Before Tigers
Health Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

WE CAN TALK NUMBERS
WE CAN TALK SIGNS
WE CAN TALK SYMBOLS
WE CAN TALK LINES

OUR LIES
YOUR SECRETS
OUR LIGHTS BREAK THE SKY
OUTSIDE THE BUILDINGS
WE RUN WIRE
WIRE

WHEN I FIRST RIDE THE SUNLIGHT
TO DRY YOUR DARK EYES
WHEN I FIRST RIDE THE SUNLIGHT
TO DRY YOUR DARK EYES

OUR LIES
YOUR SECRETS
OUR LIGHTS BREAK THE SKY
INSIDE THE BUILDINGS
ALL THE YOUNG RUN WIRE
WIRE

WE CAN TALK NUMBERS
WE CAN TALK SIGNS




WE CAN TALK SYMBOLS
WE CAN TALK WIRE.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Health's song "Before Tigers" showcase the power of language and communication. The opening lines suggest that there are various ways to communicate with each other to express ourselves, including numbers, signs, symbols, and lines. However, the following lines imply that there are also lies and secrets that come with expressing ourselves, perhaps revealing the darker side of communication. The repetition of "our lies, your secrets" throughout the song highlights this theme of hidden truths.


As the song progresses, the lyrics shift to paint a picture of a world where people are connected through wires, even outside of buildings. The use of "our lights break the sky" suggests a world illuminated by technology, where the night sky no longer exists as it once did. The repeated use of "wire" in the final lines of the song makes it clear that technology has become the primary form of communication, replacing more natural and personal forms of connection.


The chorus of the song, with its repetition of the phrase "when I first ride the sunlight to dry your dark eyes," suggests a desire to connect with others on a deeper level, beyond the facade of wires and symbols. The line seems to express a yearning to connect on a human level, to overcome the barriers that technology may create.


Line by Line Meaning

WE CAN TALK NUMBERS
We have the ability to communicate using numerical language.


WE CAN TALK SIGNS
We can communicate through the use of signals and gestures.


WE CAN TALK SYMBOLS
We can convey meaning through the use of symbolic language.


WE CAN TALK LINES
We have the power to communicate through language and written word.


OUR LIES
The falsehoods we tell others.


YOUR SECRETS
The undisclosed truths you keep to yourself.


OUR LIGHTS BREAK THE SKY
Our light shines bright enough to penetrate the darkness of the sky.


OUTSIDE THE BUILDINGS
Beyond society's structures and institutions.


WE RUN WIRE
We use electricity to connect and communicate.


WHEN I FIRST RIDE THE SUNLIGHT TO DRY YOUR DARK EYES
When I first use my own strength and light to help you overcome sadness or a seemingly bleak situation.


INSIDE THE BUILDINGS
Within concrete walls and man-made spaces.


ALL THE YOUNG RUN WIRE
The younger generation, raised in a world of technology, communicate and connect through digital means.


WE CAN TALK WIRE
We have the ability to communicate through technology and digital means, whether it be text or email.




Contributed by Mateo D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Warren Johnson

I love all of HEALTH's music.!

Jina Gibson

Hmm paint is nice! Great song. So many great sounds. I'm still trying to comprehend how I missed them all these years! There could be more!

IlC4RL0SIl

their experimental stuff is what makes them unique and their shit is moving and good ..Sliver swan ok but not pushing it

thebossman222

Yeah they used extracts from this song in Tears, Max Payne 3, noticed that a few mins ago because I was compelled to check out Healths discography. They have some great songs.

vodsel

The remix for this on Disco 2 really transforms the song.

Gottlieb Elend

Best, but not only one.

sketchead2

similar to animal collectives early stuff

i_like_potato

Marble Hornets...

Ricardo Tirado

Friendly Noise

Ste Men YT

Max payne 3 lost OST?

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