Babylon
LIVING ROOM - David Gray Lyrics
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All the lights are changing green to red
Turning over TV stations
Situations running through my head
Looking back through time
You know it's clear that I've been blind, I've been a fool
To open up my heart to all that jealousy
That bitterness, that ridicule
Saturday, I'm running wild
And all the lights are changing red to green
Moving through the crowds I'm pushing
Chemicals are rushing in my bloodstream
Only wish that you were here
You know I'm seeing it so clear
I've been afraid
To show you how I really feel
Admit to some of those bad mistakes I've made
And if you want it
Come and get it
Crying out loud
The love that I was
Giving you was
Never in doubt
Let go of your heart
Let go of your head
And feel it now
Let go of your heart
Let go of your head
And feel it now
Babylon, Babylon, Babylon
Sunday, all the lights of London shining
Sky is fading red to blue
Kicking through the autumn leaves
And wondering where it is you might be going to
Turning back for home
You know I'm feeling so alone
I can't believe
Climbing on the stair
I turn around to see you smiling there
In front of me
And if you want it
Come and get it
Crying out loud
The love that I was
Giving you was
Never in doubt
Let go of your heart
Let go of your head
And feel it now
Let go of your heart
Let go of your head
And feel it now
Let go of your heart
Let go of your head
And feel it now
Let go of your heart
Let go of your head
And feel it now
Babylon, Babylon, Babylon, Babylon, Babylon
Ah
The lyrics of "Babylon" by David Gray paint a vivid picture of a person's emotional journey over the course of a weekend. The song explores themes of feeling lost, longing for someone, and ultimately finding solace and connection.
In the first paragraph, the singer describes a Friday night where they feel aimless and stuck. They observe the changing traffic lights from green to red, symbolizing a feeling of stagnation and frustration. Flipping through TV channels, their mind races with various thoughts and situations. Looking back on their past, they acknowledge their own blindness and foolishness for allowing jealousy, bitterness, and ridicule to affect their heart.
The second paragraph depicts a Saturday where the singer's energy is unleashed. The lights now change from red to green, suggesting a shift in momentum and opportunity. Pushing through crowds and feeling the rush of chemicals in their bloodstream, they express a fervent desire for someone to be present with them. They finally perceive their feelings clearly and feel afraid to show their vulnerability, admitting to the mistakes they have made in the past.
In the chorus, the singer affirms their love and asserts that it was never in doubt. They urge the person they long for to come and retrieve it. They emphasize the need to release their heart and head and truly feel everything in the present moment.
Moving to Sunday, the lyrics describe the city lights of London shining as the day transitions from red to blue, symbolizing a shift in mood. The singer kicks through autumn leaves and wonders where the person they desire might be heading. As they return home, a sense of loneliness envelops them. However, as they climb the stairs, they are pleasantly surprised to see the person they long for smiling in front of them.
In the final chorus, the singer once again encourages the person to seize the affection that is being offered. They emphasize the importance of letting go of emotional barriers and fully embracing the present moment. The repetition of "Babylon" at the end serves as a refrain, possibly alluding to a metaphorical representation of a state of chaos or confusion.
Overall, "Babylon" expresses a yearning for connection, self-reflection on past mistakes, and a desire to let go of emotional walls in order to fully experience love and meaningful relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
Friday night, I'm going nowhere
On Friday night, I find myself directionless and without purpose
All the lights are changing green to red
I notice that everything around me is in a constant state of transition and uncertainty
Turning over TV stations
I mindlessly flip through TV channels, seeking distraction from my thoughts
Situations running through my head
Various scenarios and thoughts are racing through my mind, causing me inner turmoil
Looking back through time
Reflecting on my past actions and choices
You know it's clear that I've been blind, I've been a fool
I now realize that I have been naive and foolish in my behavior
To open up my heart to all that jealousy
Regretting my decision to let jealousy consume and control me
That bitterness, that ridicule
Feeling the weight of bitterness and mockery that I allowed to affect me
Saturday, I'm running wild
On Saturday, I find myself engaging in reckless behavior
And all the lights are changing red to green
The world around me seems to be transitioning from caution to freedom
Moving through the crowds I'm pushing
Navigating through crowds with a sense of urgency and determination
Chemicals are rushing in my bloodstream
I am under the influence of substances that are affecting my state of mind
Only wish that you were here
I deeply long for your presence and companionship
You know I'm seeing it so clear
I have gained a newfound clarity and understanding
I've been afraid
I have been paralyzed by fear
To show you how I really feel
I have hesitated to express my true emotions to you
Admit to some of those bad mistakes I've made
Acknowledging and owning up to the regrettable actions I have taken
And if you want it
If you desire it
Come and get it
Take action and seize it
Crying out loud
Expressing my emotions with intensity and volume
The love that I was
The affection and passion that I had
Giving you was
Offering to you
Never in doubt
There was never any uncertainty about it
Let go of your heart
Release your emotional guard
Let go of your head
Free yourself from overthinking
And feel it now
Truly experience it in the present moment
Babylon, Babylon, Babylon
Emphasizing the chaotic and tumultuous nature of life
Sunday, all the lights of London shining
On Sunday, the vibrant lights of London illuminate the city
Sky is fading red to blue
As the day progresses, the sky transitions from red to blue
Kicking through the autumn leaves
Playfully walking through the fallen leaves of autumn
And wondering where it is you might be going to
Contemplating and speculating about your current path and destination
Turning back for home
Deciding to return to the place I consider home
You know I'm feeling so alone
Experiencing deep feelings of loneliness
I can't believe
I am unable to comprehend
Climbing on the stair
Ascending the staircase
I turn around to see you smiling there
I am pleasantly surprised to find you standing there with a smile on your face
In front of me
Directly facing me
Babylon, Babylon, Babylon, Babylon, Babylon
Reiteration of the chaotic and turbulent nature of life
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: David Gray
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@oktoberina
Yeah it came out in like 1999 or 2000.
I had a basset hound named Elvis at the time and any time this song/video would come on he would come running From wherever he was and stand in front of the TV and bark his head off until it was over.
It was hilarious. 🤣
I don’t know what it was about this song but it’s the only one he ever did that to.
So of course I think of him any time I hear this song.
But it’s a great song from a GREAT album and I highly recommend you checking out the rest of this album for sure.
It’s absolutely fantastic.
Glad you found it after looking for it for so long. I know what that’s like and it can be maddening! 😜
Seriously…check out the whole album.
You won’t be disappointed. ❤
@nishbrown
Thank you, Matt McCusker for reminding me of this gem.
@jordandunne5292
Brother, I knew the shaman wouldn't lead me here alone! God bless!
@jaydeatts
the shaman would never mislead us
@JDAWG9162
Took a David Gray deep dive when I heard Matt mention him.
My personal favorite so far is “Lead Me Upstairs.”
Shoutout to all the DAWGZ.
@arlovisuals
That"s how i got here!
@dollabill167
Haha same I couldn't remember who sung "this years love" for years till Matt brought him up 😂😂
@kennygr8ify
David Gray is ridiculously underrated!
@davida.quinnsr.8847
They play him on KOST now!
@anthonymarsden8708
100%
@johnmc3862
He’s isn’t underrated one bit!