Splinter
Gary Numan Lyrics


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I believe in the cruelty of man
I believe in all of the hopeless and lost
I see you
I believe in the shamed, the faithless like me
I believe everything falls through the greed of man

I see you
I see you

Do you believe in the beauty of love?
Or that heaven is vengeance disguised?
He sees you
Do you believe we will pay for our sins?
I believe everything's learned from the scars of man

I see you
I see you

Life isn't everything
Life isn't everything
Life isn't everything
Life isn't everything

I don't believe in the calling of God
I don't believe a word of The Word is true
I see you
I don't believe in the goodness of people like me
I believe everything bleeds from the fear of man





I see you
I see you

Overall Meaning

Gary Numan's song 'Splinter' is a powerful composition that touches upon many poignant themes. The lyrics revolve around themes of faith, humanity's inherent cruelty and callousness, the corrupting influence of power and greed, and ultimately the beauty and worthiness of love. The opening lyrics, "I believe in the cruelty of man, I believe in all of the hopeless and lost," highlight the songwriter's cynicism towards humanity and the darker aspects of our collective nature.


However, as the song progresses, Numan's lyrics begin to spiral towards hope as he contemplates the possibility of redemption and the beauty of love. The lines "Do you believe in the beauty of love? Or that heaven is vengeance disguised?" reveal a tenderness and vulnerability in the songwriter, an openness to the possibility of hope and redemption despite the bleakness of the world. The refrain, "Life isn't everything," drives home the idea that there is always the possibility of something more, something greater, beyond our current pain and difficulties.


Overall, 'Splinter' is a powerful and introspective song that asks important questions about the nature of humanity and our ability to transcend the cruelty and pain of the world around us.


Line by Line Meaning

I believe in the cruelty of man
I have faith that humans can be harsh and unkind towards each other.


I believe in all of the hopeless and lost
I trust that those who feel without hope or direction exist and are numerous.


I see you
I acknowledge your presence and existence.


I believe in the shamed, the faithless like me
I have faith in those who experience feelings of disgrace or disconnection from faith, as I do.


I believe everything falls through the greed of man
I trust that human greed is responsible for all failures and difficulties.


Do you believe in the beauty of love?
Do you have faith in the aesthetic value of love?


Or that heaven is vengeance disguised?
Or that the concept of heaven is actually a manifestation of divine retribution?


He sees you
He acknowledges your presence and existence.


Do you believe we will pay for our sins?
Do you have faith that we will experience consequences for our wrongdoings?


I believe everything's learned from the scars of man
I have faith that we learn from the wounds and trauma we inflict on ourselves and each other.


Life isn't everything
Existence is not the sole definition or purpose of being.


I don't believe in the calling of God
I do not have faith in the notion that God has specific duties or expectations for individuals.


I don't believe a word of The Word is true
I do not have faith in the accuracy or validity of religious texts or doctrines.


I don't believe in the goodness of people like me
I lack faith in the inherent benevolence of individuals with similar experiences or backgrounds to mine.


I believe everything bleeds from the fear of man
I trust that all negative actions or emotions are ultimately tied to human apprehension and anxiety.


I see you
I acknowledge your presence and existence.




Contributed by Alice V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Dean’s Wolf

I believe in the cruelty of man
I believe in all of the hopeless and lost (I see you)
I believe in the shamed, the faithless like me
I believe everything falls through the greed of man. (I see you)

Do you believe in the beauty of love?
Or that heaven is vengeance disguised? (He sees you)
Do you believe we will pay for our sins?
I believe everything's learned from the scars of man. (I see you)

(I see you)

Life isn't everything
Life isn't everything

Life isn't everything
Life isn't everything

I don't believe in 'The Calling' of God
I don't believe a word of 'The Word' is true (I see you)
I don't believe in the goodness of people like me
I believe everything bleeds from the fear of man. (I see you)

(I see you)



All comments from YouTube:

diego sanchez

Gary nos entrega exelente musica , el album completo es bueno

Tee ja

Amazing track takes me back I absolutely love it

Stacey Fletcher

This album is addicting.

J J

Masterpiece. Enough said

P8290970

In my opinion the best track on this fantastic album.....love it !!!

Ralph Reinhardt

Real wild stuff !! 😎👍

Dean’s Wolf

I believe in the cruelty of man
I believe in all of the hopeless and lost (I see you)
I believe in the shamed, the faithless like me
I believe everything falls through the greed of man. (I see you)

Do you believe in the beauty of love?
Or that heaven is vengeance disguised? (He sees you)
Do you believe we will pay for our sins?
I believe everything's learned from the scars of man. (I see you)

(I see you)

Life isn't everything
Life isn't everything

Life isn't everything
Life isn't everything

I don't believe in 'The Calling' of God
I don't believe a word of 'The Word' is true (I see you)
I don't believe in the goodness of people like me
I believe everything bleeds from the fear of man. (I see you)

(I see you)

J J

While I'm here. If you hear Gary then you will feel him. Enjoy and let it go with him. Your very very safe x

2ndsight #US_antiwar_allproxyidiodacy

Do ya get the feeing that Gary finds the "Bridge" parts-Haunting voice comfy and then writes the song around that. superb*

andy docherty

excellent.

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