Sledgehammer
Gabriel (Peter) Lyrics


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You could have a steam train
If you'd just lay down your tracks
You could have an aeroplane flying
If you bring your blue sky back

All you do is call me
I'll be anything you need
You could have a big dipper
Going up and down, all around the bends
You could have a bumper car, bumping
This amusement never ends

I want to be your sledgehammer
Why don't you call my name
Oh let me be your sledgehammer
This will be my testimony
Show me round your fruit cakes
'Cause I will be your honey bee
Open up your fruit cakes
Where the fruit is as sweet as can be

I want to be your sledgehammer
Why don't you call my name
You'd better call the sledgehammer
Put your mind at rest
I'm going to be-the sledgehammer
This can be my testimony
I'm your sledgehammer
Let there be no doubt about it

Sledge sledge sledgehammer

I kicked the habit (I kicked the habit)
Shed my skin (Shed my skin)
This is the new stuff (This is the new stuff)
I go dancing in, (We could go dancing in)
Oh won't you show for me (Show for me)
I will show for you (Show for you)
Show for me (Show for me), I will show for you

Yea, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, I do mean you
Only you, you've been coming through
Going to build that power
Build, build up that power, hey
I've been feeding the rhythm
I've been feeding the rhythm
Going to feel that power, build in you

Come on, come on, help me do
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, you
I've been feeding the rhythm
I've been feeding the rhythm




It's what we're doing, doing
All day and night, come on and help me do, come on and help me do

Overall Meaning

The song Sledgehammer is a metaphorical love poem that encourages a potential lover to let their guard down and to take risks in their relationship. The lyrics introduce various hypotheticals that the potential couple could experience if only the object of the singer's affections would be open and honest with their desires. The first verse suggests that the singer's love interest could have great things in their life, such as a steam train, an airplane, and a rollercoaster. However, the caveat is that they must be willing to lay down the "tracks" to get there, to have faith in the possibilities and to make the necessary steps towards achieving their dreams. The chorus then emphasizes that the singer wants to be the "sledgehammer" which can help break down any barriers or reservations that the love interest may have.


The next verse emphasizes that the singer wants to experience all of the joyous and carefree moments with the person they love. They want to ride the bumper cars and to indulge in the sweet treats. The second chorus repeats the first and emphasizes again how much the singer wants to be the sledgehammer that can help the love interest overcome anything that might be holding them back in their relationship. The bridge suggests that the singer has changed their own ways and is willing to put in the effort to make things work between them. The final chorus is a plea to the love interest to help the singer achieve their goal of being a sledgehammer, and to jointly experience the wonders of life together.


Line by Line Meaning

You could have a steam train
You have the potential to achieve great things


If you'd just lay down your tracks
But you need to take action and lay the groundwork first


You could have an aeroplane flying
You can reach new heights and achieve your goals


If you bring your blue sky back
But you need to overcome obstacles and challenges that are blocking your way


All you do is call me
I'm here to help and support you


I'll be anything you need
I'm willing to do whatever it takes to help you succeed


You could have a big dipper
Life can be full of ups and downs, twists and turns


Going up and down, all around the bends
But it's all part of the ride, and it can be fun and exciting


You could have a bumper car, bumping
There may be obstacles and challenges, but you can navigate them with skill and determination


This amusement never ends
The ride of life never stops, and there's always something new to experience


I want to be your sledgehammer
I want to be your source of strength and support


Why don't you call my name
Let me know you need me, and I'll be there


Oh let me be your sledgehammer
I want to help you achieve your goals and reach your potential


This will be my testimony
I want to show the world what we can do together


Show me round your fruit cakes
Let me into your life and show me who you really are


'Cause I will be your honey bee
I will protect and care for you, just like a honey bee cares for its hive


Open up your fruit cakes
Let down your guard and be vulnerable with me


Where the fruit is as sweet as can be
Where you can find joy and happiness


You'd better call the sledgehammer
Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it


Put your mind at rest
I'll ease your worries and fears


I'm going to be-the sledgehammer
I'm committed to helping you succeed


I'm your sledgehammer
I'm here for you, always


Let there be no doubt about it
My commitment to you is unwavering


Sledge sledge sledgehammer
I'll be your rock, your foundation, your strength


I kicked the habit (I kicked the habit)
I've overcome my own struggles and addictions


Shed my skin (Shed my skin)
I've let go of my past and embraced a new way of life


This is the new stuff (This is the new stuff)
I'm moving forward and embracing new opportunities


I go dancing in, (We could go dancing in)
I'm living life to the fullest, and I want you to join me


Oh won't you show for me (Show for me)
Won't you be there for me, just like I'm here for you?


I will show for you (Show for you)
I'll always be by your side, no matter what


Yea, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, I do mean you
I'm talking to you specifically, and I want you to know that


Only you, you've been coming through
You're the one who's been there for me, and I appreciate that


Going to build that power
Together, we can achieve anything we set our minds to


Build, build up that power, hey
Let's work together to create something amazing


Come on, come on, help me do
Let's work together to achieve our goals


It's what we're doing, doing
We're building something great, and we're doing it together


All day and night, come on and help me do, come on and help me do
Let's work hard and never give up, and we'll accomplish incredible things




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: PETER GABRIEL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@memowilliam9889

...

The beginning of the video begins with the beginning of life:


Egg, sperm, pregnancy, development, birth, eyes open awake, emoting, hearing, thinking, consciousness.

Welcome to the world sentient being.

Peter is not the subject of the lyrics. Someone else is. Who is able to fulfill all the qualities of the sledgehammer?

God.

“All you do is call me. I will be anything you need.”

Romans 10:13

”whoever will call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Peter includes many lyrical allusions to the Christian faith. Whether he is a full blown Christian or of some other blended type, he hints at Christian spiritual experiences in many of his songs.



All comments from YouTube:

@MermaidMelissaPage

Bring the hammer!

@darrochturner20

Haha

@beastmerc84

Bring the hammer of the Gods!

@PaquetasCar2147

What about the Sledge? No worries Percy will bring that.

@toddseals2792

I like the way you said that. , ...

@healingheartsinspiration6253

Yes!!!!!

2 More Replies...

@jschlatt

actually the crowbar snaps in two

@chuchu2928

hey jschlatt good taste

@OzzieJeza02

Nice to know that some YouTubers have great taste.

@xolborLOL

i wasnt expecting to see you here

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