Thirteen
Forward Russia Lyrics
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We all can lean on figures and crutches
It's such an easy thing to do when you're so unaware
We all can change our tegument's function
Replace the outer shell with something more neoteric
We all can lean on figures and crutches
A busy wife-child losing all her selfish memory
Become a child and plastic surgeon
Let her go
Yelled the occupied pharaohs
A lucky soul
Who just so happened to break out
She took the corner way
And in the event of that the normal result should fail...
If you won't blink at me, I'm coming
If you want to be something new, I'm coming
If you won't blink at me, I'm coming
And I won't breathe at all
Until you blink at me, I'm coming
If you want to be something new, I'm coming
If you won't blink at me, I'm coming
And I won't breathe until
We all can lean on figures and crutches
The politburos will expect their free lunches
And all the prison guards rely on their hunches
But we're assured of the existence of a better way:
We all can lean on figures and crutches
Replace our hearts
And if you won't blink at me, I'm coming
If you want to be something new, I'm coming
If you won't blink at me, I'm coming
And I won't breathe at all
Until you blink at me, I'm coming
If you want to be something new, I'm coming
If you won't blink at me, I'm coming
And I won't breathe until
You're strolling down the pavement
If you won't blink at me, I'm coming
If you want to be something new, I'm coming
If you won't blink at me, I'm coming
And I won't breathe at all
Until you blink at me, I'm coming
If you want to be something new, I'm coming
If you won't blink at me, I'm coming
And I won't breathe at all
The lyrics to Forward Russia's song Thirteen feature cryptic imagery and abstract phrases that convey the band's message of breaking free from societal norms and reinventing oneself. The opening lines suggest that people often rely on external influences, such as role models or material possessions, to define or distract themselves from their inner issues. The singer encourages listeners to shed their outer shells and embrace change by seeking novel experiences and shedding the selfishness that can hold them back.
The line "Let her go / Yelled the occupied pharaohs / A lucky soul / Who just so happened to break out" alludes to the story of the Exodus from the Bible, where Moses freed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Here, the pharaohs, who are supposed to be in power, free a "lucky soul" who breaks out of their grip. This can be interpreted as a symbol of individual revolution against oppressive forces, whether they be societal expectations or personal struggles.
The chorus repeats the phrases "If you won't blink at me, I'm coming / If you want to be something new, I'm coming / And I won't breathe at all / Until you blink at me, I'm coming" with a sense of urgency, emphasizing the singer's determination to pursue their goals and convince others to join them. The other lyrics continue the theme of breaking free from the constraints of societal expectations, encouraging people to replace their hearts (their inner selves) and reject outdated ideologies.
In summary, Thirteen is a song about personal revolution and breaking free from societal norms to pursue individual growth and self-actualization.
Line by Line Meaning
Choose life
We have the choice to live any way that we choose
We all can lean on figures and crutches
We can all rely on things to support us when we are unaware
It's such an easy thing to do when you're so unaware
Reliance on crutches is easy to do when you're not aware
We all can change our tegument's function
We can all change our external appearances to something new
Replace the outer shell with something more neoteric
Replacing the old with something new can revitalize and refresh
A busy wife-child losing all her selfish memory
A busy woman focused on her child forgets her own needs
Will only lean on figures and crutches
She will resort to using crutches for support
Become a child and plastic surgeon
We should seek to reinvent ourselves by becoming a child again
Let her go
The oppressed should be freed from their tyrants' control
Yelled the occupied pharaohs
The powerful and oppressive leaders are met with defiance
A lucky soul
Someone fortunate enough to break free
Who just so happened to break out
Someone who was able to break free by chance
She took the corner way
She chose a different path than what was expected
And in the event of that the normal result should fail...
When the expected approach fails, we must find something new
If you won't blink at me, I'm coming
If you refuse to acknowledge me, I will come for you
If you want to be something new, I'm coming
I'll help guide you to becoming something new and different
And I won't breathe at all
I'll do whatever it takes to help you break free
Until you blink at me, I'm coming
I will never give up until you acknowledge me
We all can lean on figures and crutches
We can all rely on things to support us, even when it's not ideal
The politburos will expect their free lunches
Powerful entities will expect to be catered to, regardless of the cost
And all the prison guards rely on their hunches
Even those tasked with enforcing the law make biased judgments
But we're assured of the existence of a better way:
We know there's a better way to live, despite the challenges
Replace our hearts
We should replace our hardened ways with a more empathetic approach
And I won't breathe until
I'm willing to go to great lengths to help you break free
You're strolling down the pavement
You'll only be truly free when you can roam without fear
Contributed by Nicholas T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.