Jawbreaker
Halford Lyrics


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[Halford/Downing/Tipton]

Deadly as the viper

Peering from its coil

The poison there is coming to the boil
Ticking like a time bomb

The fuse is running short

On the verge of snapping if it's caught

And all the pressure that's been building up

For all the years it bore the load

The cracks appear, the frame starts to distort

Ready to explode

Jawbreaker

Crouching in the corner

Wound up as a spring

Piercing eyes that flash are shimmering

Muscles all contorted

Claws dug in the dirt

Every ounce of fibre on alert

And all the pressure that's been building up

For all the years it bore the load

The cracks appear, the frame starts to distort

Ready to explode





Jawbreaker

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Halford's song Jawbreaker describe a situation where someone or something is on the verge of exploding, like a time bomb with a short fuse. The first stanza paints the picture of a deadly viper, coiled and ready to strike, with its poison coming to a boil. The second stanza describes a creature - possibly the same viper - crouching in the corner, wound up like a spring, with every muscle and fiber on alert. The imagery suggests a sense of imminent danger, where the slightest provocation would trigger a catastrophic event.


Beyond the literal interpretation of the lyrics, Jawbreaker could also be seen as a metaphor for the buildup of stress, frustration or anger that can eventually reach a breaking point. The cracks in the frame that start to distort suggest that something has been under pressure for a long time, and the release of that pressure could have destructive consequences. The song's title itself, "Jawbreaker", implies something that is difficult to handle or could cause harm.


Overall, the lyrics of Jawbreaker paint a picture of tension, danger and a sense of impending doom. It's a warning that something or someone is about to snap, and the consequences could be dire.


Line by Line Meaning

Deadly as the viper
Describing the subject of the song as dangerous as a snake


Peering from its coil
The subject's menacing presence is compared to a snake emerging from its hiding place


The poison there is coming to the boil
The danger posed by the subject is reaching a critical point


Ticking like a time bomb
Illustrating how the subject's danger is constantly increasing


The fuse is running short
The subject's limit is rapidly approaching


On the verge of snapping if it's caught
The subject is close to breaking point


And all the pressure that's been building up
Referring to the tension that's been accumulating over time


For all the years it bore the load
The pressure has been there for a long time


The cracks appear, the frame starts to distort
The subject is showing signs of strain and is about to crack


Ready to explode
The danger posed by the subject is about to reach a climax


Jawbreaker
The subject is like a trap waiting to snap shut


Crouching in the corner
The subject is preparing to strike


Wound up as a spring
The subject is coiled and ready to pounce


Piercing eyes that flash are shimmering
Intimidating eyes that glimmer with danger


Muscles all contorted
The subject is tense and ready to attack


Claws dug in the dirt
The subject is physically preparing itself to launch into action


Every ounce of fibre on alert
The subject is on high alert and ready to attack with full force




Lyrics © REACH MUSIC PUBLISHING

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Comments from YouTube:

rock dog

Best singer that ever lived and ever will live,

Spaniard Martinez

@rock dog,Yup,no other singer comes close to halford. It’s not even a matter of opinion,it’s a simple fact!

Wyatt Ownby

@Pedro Xavier Bruce Springsteen hell yeah brother

rock dog

@Pedro Xavier Oh hell no! They are awesome as well. I just believe Halford is the best "metal" singer of all time in my opinion. They dont call him the Metal God for no reason. Millions will agree with me im sure. Music greatness is in the ear of the beholder. Whoever u think is the best is just an opinion. Halford is the best ever is my opinion. Everyone has a right to their opinion. Even Justin Beiber fans.

7 More Replies...

Javier Colunge

One of Priest's most explosive songs! Rob does a great job in Priest and his own band. From Defenders Of The Faith IMO the most metallic sounding album ever.

Lakota1067

Halford looks happier and more comfortable in his band than he does in JP these days. Great version.

Sotiris Kordas

Maybe because he is now over 70 years old? :P

Stelios Emmanouilidis

Because the audience is better

Олег Соколов

Ахриненно! Молодцы! Песне уже 40 лет! Силища!!!

JLB Matekoni

I somehow love the Japanese fans! They know how to respect the concerts! Hardly any smartphones being flashed around!

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