Broken Down
Fergal Matthews Lyrics


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Pasta machine broke down
By the weed in the field
I get so nice when I see angels face
I will sip the wine of all the tears you cry
Feel for me sympathy
The kind that we all need

Crimson handed fiend
Of hate strokes the soul of all
Saints cannot flee
The strength of the call
We just carry on
As if we know all that is wrong
Feel for me sympathy
The kind that we all need

Placid perspective straight
Losing hope postponing fate
Synchronize incarcerate
Let them eat I can hate
I can say nothing new
Despite the doves that flew
Feel for me sympathy
The kind we all need

Crimson handed fiend
Of hate strokes the soul of all
Saints cannot flee
The strength of the call
We just carry on
As if we know all that is wrong




Feel for me sympathy
The kind that we all need

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Fergal Matthews's song "Broken Down" are quite abstract and open to interpretation, but there is a common theme of struggle and seeking comfort in sympathy. The opening line "Pasta machine broke down by the weed in the field" is an intriguing and seemingly random image that could represent unexpected and frustrating situations in life. The following line "I get so nice when I see angels face" could suggest finding solace in something pure and beautiful amid these challenges. The next line "I will sip the wine of all the tears you cry" is a powerful expression of empathy and a willingness to share in someone else's pain.


The second verse introduces the idea of a "crimson handed fiend of hate" representing a force that affects everyone's soul, including saints who cannot escape it. Despite not knowing "all that is wrong," the singer continues on, seeking sympathy and striving to find meaning in their struggles. The third verse has a more aggressive tone as the singer seemingly rejects "placid perspective" and "postponing fate" and instead wants to "hate" and "incarcerate" those who have wronged them. Despite this, they still ask for sympathy and acknowledge the need for it in all of us.


Overall, the lyrics of "Broken Down" are somewhat enigmatic but evoke a sense of struggle and the need for comfort and understanding. The use of abstract imagery and metaphor creates a dreamlike, surreal atmosphere, allowing the listener to project their own experiences and emotions onto the song.


Line by Line Meaning

Pasta machine broke down
Something went wrong and it's causing frustration or inconvenience.


By the weed in the field
Adding a location to the previous line to create a more vivid image of the situation.


I get so nice when I see angels face
Feeling happy or at ease when being around someone or something beautiful or good.


I will sip the wine of all the tears you cry
Willing to be there for someone during their hard times, to share their pain and comfort them.


Feel for me sympathy
Asking for emotional support, understanding, or kindness from others.


The kind that we all need
Acknowledging that everyone can benefit from and appreciate sympathy.


Crimson handed fiend
A metaphorical description of something evil or negative staining or contaminating everything it touches.


Of hate strokes the soul of all
Hate can deeply and negatively affect everyone, and it's portrayed in a violent and unsettling way.


Saints cannot flee
Even the most pure-hearted or righteous individuals cannot escape the effects of hate and evil in the world.


The strength of the call
The power and influence of negative emotions, temptations, or forces that can distract or mislead people from what is right or good.


We just carry on
Despite the negativity or hardships, people continue to move forward and live their lives.


As if we know all that is wrong
Although we face challenges and confront evil, we don't necessarily know all the answers or solutions.


Placid perspective straight
A peaceful yet firm approach to life or a situation, without overlooking the difficulties or dangers.


Losing hope postponing fate
Feeling discouraged and uncertain about the future, but still taking the necessary steps to keep going.


Synchronize incarcerate
Being trapped or constrained by the demands or standards of society or the system, without much choice or control.


Let them eat I can hate
A sarcastic and bitter response to the idea of ignoring or neglecting others' needs or feelings.


I can say nothing new
Feeling like there's nothing original or impactful to say or do in response to a difficult or complex issue.


Despite the doves that flew
Even if there have been hopeful or positive signs or attempts, there is still a lot of injustice, pain, or hatred in the world.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: MARK WILLIAM GREANEY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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