You Can't Stop The Rain
Loose Ends Lyrics


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Hall And Oates
War Babies
Can't Stop the Music
He's the star of the stage, and he screams all night
'Cause he can't get to sleep at all
And his favorite book, by the T.V. light, can't stop the matinee,
He's played it over and over
He Can't Stop The Music, or remember the ending to his song
He played it much too long
All those hard-earned words, that he's fought from his pen
Have been forgotten in some empty hall
And the wide-eyed looks, on those wiped-out faces
Make some dreams in such places over and over
He Can't Stop The Music, or remember the ending to his song
He played it much too long
Wouldn't believe your ears, if he told you what the papers use to say
But that was in his hey-day
Back in his prime he had the fans in line
You should have seen him then, now look at him
His hair is getting thin
There's one last show before the glory ends
There in the wings, waits his only friend,
The record that he prayed to over and over
He Can't Stop The Music, or remember the ending to his song
He played it much too long
Then we go like this, and we go like that (music)
Then we go like this, and we go like that,
Can't Stop The Music




Then we go like this, and we go like that (music)
Then we go like this and we go like that.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of the song “Can't Stop the Music” by Loose Ends describe the isolation and loneliness that comes with fame and the inevitable decline of an artist's career. The song is a commentary on the life of a famous musician who has had all the success he could ever dream of, but is now struggling to maintain his position in the music industry. The opening lines describe the star of the stage who is unable to get any sleep at all, and the only thing that he can find solace in is his favorite book.


The artist finds himself struggling to remember the ending to his song, which he has played too long. The lyrics suggest that the artist is experiencing a creative and emotional numbness, unable to connect with his fans or with his own creativity. This is symbolized by the wide-eyed looks on the faces of his fans, who used to look up to him with admiration but that admiration has now turned into disappointment.


The song suggests that the artist is in denial about his declining success as he reminisces about the time when he had fans in line and was at the peak of his fame. The song paints a picture of a tired and broken artist who is waiting for one last show before his career ends. In the end, the artist’s only friend is the record that he has played over and over again.


Line by Line Meaning

He's the star of the stage, and he screams all night
He is the lead performer of the show, but finds himself unable to sleep, perhaps due to the pressure of the role.


'Cause he can't get to sleep at all
His insomnia is keeping him awake and restless.


And his favorite book, by the T.V. light, can't stop the matinee,
Even reading his favorite book at night in front of the TV cannot distract him from the upcoming show.


He's played it over and over
He is rehearsing the show multiple times, trying to perfect his performance.


He Can't Stop The Music, or remember the ending to his song
He is unable to stop rehearsing and perfecting his music, and even forgets the ending of his own song due to the stress.


He played it much too long
He has been rehearsing for too long, to the point of exhaustion and forgetfulness.


All those hard-earned words, that he's fought from his pen
The lyrics he has written have been crafted through hard work and perseverance.


Have been forgotten in some empty hall
His lyrics and music are forgotten in an empty performance venue, perhaps an indication of his waning popularity.


And the wide-eyed looks, on those wiped-out faces
The expressions of exhaustion and weariness on the faces of his audience suggest that they are no longer interested in his music.


Make some dreams in such places over and over
Despite this, he still dreams of performing and making music in similar environments, despite the lack of success and recognition.


Wouldn't believe your ears, if he told you what the papers use to say
The newspapers used to praise him highly, and if he were to tell anyone this now, they wouldn't believe him given his current state.


But that was in his hey-day
His heyday, or the height of his success and fame, has long passed.


Back in his prime he had the fans in line
During his prime, he had many fans who were eager to see his performances.


You should have seen him then, now look at him
He used to be a successful and well-known performer, but now he is struggling in obscurity.


His hair is getting thin
His aging appearance is showing, as indicated by his thinning hair.


There's one last show before the glory ends
He has one final performance before his career and fame come to a close.


There in the wings, waits his only friend,
His only true companion and confidant is his music, which he relies on for support and comfort.


The record that he prayed to over and over
He turns to his own music, hoping that it will guide him through the tough times and help him find success once again.


Then we go like this, and we go like that (music)
The music takes over, and the performer loses himself in the rhythm and beat of his own creation.


Can't Stop The Music
The music is his constant companion and source of inspiration, and he cannot stop performing and creating.


Then we go like this, and we go like that (music)
The music continues to drive him forward, giving him the strength and energy to keep going despite the challenges and obstacles he faces.




Contributed by Aaron A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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