parade
Magazine Lyrics


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They will show me what I want to see
We will watch without grief
We stay one step ahead of relief

You tell me we've been praying
For a bright and clever hell
I think we've been forced to our knees but I can't tell
Sometimes I forget that we're supposed to be in love
Sometimes I forget my position
Sometimes I forget that we're supposed to be in love
Sometimes I forget my position

It's so hot in here
What are they trying to hatch?
We must not be frail, we must watch

Now that I'm out of touch with anger
Now I have nothing to live up to
I don't know when to stop joking
When I stop I hope I am with you

Sometimes I forget that we're supposed to be in love
Sometimes I forget my position
Sometimes I forget that we're supposed to be in love
Sometimes I forget my position

It's so hot in here
What are they trying to hatch?
We must not be frail, we must watch

Now that I'm out of touch with anger
Now I have nothing to live up to




I don't know when to stop joking
When I stop I hope I am with you

Overall Meaning

The song "Parade" by Magazine is a commentary on the collective human experience of watching the world unfold in front of our eyes. The opening lines, "They will show me what I want to see / We will watch without grief / We stay one step ahead of relief," suggest that our tendency to watch the news and other media is driven by our desire to remain informed, entertained, and in control. The phrase "one step ahead of relief" implies that we continue to consume content even when it is unpleasant or disturbing, as we believe it is necessary to stay informed to have a sense of control over the world.


The lyrics also touch on themes of faith, oppression, and emotional distance. When the singer says "You tell me we've been praying / For a bright and clever hell / I think we've been forced to our knees but I can't tell," it is a comment on the way in which religious institutions or cultural norms may force individuals into submission. The line "Sometimes I forget that we're supposed to be in love / Sometimes I forget my position" suggests an emotional detachment from others, whether that is a romantic partner or society at large. Finally, the repeated refrain "It's so hot in here / What are they trying to hatch? / We must not be frail, we must watch" may be interpreted as a call to action against the injustices of the world.


Overall, "Parade" is a thought-provoking song that encourages listeners to reflect on their relationship with the world and the media that surrounds them.


Line by Line Meaning

They will show me what I want to see
I trust those around me to only reveal what I desire


We will watch without grief
We will be passive observers without feeling any sadness


We stay one step ahead of relief
We avoid resolving or alleviating our problems, staying in a state of constant stress


You tell me we've been praying
You suggest that we have been pleading for something


For a bright and clever hell
We have been asking for an optimistic and intelligent version of suffering


I think we've been forced to our knees but I can't tell
I suspect that we have been pushed into a vulnerable or submissive position, but I'm uncertain


Sometimes I forget that we're supposed to be in love
Occasionally, I overlook the concept of us being romantic partners


Sometimes I forget my position
At times, I am not aware of my role or status in our relationship


It's so hot in here
The temperature in this environment is uncomfortably high


What are they trying to hatch?
What are the people around us attempting to bring into existence?


We must not be frail, we must watch
We must remain strong instead of becoming weak, and stay on guard


Now that I'm out of touch with anger
Since I am no longer in contact with my rage


Now I have nothing to live up to
I don't feel any pressure or expectations placed upon me


I don't know when to stop joking
I'm uncertain when it is appropriate to stop making humorous comments


When I stop I hope I am with you
I'd like to be in your company when I am no longer making jokes




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Mute Song Limited
Written by: BARRY ADAMSON, DAVID TOMLINSON, HOWARD DEVOTO

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@robjones2408

Saw Magazine at Drury Lane in 1979. Simple Minds were the
support act.



They were note-perfect. John McGeogh was the best guitarist, few
people had heard. This is a fantastic track.


They should have been bigger and better known.



@theofanisnikos

They will show me what I want to see
We will watch without grief
We stay one step ahead of relief
You tell me we've been praying
For a bright and clever hell
I think we've been forced to our knees but I can't tell
Sometimes I forget that we're supposed to be in love
Sometimes I forget my position
Sometimes I forget that we're supposed to be in love
Sometimes I forget my position



@robertmora8241

MegmutatjĂĄk amit lĂĄtni akarok
FĂĄjdalom nĂ©lkĂŒl bĂĄmuljuk majd
Akkor is egy lĂ©pĂ©ssel a feloldozĂĄs elƑtt jĂĄrunk
Azt mondod imĂĄdkoztunk
Vilågos és okos pokolért
Azt gondolom tĂ©rdre kĂ©nyszerĂŒltĂŒnk, de meg nem mondom
NĂ©ha elfelejtem, szeretni kellene egymĂĄst
NĂ©ha elfelejtem a helyzetem
NĂ©ha elfelejtem, szeretni kellene egymĂĄst
NĂ©ha elfelejtem a helyzetem

this was in Hungarian, now in Greek:



@theofanisnikos

They will show me what I want to see
We will watch without grief
We stay one step ahead of relief

You tell me we've been praying
For a bright and clever hell
I think we've been forced to our knees but I can't tell

Sometimes I forget that we're supposed to be in love
Sometimes I forget my position
Sometimes I forget that we're supposed to be in love
Sometimes I forget my position

It's so hot in here
What are they trying to hatch?
We must not be frail, we must watch

Now that I'm out of touch with anger
Now I have nothing to live up to
I don't know when to stop joking
When I stop I hope I am with you

Sometimes I forget that we're supposed to be in love
Sometimes I forget my position
Sometimes I forget that we're supposed to be in love
Sometimes I forget my position

It's so hot in here
What are they trying to hatch?
We must not be frail, we must watch

Now that I'm out of touch with anger
Now I have nothing to live up to
I don't know when to stop joking
When I stop I hope I am with you



@primeracalledelasoledad8439

They will show me what I want to see
We will watch without grief
We stay one step ahead of relief

You tell me we've been praying
For a bright and clever hell
I think we've been forced to our knees but I can't tell

Sometimes I forget that we're supposed to be in love
Sometimes I forget my position
Sometimes I forget that we're supposed to be in love
Sometimes I forget my position

It's so hot in here
What are they trying to hatch?
We must not be frail, we must watch

Now that I'm out of touch with anger
Now I have nothing to live up to
I don't know when to stop joking
When I stop I hope I am with you

Sometimes I forget that we're supposed to be in love
Sometimes I forget my position
Sometimes I forget that we're supposed to be in love
Sometimes I forget my position

It's so hot in here
What are they trying to hatch?
We must not be frail, we must watch

Now that I'm out of touch with anger
Now I have nothing to live up to
I don't know when to stop joking



All comments from YouTube:

@doodlenoodlex

“Sometimes I forget we’re supposed to be in love” I recently heard this song and them lyrics stood out to me as I literally haven’t been in love for over a year now and it takes me back to when someone took advantage of my kindness. I literally wanna scream to this song late at night to annoy my neighbours and feel peace

@paulrimmer2853

No one could express emotional complexity like Devoto. A haunting song.

@olivierdupire6355

Such an underrated band. What a song

@RathannaJohn

an all time classic album - light years ahead of its time. the world still hasn't caught up with its genius after 30 years.

@sd60f

I sit here in 2022, 9 years after your comment, and it seems that the world STILL hasn't caught up to this album! In fact it seems like we're going backwards . . .

@robjones2408

Saw Magazine at Drury Lane in 1979. Simple Minds were the
support act.



They were note-perfect. John McGeogh was the best guitarist, few
people had heard. This is a fantastic track.


They should have been bigger and better known.

@bertieoliver9619

A beautiful band indeed xxx

@andrewjohnstone963

No they were mostly ugly but the music is still wonderful 🟧🟩đŸŸȘ◻

@yv328

one of the best post punk songs

@rogerbeattie2263

It's so hot in here, what are they trying to hatch.
One of the best ever lyrics

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