Bush began writing songs at 11. She was signed to EMI Records after Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour helped produce a demo tape. Her debut album, The Kick Inside, was released in 1978. Bush slowly gained artistic independence in album production and has produced all her studio albums since The Dreaming (1982). She took a hiatus between her seventh and eighth albums, The Red Shoes (1993) and Aerial (2005). Bush drew attention again in 2014 with her concert residency Before the Dawn, her first show since 1979's The Tour of Life.
The TV series "Stranger Things" used Bush's "Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)" in Season 4. As a result of the resurgence of interest, in 2022 the song reached #1 on the UK charts, 37 years after its initial release, and generated 100s of millions of streams.
Bush's eclectic and experimental musical style, unconventional lyrics, performances, and literary themes have influenced a diverse range of artists. She has been nominated for 13 British Phonographic Industry accolades, winning for Best British Female Artist in 1987, and has been nominated for three Grammy Awards. In 2002, Bush was recognized with an Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Music. Bush was appointed a CBE in the 2013 New Year Honours for services to music. She was nominated three times for induction in the 2018, 2021, and 2022 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Big Stripey Lie
Kate Bush Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Like a wavy line
Coming up behind
All young gentle dreams drowning
In life's grief
Can you hang onto me?
I only want to help you
I could be good for you
Your name is being called by sacred things
That are not addressed nor listened to
Sometimes they blow trumpets
Only want to help you
Never want to hurt you
I know I could be good for you
Oh my God it's a jungle in here
You've got wild animals loose in here
Want to help you
Never hurt you
Good for you
Hey all you little waves run away
Run away
Kate Bush's song "Big Stripey Lie" is a metaphorical commentary on the deceit and hypocrisy that is prevalent in society. The opening lines of the song, "Oh big stripey lie moving like a wavy line, coming up behind," serve as an indication of the impending deception that is to follow. The "big stripey lie" is a symbol for the fake promises of the world, and how they slowly creep up and take over people's lives.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the vulnerability of people's dreams, specifically the ones that are easily drowned in the harsh realities of life that bring grief. The lines, "All young gentle dreams drowning in life's grief, can you hang onto me?" represent the emotional support that one needs to overcome the obstacles that life throws in their way. Kate Bush's character in the song offers to be that support, to help others overcome their struggles and be "good for you."
The second half of the song elaborates on the hypocrisy of the world. The line "your name is being called by sacred things, that are not addressed nor listened to" highlights how people are often too consumed by their own selfishness to pay attention to the needs of others or follow the teachings of higher authorities. The song ends with the plea for people to run away from the lies and embrace the truth. Overall, "Big Stripey Lie" urges people to look past the deception that surrounds them and find the authentic good that is still present.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh big stripey lie moving
Referring to a false narrative or dishonesty that is prevalent in society
Like a wavy line
The lie is unstable and constantly changing
Coming up behind
It is slowly gaining on us, almost catching up
All young gentle dreams drowning
The lie is destroying our hopes and aspirations
In life's grief
Because it preys on our most vulnerable moments
Can you hang onto me?
Asks if we can trust the singer to help us through difficult times
Don't want to hurt you baby
The singer means well and has good intentions
I only want to help you
Clarifies that the singer's goal is to assist us through troubled times
I could be good for you
Implies that the singer has the ability to positively impact our lives
Your name is being called by sacred things
There are divine forces and influences trying to connect with us
That are not addressed nor listened to
Most people are unaware or not open to these forces
Sometimes they blow trumpets
The divine forces are often loud and impactful, but we do not always recognize them
Oh my God it's a jungle in here
Describes the chaotic and distressing situation we may find ourselves in
You've got wild animals loose in here
Metaphor for negative thoughts or emotions that can wreak havoc on our lives
Hey all you little waves run away
Encourages us to fight back against the negativity and overcome our problems
Run away
Escape the detrimental effects of the lies and negativity
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: KATE BUSH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind