Paralysed
Gang of Four Lyrics
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Flat on my back
They say our world is built on endeavor
That every man is for himself
Wealth is for the one that wants it
Paradise, if you can earn it
I'm washed up
Blinkered, paralyzed
Flat on my back
My ambitions come to nothing
What I wanted now just seems a waste of time
I can't make out what has gone wrong
I was good at what I did
The crows come home to roost
And I'm the dupe
"Gang of Four's Paralysed" is a song with dark and introspective lyrics that gives insight into the struggles of one of its writers, Jon King. The opening lines, "Blinkered, paralyzed, flat on my back" paints a picture of utmost despair and hopelessness. The tone of the song is set with the pessimistic portrayal of the world as a place where everyone is focused on individual ambition and greed, with no room for cooperation and compassion. The line "wealth is for the one that wants it" reflects the harsh reality of the pursuit of success and the fact that the richest people often make their fortunes on the back of others.
The haunting words "history is the reason I'm washed up" indicates the overwhelming feeling of being stuck in a cycle of defeat and disappointment. The singer cannot make out what has gone wrong despite being good at what he did. The line "the crows come home to roost and I'm the dupe" is a metaphor for the consequences of past actions and the realization of one's mistakes.
One of the intriguing aspects of the song is the contrast between the upbeat music and the gloomy lyrics. This disparity has been noted as a characteristic of Gang of Four's music, dating back to their earliest releases. It creates a sense of tension and unease that reflects the real-world themes and issues the band was addressing. The song confronts the listener with uncomfortable truths about themselves and the world around them.
Line by Line Meaning
Blinkered, paralyzed
Narrow-minded, unable to move or take action
Flat on my back
Helpless and unable to get up
They say our world is built on endeavor
People believe that success comes from hard work and determination
That every man is for himself
Individualism is the norm, and people tend to prioritize their own interests over others'
Wealth is for the one that wants it
Those who work hard and pursue riches will obtain them
Paradise, if you can earn it
Financial success brings happiness and fulfillment
History is the reason
The past, including one's experiences or mistakes, has led to current circumstances
I'm washed up
I am a failure and have lost my former glory
My ambitions come to nothing
My dreams and aspirations have not been fulfilled
What I wanted now just seems a waste of time
In retrospect, my goals and desires were not worthwhile pursuits
I can't make out what has gone wrong
I am confused and unable to identify the source of my failure
I was good at what I did
I had talent and skill in my area of expertise
The crows come home to roost
The negative consequences of my actions or decisions are catching up to me
And I'm the dupe
I have been tricked or used by others, and now must face the consequences
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Andrew Gill, Carlton Ridenhour, Jonathan King, Keith Shocklee
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Gerasimo Carbone
Lyrics
Blinkered, paralysed
Flat on my back
They say our world is built endeavor
That every man is for himself
Wealth is for the one that wants it
Paradise, if you can earn it
History is the reason
I'm washed up
Blinkered, paralysed
Flat on my back
My ambitions come to nothing
What I wanted now just seems a waste of time
I can't make out what has gone wrong
I was good at what I did
The crows come home to roost
And I'm the dupe
Aadya Imperium
PARALYSED
Blinkered, paralysed
Flat on my back
They say our world is built on endeavor
That every man is for himself
Wealth is for the one that wants it
Paradise, if you can earn it
History is the reason
I'm washed up
Blinkered, paralysed
Flat on my back
My ambitions come to nothing
What I wanted now just seems a waste of time
I can't make out what has gone wrong
I was good at what I did
The crows come home to roost
And I'm the dupe
Gerasimo Carbone
Lyrics
Blinkered, paralysed
Flat on my back
They say our world is built endeavor
That every man is for himself
Wealth is for the one that wants it
Paradise, if you can earn it
History is the reason
I'm washed up
Blinkered, paralysed
Flat on my back
My ambitions come to nothing
What I wanted now just seems a waste of time
I can't make out what has gone wrong
I was good at what I did
The crows come home to roost
And I'm the dupe
Halapainyo88
I always thought he said "and I'm the duke" at the end, but I got the rest right. Simple but sick bass
Mister Cool
The minimalist beauty of true Post-Punk. Fucking brilliant.
michael Rodriguez
What
Eli Takkata
GRACIAS A QUE FLEA LOS NOMBRO EN ALGUNA DE SUS PUBLICACIONES, CONOCI A LOS GANG .AMO ESTE DISCO.
LOST IN MUSIC
Stunning and therefore in my 80´s playlist
Matthew Lehr
The break at 2:15 is absolutely brilliant
ROMILDO
Essa banda o Renato Russo, vocalista do Legiao Urbana, era super fã, e se espelhou muito nela.
Jackie Goodlet
RIP ANDY GILL. YOUR GROOVES ARE ETERNAL.
flashtheoriginal
Solid Gold
And it was. Not one weak track on it
Dave Allen.....class. I saw Shriekback and was blown away with his mastery. Dont believe me? Check out (All) Lined Up, My Spine is The Baseline Nemesis or Working On The Ground.