expecting people anymore" indicating the isolation and detachment from the world that the singer feels. He is grieving and lying on the floor, unsure if he is drunk or dead. This sense of confusion and helplessness is further amplified in the chorus with the lyrics "I'm a blind man, I'm a blind man and my world is pale. When a blind man cries, Lord, you know there ain't no sadder tale" giving the listeners a glimpse into the struggles of the blind man and his despondent state.
The second verse talks about a friend he once had who he spent time with in a room. They had a good time, but it ended too soon. In a cold month, they found a reason for the things they had to do. The lyrics portray a sense of loss and regret about things that could have been done differently. The singer refers to himself again as a blind man, indicating that despite the presence of his friend, he still lives in a world that is cold and dull. The chorus repeats itself, highlighting the sadness and despair that the singer feels.
Overall, the song delves into the struggles of a blind man and the loneliness and detachment he feels from the world, leaving the listeners feeling a deep sense of empathy towards the singer.
Line by Line Meaning
If you're leaving close the door.
Please close the door if you're leaving.
I'm not expecting people anymore.
I've given up on people and don't expect anyone to visit or care.
Hear me grieving, I'm lying on the floor.
I am crying and in pain, lying on the floor.
Whether I'm drunk or dead I really ain't too sure.
I don't know if I'm drunk or dead, but I'm in a lot of pain.
I'm a blind man, I'm a blind man and my world is pale.
I am blind and my world is colorless and dull.
When a blind man cries, Lord, you know there ain't no sadder tale.
When a blind man cries, it's the saddest thing you'll ever see.
Had a friend once in a room,
I had a friend once in a room.
had a good time but it ended much too soon.
We had a good time together, but it was cut short.
In a cold month in that room
It was a cold month, and we were in that room.
we found a reason for the things we had to do.
We found a reason or justification for our actions.
I'm a blind man, I'm a blind man, now my room is cold.
I am still blind, and now my room is cold and empty.
When a blind man cries, Lord, you know he feels it from his soul.
When a blind man cries, it comes from a deep place of pain and despair.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Ian Gillan, Ian Paice, Jon Lord, Ritchie Blackmore, Roger Glover
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@WickedAng43
One of my all time top favorites "When A Blind Man Cries"
If you're leaving, close the door
I'm not expecting people, anymore
Hear me grieving, lying on the floor
Whether I'm drunk or dead, I really ain't too sure
I'm a blind man
I'm a blind man
And my world is pale
When a blind man cries
Lord, you know
There ain't a sadder tale
Had a friend once, in a room
Had a good time, but it ended much too soon
In a cold month, in that room
We found a reason, for the things we had to do
I'm a blind man
I'm a blind man
Now my room is cold
When a blind man cries
Lord, you know
He feels it from his soul
@noisecommander590
My father's downstairs neighbour was a hardcore Deep Purple fan since he was a teenager, since around the same time he discovered he had severe epilepsy.
He had every album, EP, demo or bootleg from Deep Purple he could get his hands on.
He even ordered Deep Purple releases from the master copy, claiming he could get better audio quality that way.
His epilepsy was, apparently, so debilitating that he could not maintain a normal job, or let alone a normal life.
Every evening he would wake up and listen to Deep Purple albums all night, in the early morning he would do groceries and then go to bed and then repeat the same the next day.
He did this for decades, until his death.
He was found dead in his bed a couple years ago, decomposing, after neighbours started complaining about the smell.
Apparently, all his belongings where destroyed.
He was a sweet man, emotionally underdeveloped, but very sweet.
I believe he lived until his mid to late 50s.
So here you go man, in honor to you I'm having a drink and listening to my favorite Deep Purple song, which reminds me of you.
@qc7511
If you're leaving close the door.
I'm not expecting people anymore.
Hear me grieving, I'm lying on the floor.
Whether I'm drunk or dead I really ain't too sure.
I'm a blind man, I'm a blind man and my world is pale.
When a blind man cries, Lord, you know there ain't no sadder tale.
Had a friend once in a room,
Had a good time but it ended much too soon.
In a cold month in that room
We found a reason for the things we had to do.
I'm a blind man, I'm a blind man, now my room is cold.
When a blind man cries, Lord, you know he feels it from his soul.
@nataliacarolina97
If you're leaving close the door.
I'm not expecting people anymore.
Hear me grieving, I'm lying on the floor.
Whether I'm drunk or dead I really ain't too sure.
I'm a blind man, I'm a blind man and my world is pale.
When a blind man cries, Lord, you know there ain't no sadder tale.
Had a friend once in a room,
had a good time but it ended much too soon.
In a cold month in that room
we found a reason for the things we had to do.
I'm a blind man, I'm a blind man, now my room is cold.
When a blind man cries, Lord, you know he feels it from his soul.
@JohnBurnum
72 and still like Deep purple, this song rings true as I lost my wife 4 years ago. Now i spend most nights smoking weed & listening to my music.
@jaysneddon584
I'd have a smoke and listen to music with ya.
@carismacatalyst1289
I hope and wish for you to find a bible and read a little in Matthew 5 where Jesus comforts the broken hearted.
@vent0os
My dad died yesterday, he lost the fight against pancreatic cancer. He loved this band and this song describes him in 100%.
@johnskyr4059
+Hajssięzgadza My condolences brave one, may he rest in peace now. Althought I don't know who you are, and where you are, I'm with you my friend. If you need someone to talk, I'm here.
@Manes999
+James Katsinis Trzymaj się, a tata miał świetny gust.
@blerob8932
+Hajssięzgadza My condolences,Sorry for your loss
@BassSlapping
+Hajssięzgadza Be strong man. Keep your late father memories along with you. I have lost my father too. And he loves this band too.
@Jasnna72
+Hajssięzgadza Sorry for your loss. My mom is pased away 10 years ago and she loved this song so much. RIP our dears.
@crazyhorse2995
I'm 62 and STILL consider this and Sweet child in time 2 of the best songs in rock history. Machine head rules.!!!