The debut Massive Attack album Blue Lines was released in 1991, with the single "Unfinished Sympathy" reaching the charts and later being voted the 63rd greatest song of all time in a poll by NME. 1998's Mezzanine (containing the top 10 single "Teardrop") and 2003's 100th Window charted in the UK at number one. Both Blue Lines and Mezzanine feature in Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
The group has won numerous music awards throughout their career, including a Brit Award—winning Best British Dance Act, two MTV Europe Music Awards and two Q Awards. They have released five studio albums that have sold over 13 million copies worldwide. Throughout their history, Massive Attack have been supporters and activists for political, human rights and environmental causes.
Angel (Mixed by Mark 'Spike' Stent
Massive Attack Lyrics
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Come from way above
To bring me love (to bring me love)
Her eyes... she's on the dark side...
Neutralise... (every man inside) Every man inside...
Love you, love you, love you, love you,
Love you, love you, love you, love you...
You... are my angel
Come from way above
Love you, love you, love you, love you,
Love you, love you, love you, love you,
Love you, love you, love you, love you...
The lyrics of Massive Attack's song "Angel" talk about a person's guardian angel who has come from above to bring them love. The song has a haunting and eerie quality to it, and the repeated phrase "love you" adds to the hypnotic effect of the track. The line "she's on the dark side" has been interpreted by fans to mean that the person the singer is addressing is a bit of a troublemaker, but the following line "neutralize every man inside" suggests that the singer is willing to protect and defend this person.
The use of repetition in the song gives it a hypnotic quality, and the repeated phrase "love you" seems to be both an expression of affection and a plea for reassurance. The lyrics also suggest that the person the singer is addressing has a certain power over them, as symbolized by the line "neutralize every man inside." The use of the word "angel" also creates a sense of otherworldliness, adding to the dreamlike quality of the track.
Overall, the lyrics of "Angel" are open to interpretation, but they seem to suggest a powerful connection between two people, one that transcends the everyday world and has the potential to both elevate and destroy.
Line by Line Meaning
You... are my angel
The person being addressed is the singer's ultimate savior and source of hope.
Come from way above
The person being addressed is regarded as a divine being, something akin to a heavenly presence.
To bring me love (to bring me love)
The person being addressed possesses, embodies, and expresses a love so pure and divine that it has the power to save the singer from the darkness in their life.
Her eyes... she's on the dark side...
The woman being described appears physically and emotionally cold; she is distant and unapproachable, maybe even treacherous.
Neutralise... (every man inside) Every man inside...
She has the power to neutralize, shut down, or destroy every man who tries to get close to her and understand her true self.
Love you, love you, love you, love you,
The singer's love for the person being addressed is so intense and immense that they need to repeat it multiple times to express its magnitude.
Love you, love you, love you, love you,
The singer reiterates their boundless love for the person being addressed, emphasizing how deep and unconditional their feelings are.
Love you, love you, love you, love you...
The artist's love is seemingly infinite, impossible to fully express or quantify.
Contributed by Cooper R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.