Slave
Earthmen and Strangers Lyrics
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was completed in four three eight bc
venetian mortar destroyed in a day
every roman before a slave
all the marbles are won
big wheels turning the loading has begun
I am the first born son
into the fountain or under the bridges crossed
I gave it away its better that way
who is worker who is punk
who is collector what is junk
who is peasant who is queen
I take what i can carry and i leave
all the marbles are gone
hit the hardwood scattered far beyond
I memorized the fifty states
all the marbles every one
two plus two is five is true to some
I hear the hissing of the summer lawn
permanent are these monuments
magic marker inscribed in invisible ink
sealed in stone engraved in glass
that glue wont hold but its drying fast
all the marbles counting down
all the marbles rolling round
all the marbles see them roll
all the marbles out of control
marbles shatter made of glass
These lyrics seem to explore themes of power, control, and the fleeting nature of material possessions. The song begins by referencing the Parthenon in ancient Greece, highlighting its completion in 438 BC. It then mentions how Venetian mortar destroyed it in just one day. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for the impermanence of grand structures and the transience of power. The line "every Roman before a slave" suggests that even powerful civilizations like the Romans were subject to the confines of their own societal structures.
The chorus continues the theme of losing and giving away possessions. "All the marbles are won" indicates gaining material wealth and success, while "big wheels turning the loading has begun" suggests a sense of ambition and striving for more. However, the lyrics also express a realization that material possessions ultimately don't bring fulfillment. "All the marbles are lost" highlights the singer's decision to let go of their possessions, as they believe it is better that way.
The second verse questions societal labels and hierarchy. It poses the questions of who is a worker, who is a punk, who is a collector, and what is considered junk. This suggests a skepticism towards societal categorizations and norms. The line "I take what I can carry and I leave" signifies a desire for freedom and a rejection of expectations and constraints.
The third verse delves into the concept of permanence and the illusion of significance. The mention of "magic marker inscribed in invisible ink" suggests that even permanent-looking monuments can be elusive and fleeting. The line "that glue wont hold but its drying fast" further emphasizes the ephemeral nature of material belongings.
The final chorus brings a sense of chaos and loss. "All the marbles counting down" implies an impending end or destruction. "All the marbles rolling round" suggests a lack of control and unpredictability. The line "all the marbles see them roll, all the marbles out of control, marbles shatter made of glass" demonstrates the fragility of material possessions and how easily they can be broken, reflecting their ultimately meaningless nature.
Overall, these lyrics convey a message of detachment from materialism and a recognition of the transient nature of power and possessions. They encourage a focus on personal freedom and self-discovery rather than being weighed down by societal expectations and the pursuit of material wealth.
Line by Line Meaning
the parthenon in ancient greece
The famous temple in ancient Greece
was completed in four three eight bc
It was finished in the year 438 BC
venetian mortar destroyed in a day
The mortar made by Venetians was destroyed quickly
every roman before a slave
All Romans were considered slaves in some way
all the marbles are won
All the victories have been achieved
big wheels turning the loading has begun
Powerful forces are at work, and things are being set in motion
I am the first born son
I hold a significant position or role
all the marbles are lost
All the successes have been squandered
into the fountain or under the bridges crossed
Thrown away, discarded, or forgotten in various ways
I gave it away its better that way
I willingly let go of it, believing it is for the best
who is worker who is punk
Who is the hardworking individual and who is the rebellious outsider
who is collector what is junk
Who is the person who collects things and what is considered worthless
who is peasant who is queen
Who is the commoner and who is the ruler
I take what i can carry and i leave
I only take what I can easily carry with me when I go
all the marbles are gone
All the successes have vanished
hit the hardwood scattered far beyond
Everything has fallen apart and spread far from its original place
I memorized the fifty states
I have committed the fifty states to memory
all the marbles every one
Every single success has been lost
two plus two is five is true to some
The concept of two plus two equaling five can be true for certain perspectives or interpretations
I hear the hissing of the summer lawn
I can hear the sound of the grass or foliage during the summer
permanent are these monuments
These monuments are enduring and lasting
magic marker inscribed in invisible ink
A marker that writes with invisible ink is used to make markings
sealed in stone engraved in glass
Preserved in stone and engraved on glass
that glue won't hold but its drying fast
The glue won't be able to maintain its hold, but it is rapidly drying
all the marbles counting down
All the successes are dwindling or decreasing
all the marbles rolling round
All the successes are spinning and moving in circles
all the marbles see them roll
Witness the movements and actions of all the successes
all the marbles out of control
All the successes are becoming chaotic and uncontrollable
marbles shatter made of glass
The successes, portrayed as marbles, break and fall apart as they are made of fragile glass
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Mike Wisti
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind