On The Turning Away
KITCHEN - Pink Floyd Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
From the pale and downtrodden
And the words they say
Which we won't understand
"Don't accept that what's happening
Is just a case of others' suffering
Or you'll find that you're joining in
It's a sin that somehow
Light is changing to shadow
And casting it's shroud
Over all we have known
Unaware how the ranks have grown
Driven on by a heart of stone
We could find that we're all alone
In the dream of the proud
On the wings of the night
As the daytime is stirring
Where the speechless unite
In a silent accord
Using words you will find are strange
Mesmerized as they light the flame
Feel the new wind of change
On the wings of the night
No more turning away
From the weak and the weary
No more turning away
From the coldness inside
Just a world that we all must share
It's not enough just to stand and stare
Is it only a dream that there'll be
No more turning away?
The lyrics to "On The Turning Away" by Pink Floyd convey a powerful message about compassion, empathy, and the need for societal change. The song begins by urging listeners to turn away from the plight of the marginalized, the downtrodden, and the unheard voices. It suggests that we often fail to understand the struggles of others or choose to ignore them entirely.
The lyrics then criticize those who see suffering as something happening to others, dissociating themselves from the pain and creating a divide between themselves and those in need. It warns that by ignoring the suffering around us, we become complicit in perpetuating it. The song argues that this indifference is a sin, as it obscures the light and casts a shadow over what we have known and cherished.
The lyrics highlight that we may be oblivious to the growing number of people who are affected by this heartlessness, driven by a heart of stone. It suggests that we risk finding ourselves isolated and alone in a dream of pride and selfishness. The song calls for unity and solidarity, represented by the metaphor of the wings of the night and the speechless uniting in a silent accord. It emphasizes that change is possible, as indicated by the new wind of change blowing and the need to no longer turn away from the weak and the weary.
Ultimately, "On The Turning Away" serves as a poignant critique of apathy and complacency. It urges listeners not to stand idly by but to actively participate in creating a more compassionate and inclusive world.
Line by Line Meaning
On the turning away
Turning away from the sufferings of the marginalized and oppressed.
From the pale and downtrodden
Disregarding the vulnerable and oppressed individuals who are marginalized.
And the words they say
Ignoring the voices and messages of the marginalized individuals.
Which we won't understand
Choosing not to empathize and comprehend their experiences.
"Don't accept that what's happening
Do not passively acknowledge and tolerate the suffering.
Is just a case of others' suffering
Believing that the suffering of others is not solely their problem.
Or you'll find that you're joining in
If not addressed, one may become complicit in perpetuating suffering.
The turning away"
The act of deliberately avoiding the problems and ignoring those in need.
It's a sin that somehow
It is morally wrong and regrettable that somehow...
Light is changing to shadow
The positivity and hope are fading, giving way to darkness and despair.
And casting its shroud
Enveloping and obscuring everything we have known.
Over all we have known
Dominating and overshadowing our familiar world.
Unaware how the ranks have grown
Unconscious of the increasing number of marginalized and oppressed individuals.
Driven on by a heart of stone
Motivated by an unfeeling and unsympathetic nature.
We could find that we're all alone
Realizing that we may end up isolated and disconnected from one another.
In the dream of the proud
Within the delusion and arrogance of the privileged.
On the wings of the night
During the mysterious and covert moments of darkness and secrecy.
As the daytime is stirring
When the world is starting to wake and become active.
Where the speechless unite
Where those who cannot express themselves vocally come together.
In a silent accord
In a mutual understanding without words or verbal agreement.
Using words you will find are strange
Communicating through unfamiliar and unconventional language.
Mesmerized as they light the flame
Being captivated and inspired by the revolutionary message they convey.
Feel the new wind of change
Sensing the radical transformation that is underway.
On the wings of the night
During the mysterious and covert moments of darkness and secrecy.
No more turning away
No longer ignoring or avoiding the suffering of others.
From the weak and the weary
Not turning away from the vulnerable and exhausted individuals.
No more turning away
Putting an end to the act of deliberately ignoring and avoiding.
From the coldness inside
Not allowing oneself to be emotionally distant and uncaring.
Just a world that we all must share
Recognizing that we all have a collective responsibility to create a just world.
It's not enough just to stand and stare
Mere observation and passivity are insufficient to bring about change.
Is it only a dream that there'll be
Is it merely an unrealized hope and aspiration that there will be...
No more turning away?
An end to the act of deliberately avoiding and ignoring the suffering of others.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Anthony Jon Moore, David Jon Gilmour
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind