In late 1997 she created a band with the remaining members of Buckley's band called Black Beetle and finished an eponymous album which was never released. This was the first project where she was writing as well as fronting a band. Jeff buckley was her boyfriend at the time he drowned in '97.
According to Songfacts, Wasser took her curious stage name from the fact that she once attended a fancy dress party as an officer of the NYPD.
Human Condition
Joan as Police Woman Lyrics
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Human, human, human condition
Human, human, human condition
Human, human, human condition
Human, human, human condition
The human condition makes me melt inside
So much hope in people's eyes
It's real that hope
It's true that love
My body is waiting at all times to be thrilled
Someone human starts to sing
I rise up to meet
The sound that reaches
Out for joy
Being a human being
It makes me cry
Oh why
'Cause I feel the bliss
And I won't resist it anymore
Not anymore
This is the only way I know
What would you say to that
That you're sorry
Or that you know the feelings I describe
They've been with you all your life
I smile at strangers knowing it's all alright
When they smile right back at me
I know we agree
That good living requires
Smiling at strangers
Being a human being
It makes me cry
Oh why
'Cause I feel the bliss
And I won't resist it anymore
Not anymore
Being a human being
Makes me smile all right
'Cause I feel the bliss
And I won't resist it anymore
Not anymore
In Joan as Police Woman's song Human Condition, the lyrics express a deep appreciation for the human experience - the emotions, the connections, the beauty and the pain. The repetition of "human condition" throughout the song highlights the universal nature of this experience, as all people share in the joys and struggles that come with being human. The first verse speaks of the hope and love that can be found in people's eyes and hands, and the power that those feelings hold. The second verse delves into the physical reaction that the singer has to the power of music and human connection, and how it can bring about feelings of joy.
The chorus repeats the phrase "Being a human being makes me cry", but it becomes clear that these tears are not tears of sadness, but rather tears of appreciation and awe for the beauty of life. The singer acknowledges that the human experience can be overwhelming at times, but she is no longer resistant to it - she has surrendered to the bliss that can be found in simply existing and connecting with others. The final verse speaks of smiling at strangers as a way of acknowledging the shared goodness of life, and the importance of connecting with others on a basic human level.
Overall, the song celebrates the human experience in all its complexity and beauty, encouraging listeners to embrace the joy that can be found in simply being alive and connected with others.
Line by Line Meaning
Human, human, human condition
The song's title and chorus, repeating the phrase 'human condition'
The human condition makes me melt inside
The overwhelming experience of being human can be emotional and awe-inspiring
So much hope in people's eyes
Observing the hope that people have for themselves and the world around them
So much loving in their hands
Recognizing the kindness and love that people are capable of showing
It's real that hope
The hope that people have is genuine and authentic
It's true that love
The love that people show is honest and earnest
My body is waiting at all times to be thrilled
The human body is capable of experiencing intense pleasure and excitement
Someone human starts to sing
Listening to other people sing or express themselves can be exhilarating and thrilling
I rise up to meet
Feeling inspired and motivated by the music or expression of others
The sound that reaches
The sensory experience of hearing and feeling music
Out for joy
Music and expression can bring joy and happiness to people
Being a human being
Reflecting on the nature of human existence
It makes me cry
Feeling emotional or overwhelmed by the power of being human
Oh why
Questioning the reasons behind the strong emotions felt
'Cause I feel the bliss
Acknowledging that the overwhelming emotions felt are due to the experience of immense joy and happiness
And I won't resist it anymore
Choosing to embrace and accept the emotions felt, rather than fighting or denying them
Not anymore
Reaffirming the decision to accept and embrace the emotions felt
This is the only way I know
Recognizing that being human and experiencing emotions is the only way of existence known
What would you say to that
Asking if others agree or have a different perspective on the nature of human existence
That you're sorry
Suggesting that apologizing for the experience of emotions is unnecessary
Or that you know the feelings I describe
Proposing that others may have had similar experiences and emotions
They've been with you all your life
Speculating that emotions and the human experience have been a constant presence throughout one's life
I smile at strangers knowing it's all alright
Feeling comforted and reassured by the presence of others, even strangers
When they smile right back at me
Recognizing the power of kindness and positivity in human interactions
I know we agree
Feeling connected and united with others in the shared experience of being human
That good living requires
Suggesting that to live well and happily, positive social interactions are necessary
Smiling at strangers
Offering a specific example of a positive social interaction that can lead to good living
Makes me smile all right
Reflecting on the joy that can come from positive social interactions
Contributed by Bailey H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.