Footsteps
Eno / Cale Lyrics
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Only yesterday I was blue.
Ten days from now, I'll be different
And so will you.
Written there in capital letters
So as not to be misunderstood
Making sure I'm clear,
Telling bad from good.
A man from Islamabad:
Selling shells back to the rebels,
Shells they never had.
All is clear: I can see for miles and miles.
I can hear your footsteps in my heart.
Somebody make me an offer
I've got to get away from here, ooh, ooh, ooh.
Driving hard through the snow-drift
Like a moth to a naked light
To keep an appointment in Zurich
With a man who hears footsteps in the night.
Tired of what he's been doing,
What it's done to his life...
Getting most if what he needed
Has left him with less than he had.
All is clear: I can see for miles and miles.
All I hear are your footsteps in my heart.
The song "Footsteps" by Brian Eno and John Cale is a contemplative and introspective piece about the complexities of identity and the ever-changing nature of human experiences. The opening line, "I'm a man of many colours," sets the tone for the rest of the song as it implies that the singer is multi-faceted and constantly evolving. The next line, "Only yesterday I was blue," suggests that the singer was feeling down or depressed recently, but is now feeling differently. The following line, "Ten days from now, I'll be different, and so will you," reinforces the idea that change is inevitable and everyone is constantly evolving.
The song goes on to describe a various array of events and situations, from a man selling shells back to rebels in Tokyo to someone making an appointment in Zurich with a man who hears footsteps in the night. These events are seemingly disconnected, but they all serve to reinforce the idea that life is full of unexpected twists and turns and that we are all interconnected in some way.
The repeated line "All is clear: I can see for miles and miles" suggests a moment of clarity or enlightenment for the singer, but the line "All I hear are your footsteps in my heart" brings us back to the idea that human connection and relationships are what really matter in life. The final line, "Somebody make me an offer, I've got to get away from here," implies a feeling of restlessness or dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs.
Overall, "Footsteps" is a deeply introspective and thought-provoking song that encourages us to think about the ephemeral nature of human experience and the importance of human connection.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm a man of many colours:
I have different moods and personalities at different times.
Only yesterday I was blue.
I was feeling down and sad yesterday.
Ten days from now, I'll be different
My attitude or situation will change in ten days.
And so will you.
Your life or mindset will also change.
Written there in capital letters
Emphasizing or highlighting my point.
So as not to be misunderstood
To avoid any misinterpretations or confusion.
Making sure I'm clear,
Ensuring that my message is concise and precise.
Telling bad from good.
Distinguishing between right and wrong.
Two weeks ago in Tokyo,
I was in Tokyo two weeks ago.
A man from Islamabad:
An individual from Islamabad was there too.
Selling shells back to the rebels,
Engaging in suspicious, illegal arms dealing.
Shells they never had.
The rebels didn't own the weapons being sold.
All is clear: I can see for miles and miles.
I have great clarity and vision about the world.
I can hear your footsteps in my heart.
Feeling deeply connected to someone or an idea.
Somebody make me an offer
Looking for a way out or a new opportunity.
I've got to get away from here, ooh, ooh, ooh.
There's a strong desire to leave the current situation or place.
Driving hard through the snow-drift
A difficult and dangerous journey through harsh conditions.
Like a moth to a naked light
Drawn to something dangerous or harmful.
To keep an appointment in Zurich
Going to Zurich for an important meeting or event.
With a man who hears footsteps in the night.
Meeting someone who has a sense of danger or apprehension.
Tired of what he's been doing,
Getting sick of his current lifestyle or habits.
What it's done to his life...
The negative impact his actions have had on his life.
Getting most if what he needed
Success in achieving his goals or desires.
Has left him with less than he had.
However, he's lost important things in the process.
All is clear: I can see for miles and miles.
I have great clarity and vision about the world.
All I hear are your footsteps in my heart.
Feeling deeply connected to someone or an idea.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRIAN ENO, JOHN DAVIES CALE, John Cale
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@creatornat
I adore this song, this album and these men. This track is so magnificently made, and sets such wonderful visuals. It truly is a great album.
@Slsy11
Sounds like some of us are ready for another Cale/Eno collaboration. ❤️
@SouthernerByChoice
One of my "desert island" albums. Well done.
@prunedick
My favourite track from this album. Good to hear it again. Thanks.
@chrisserdaris2593
so amazing and yet so underestimated
@maiajintcharadze7485
Only yesterday I was blue.Ten days from now, I'll be different.
@mwjppgg
Me gusta como interpreta John Cale en este tema
@PrimericanIdol
Imagine if they had gotten Fripp in on this album.
@undergroundwarrior70
And Phil Manzanera and Chris "Ace" Spedding.
@fanfahrenheit22
<3