Bombs Above
Jeff Tweedy Lyrics
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In the bombs above the ones you love
I'm taking a moment to apologize
I should have done more to stop the war
So I'm sorry
I leave behind a trail of songs
From the darkest gloom to the brightest sun
What I've been through should matter to you
A man so drunk he could hardly stand
Told me once holding my hand
Suffering is the same for everyone
He was right but I was wrong to agree
Ah, ah, ah, ah
The lyrics of Jeff Tweedy's song Bombs Above present introspective musings about war, responsibility, and the artist's role as a songwriter. The first verse expresses remorse for being complicit in the suffering caused by bombs and wars, acknowledging that in some way, the artist has played a part in the destruction and loss of life that wars bring. The second verse shifts to a more personal reflection, as the artist considers the impact of his art and the path he has taken, recognizing the beauty he has created but unsure if it matters or has any lasting value. The chorus then returns to the original theme of war and responsibility, with the repetition of "I'm sorry" indicating both a plea for forgiveness and a desire for change.
The third verse recounts a conversation with a drunken man who offers a nugget of wisdom that resonates with the artist. The lyrics suggest that while suffering is universal, the artist may have missed the point in agreeing with the man's statement. The Ah, ah, ah, ah that concludes the song implies an acceptance of the complexities and ambiguities of these themes, with no easy answers or definitive conclusions.
Line by Line Meaning
All my life I've played a part
Throughout my entire existence, I have assumed a role
In the bombs above the ones you love
My actions have indirectly caused harm to your loved ones, due to my involvement in warfare
I'm taking a moment to apologize
I am pausing to express regret for my actions
I should have done more to stop the war
I recognize that I should have made efforts to prevent the violence
So I'm sorry
Thus, I apologize
I leave behind a trail of songs
My legacy is the collection of music I have created
From the darkest gloom to the brightest sun
My songs range from the most dismal to the most hopeful themes
I've lost my way but it's hard to say
I have become misguided, but it is challenging to articulate the root cause
What I've been through should matter to you
My personal struggles, while significant to me, may not be of relevance or importance to you
A man so drunk he could hardly stand
An intoxicated individual with limited stability
Told me once holding my hand
While grasping my hand, he conveyed
Suffering is the same for everyone
Pain and distress are ubiquitous, affecting all individuals equally
He was right but I was wrong to agree
While his statement was accurate, I should not have complied with it due to the complexity of suffering
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Jeffrey Scot Tweedy
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind