Revelation
Man Lyrics


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I was more than just a coward
I was handsome too
I felt nothing when your flood came down
Holding fines that made me wonder if the lights were wrong
With my hands that never touched no ground
When your talent is in numbers
Of the many times you’re gone
I could lie I don’t care about forgiving
But sometimes it’s just roses dying too young
As I’m fencing up the hours
In the fields of red
While you think I’m on a loveless straight
In the letters from the lovers in a land gone wrong
Explanations always written late
When your talent curse the framing
Of the crying you heard sung
I could lie I don’t care about what’s missing
But sometimes it’s just roses dying too young
Your train of thoughts is always passing here
With its falling paint, and its broken gears
It’s the damn revelation blues when you see the path
And you know you won’t be the last,
Oh lord…
I was more than just a terror
I was crying too
But you showed me in the gusts between
That a wind is sometimes broken and its flying path
Has no meaning nor a ghost within
When your talent is in hiding
That your feeling is always wrong




I always want to bring you something
But sometimes it’s just roses dying too young.

Overall Meaning

These lyrics delve into feelings of regret, self-awareness, and the complexities of human emotions. The singer begins by acknowledging their shortcomings and cowardice, juxtaposed with their physical attractiveness. Despite their detachment during a difficult time, there is a sense of questioning and introspection, wondering if their perception of reality is skewed. The mention of not touching the ground implies a disconnect from the physical world, possibly symbolizing emotional unavailability. The reference to "talent in numbers" and the idea of being "gone" multiple times suggests a pattern of avoidance or escapism. The refusal to care about forgiveness reveals a hardened exterior, yet there is a hint of vulnerability in the admission that sometimes beauty or potential is cut short prematurely.


The singer expresses a sense of isolation and inner turmoil, portraying an image of being fenced in by time and circumstances, surrounded by a metaphorical "field of red" which may symbolize pain or regret. Despite the assumption that they are perceived as emotionally cold, the mention of "letters from the lovers in a land gone wrong" hints at past relationships or connections tainted by misunderstanding. The lyrics convey a sense of belated communication and missed opportunities for understanding due to an inability to express vulnerability. The repetition of the theme of roses dying too young emphasizes the idea of missed potential and untimely loss.


The notion of a "train of thoughts" symbolizes a continuous stream of consciousness, possibly plagued by past mistakes or regrets. The image of a train with "falling paint" and "broken gears" suggests a sense of deterioration or decay within the singer's internal landscape. The reference to the "revelation blues" conveys a moment of epiphany or realization, acknowledging the weight of past actions and the awareness that one's path has led to a place of discomfort or sorrow. The acknowledgment that they were more than just a terror, combined with the admission of vulnerability and tears, reveals a deeper layer of complexity within the singer's character.


The closing lines convey a desire to offer something of value or significance, despite the persistent feeling that their efforts may be futile. The repeated theme of roses dying too young encapsulates the overarching sentiment of lost potential and the bittersweet nature of life's fleeting moments. The lyrics ultimately reflect a struggle with self-awareness, interpersonal connections, and the haunting realization that beauty and goodness can be easily overshadowed by the harshness of reality.


Line by Line Meaning

I was more than just a coward
I had fears and insecurities that I struggled to face


I was handsome too
Despite my shortcomings, I had qualities that were appealing


I felt nothing when your flood came down
I was numb to the emotional turmoil you experienced


Holding fines that made me wonder if the lights were wrong
Questioning whether my actions were in the right or wrong


With my hands that never touched no ground
Feeling disconnected and lost in my endeavors


When your talent is in numbers
Your strength lies in statistics and figures


Of the many times you’re gone
Reflecting on the numerous occasions you were absent


I could lie I don’t care about forgiving
I may pretend not to care about forgiveness, but deep down it matters


But sometimes it’s just roses dying too young
At times, beautiful things come to an end prematurely


As I’m fencing up the hours
Struggling to pass the time or evade confrontations


In the fields of red
Surrounded by reminders of passion and anger


While you think I’m on a loveless straight
You believe I lack compassion or emotion


In the letters from the lovers in a land gone wrong
Reading messages from those in broken relationships


Explanations always written late
Apologies or clarifications come after the damage is done


When your talent curse the framing
Your gift may unintentionally complicate situations


Of the crying you heard sung
Listening to sorrowful songs or emotional expressions


I could lie I don’t care about what’s missing
I might claim not to be affected by losses, but deep down I am


But sometimes it’s just roses dying too young
Occasionally, beautiful things come to an untimely end


Your train of thoughts is always passing here
Your stream of consciousness frequently wanders by


With its falling paint, and its broken gears
Displaying signs of wear and tear or vulnerability


It’s the damn revelation blues when you see the path
Facing the harsh reality or truth causes distress


And you know you won’t be the last
Understanding that others will face similar revelations


Oh lord…
Expressing a burden or plea for guidance


I was more than just a terror
I was not only fearful, but also caused anxiety for others


I was crying too
I experienced emotional pain and sorrow


But you showed me in the gusts between
You revealed to me during transitional moments


That a wind is sometimes broken and its flying path
Even the strongest forces can be vulnerable and directionless


Has no meaning nor a ghost within
Lacks purpose or a hidden intention


When your talent is in hiding
Your true abilities remain concealed or underestimated


That your feeling is always wrong
Believing that your emotions are constantly misguided


I always want to bring you something
I desire to offer you support or comfort


But sometimes it’s just roses dying too young
At times, even intentions to help come to an early end




Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Kristian Matsson

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

gelu batir

MAN - REVELATION -From Wikipedia -Revelation is the debut studio album by the Welsh rock band Man and was released in January 1969. It was noted for the simulated orgasm on "Erotica", which received a UK ban.

Track listing
Side one
No. Title Writer(s) Length
1. "And in the Beginning....." Roger Leonard 4:22
2. "Sudden Life" Leonard, Clive John 4:40
3. "Empty Room" John, Ray Williams 3:44
4. "Puella! Puella! (Woman! Woman!)" Mike Jones 3:34
5. "Love" Leonard 2:52
6. "Erotica" Leonard, John, Mike Jones, Jeff Jones, Williams 4:10
Side two
No. Title Writer(s) Length
1. "Blind Man" Leonard 4:17
2. "And Castles Rise in Children's Eyes" Mike Jones 3:21
3. "Don't Just Stand There (Come in Out of the Rain)" Mike Jones 4:15
4. "The Missing Pieces" Leonard, John, Martin Ace, Clive Reynolds 1:55
5. "The Future Hides Its Face" Leonard 5:30
Reissues
Revelation was remixed and re-released on CD in May 2009 (Esoteric Eclec 2127) including four bonus tracks:

"Erotica" (First Version)
"Sudden Life" (Mono Single Mix)
"Love" (Mono Single Mix)
"Erotica" (Mono Single Mix) [5]
The original album has also been re-released on two CD compilations:

The Dawn of Man (1997) Recall SMD CD 124
The Definitive Collection (1998) Castle CCSCD 832.
Both these compilations also include the follow-up album 2 Ozs of Plastic with a Hole in the Middle and bonus singles.

Personnel
Mike "Micky" Jones – lead guitar, vocals
Deke Leonard (credited as Roger Leonard)[ – guitar, harp, piano, percussion, vocals
Clive John – organ, piano, guitar, vocals
Jeff Jones – drums, percussion
Ray Williams – bass
Production
Production and supervision – John Schroeder
Engineer – Alan Florence
Sound Effects – Malcolm Eade



All comments from YouTube:

g.g. 63

First listen to this album for many years,and I still think it's amazing from start to finish,but especially like how each song increases in intensity and quality,and ends with a real masterpiece! Brilliant!

Chris Riches

This was the very first album that I actually went into a record shop to buy. One of my friends had Sudden Life on a single and I was hooked. (B side was ‘Love’ a nice little lament). I still have it, in mono on the blue Pye label.

richard finlayson

wow i love man,this is about the only studio album I havent got of theirs so its great to be able to hear it,one of the best UK psych/prog bands.......real psychedelic rock!

Purple Maniac

I agree richard !

Toon Van Den Munckhof

love it....Good music is timeless...

Purple Maniac

yes...you're right !

norbert kovács

Fantastic album! Thanks the upload!!!

indy_go_blue60

Sometime in the fall of '69 KPOI-FM Honolulu played "Puella! Puella!" and "Erotica" back to back and I was hooked. I played the album until it wore out and Revelation was on my short list of wanted CDs for 30 years until I finally stumbled onto... MAN... after looking all those years for Manpower, the original name of the group. Anyway, it's great to have this, one of my all time favorite LPs.

richard finlayson

yeah,in the US the first LP wass released under the name Manpower , aparently there was already an American "Man", IM glad they ditched that name pretty quickly

Purple Maniac

If this is one of your favorite LPs you know some about good music mate !

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