Slave
Geoff Tate & Queensryche Lyrics
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I'm surprised
Decisions made for everyone
And the beat to last
The bottom that you missed
Everything you want
And you can't live either way
You can't remember the tears
You're a slave to the light
Yea you're a slave to the light
It doesn't matter what you say
Imagine what they'd do
Turn your back, they're coming for you
[Chorus]
You're a slave dragging your chain
Slave, look out for you'll fall
Slave, you thought you were a superstar
But you're just a slave
They own you
Thought you'll happen in here
In the palm of your hand
Even though you've become master
What your masters plan
They got you tied up
Yea, they got you bound up
You're left for dead
Nothing like a chip for the bushman
Looks like you're out of luck
Slave to the light
Slave to the light
Then I saw everything
Give it all away
I'd rather live with nothing than be a , be a...
[Chorus]
Slave, dragging your chain
Slave, look out for you'll fall
Slave, you thought you were a superstar
But you're just a slave
You're a slave
Nothing but a slave
You're a slave
Nothing but a slave
you thought you were a superstar
Slave, dragging your chain
Slave, look out for you'll fall
Slave, you thought you were a superstar
But you're just... you're just
A slave, dragging your chain
Slave, look out for you'll fall
Slave, you thought you were a superstar
But you're just a slave
The lyrics to "Slave" by Geoff Tate & Queensryche speak to the idea of being controlled, manipulated, and trapped by external forces. The song starts with the singer feeling surprised at the decisions that are made for everyone, suggesting a lack of agency and autonomy. The line "The bottom that you missed, everything you want" implies that there are missed opportunities and desires that remain unfulfilled. The repeated line "You're a slave to the light" symbolizes being bound and controlled by societal expectations or external influences.
The lyrics also touch upon the idea of being deceived and betrayed by those who claim to have power or authority over the singer. They warn of the consequences of turning one's back on these manipulators, as they will come after you. The chorus emphasizes the feeling of being chained, with the singer being referred to as a slave who is owned by others. They thought they were a superstar, but instead, they are just a slave.
The second verse reinforces the idea of being tied up and bound, with the singer left for dead. The line "Nothing like a chip for the bushman, looks like you're out of luck" suggests that the singer has become expendable and discarded by those in power. They realize that they would rather live with nothing than be controlled and manipulated as a slave.
Overall, "Slave" speaks to the feeling of being trapped and manipulated by external forces, whether they be societal expectations, authority figures, or personal demons. It highlights the desire to break free from these chains and regain control over one's own life.
Line by Line Meaning
At the top of the world
Feeling a sense of superiority or power
I'm surprised
Unexpectedly realizing the truth
Decisions made for everyone
Lack of control over one's own life
And the beat to last
Being trapped in a never-ending cycle
The bottom that you missed
Failing to recognize the consequences of one's actions
Everything you want
Desire for material possessions or success
And you can't live either way
Feeling trapped and unable to find fulfillment
You can't remember the tears
Forgetting the pain and suffering caused by one's circumstances
You're a slave to the light
Being controlled or manipulated by external forces
Yea you're a slave to the light
Emphasizing the state of being enslaved
It doesn't matter what you say
Lack of influence or agency in decision-making
Imagine what they'd do
Considering the actions of those in power
Turn your back, they're coming for you
The consequences of defying or opposing those in control
You're a slave dragging your chain
Symbolic representation of being burdened and controlled
Slave, look out for you'll fall
Being susceptible to failure or downfall
Slave, you thought you were a superstar
False belief in one's own greatness or significance
But you're just a slave
Realization of being trapped and powerless
They own you
Being completely controlled or owned by others
Thought you'll happen in here
Expecting something different or better
In the palm of your hand
Believing to have control or influence
Even though you've become master
Becoming successful or in a position of power
What your masters plan
Being manipulated or deceived by those in control
They got you tied up
Being restrained or constrained
Yea, they got you bound up
Being trapped and unable to escape
You're left for dead
Feeling abandoned or without hope
Nothing like a chip for the bushman
Referencing a futile or insignificant solution
Looks like you're out of luck
Having no favorable or fortunate circumstances
Then I saw everything
Gaining a new perspective or awareness
Give it all away
Letting go of possessions or attachments
I'd rather live with nothing than be a , be a...
Preferring freedom and independence over being controlled
You're a slave
Emphasizing the state of being enslaved
Nothing but a slave
Highlighting the lack of autonomy or freedom
you thought you were a superstar
Illusion of importance or greatness
But you're just... you're just
Realizing the true state of being powerless
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GEOFF TATE, JASON C. SLATER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind