Fault Line
Jeff Lynne's ELO Lyrics
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Sends a shiver down your spine, livin' on the fault line
Waiting in the sun, with the big meter on
But it comes without a sign, livin' on the fault line
As the time rolls along, you know it's coming on
Playing in the sunshine, livin' on the fault line
Well the skies are blue, and the ocean too
When the fault line breaks, you know for all I say
There's no use in crying, livin' on the fault line
Livin' on the fault line, waiting for the big time
Sends a shiver down your spine, livin' on the fault line
Waiting in the sun, with the big meter on
But it comes without a sign, livin' on the fault line
In Jeff Lynne's ELO's song Fault Line, the lyrics explore the theme of living on the edge and the anticipation of impending disaster. The "fault line" refers to a geological fault on the Earth's crust, which can cause earthquakes, and is used as a metaphor for the unpredictability of life. The song suggests that everyone is living on a fault line in some way, waiting for their own "big time" or moment of reckoning, which can arrive without warning.
The first two lines of the chorus, "Livin' on the fault line, waiting for the big time, sends a shiver down your spine, livin' on the fault line" emphasizes the nervousness and unease that comes with living in a constant state of uncertainty. The use of "big meter" in the second verse seems to refer to the metaphor of the song, playing on the idea that everyone is constantly waiting for something to happen, but not knowing when it will arrive.
The final two lines of the chorus, "When the fault line breaks, you know for all I say, there's no use in crying, livin' on the fault line" suggests that we should accept the fragility of life and the inevitability of disaster. The repetition of "livin' on the fault line" throughout the song reinforces the idea that we are all living on the edge, but what separates us is how we react when the moment of crisis arrives.
Line by Line Meaning
Livin' on the fault line, waiting for the big time
Living in a dangerous situation and hoping for success.
Sends a shiver down your spine, livin' on the fault line
A feeling of fear or uneasiness that comes from living in a place where danger is always present.
Waiting in the sun, with the big meter on
Hoping for success and watching carefully for any sign of it.
But it comes without a sign, livin' on the fault line
Success may come unexpectedly, even when you're always watching for it.
As the time rolls along, you know it's coming on
Over time, success may become more likely, and you can sense it.
Playing in the sunshine, livin' on the fault line
Despite the danger, life can be enjoyable and fun.
Well the skies are blue, and the ocean too
The environment may seem pleasant, but danger is still present.
Having such a good time, livin' on the fault line
Enjoying life despite the risk of danger.
When the fault line breaks, you know for all I say
When disaster strikes, despite any warnings, it's too late to prevent it.
There's no use in crying, livin' on the fault line
Even if disaster strikes, there's no point in regretting or complaining about living in a dangerous place.
Contributed by Cole E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.