Protection
Massive Attack & Tracey Thorn Lyrics


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This girl I know needs some shelter
She don't believe anyone can help her
She's doing so much harm, doing so much damage
But you don't want to get involved
You tell her she can manage
And you can't change the way she feels
But you could put your arms around her
I know you want to live yourself
But could you forgive yourself
If you left her just the way
You found her

I stand in front of you
I'll take the force of the blow
Protection

I stand in front of you
I'll take the force of the blow
Protection

You're a boy and I'm a girl
But you know you can lean on me
And I don't have no fear
I'll take on any man here
Who says that's not the way it should be

I stand in front of you
I'll take the force of the blow
Protection

I stand in front of you
I'll take the force of the blow
Protection

She's a girl and you're a boy
Sometimes you look so small, look so small
You've got a baby of your own
When your baby's grown, she'll be the one
To catch you when you fall

I stand in front of you
I'll take the force of the blow
Protection

I stand in front of you
I'll take the force of the blow
Protection

You're a girl and I'm a boy
You're a girl and I'm a boy, yeah
You're a girl and I'm a boy
You're a girl and I'm a boy

Sometimes you look so small, need some shelter
Just runnin' round and round, Helter Skelter
And I've leaned on you for years
Now you can lean on me
And that's more than love, that's the way
It should be
Now I can't change the way you think
But I could put my arms around you
That's just part of the deal
That's the way I feel
I put my arms around you

I stand in front of you
I'll take the force of the blow
Protection

I stand in front of you
I'll take the force of the blow
Protection

You're a boy and I'm a girl
You're a boy and I'm a girl, hey




You're a boy and I'm a girl
You're a boy and I'm a girl, yeah

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Massive Attack's "Protection" tell the story of two friends, one of whom is struggling and in need of comfort and protection, while the other takes on the role of protector. The first verse describes the girl in question, who is doing harm and damage to herself, but doesn't believe anyone can help her. In the chorus, the protector stands in front of his friend and promises to take the force of any blows that come her way. The second verse speaks directly to the protector, asking him whether he could forgive himself if he abandoned his friend when she needed him most. The bridge explains that the two friends come from different backgrounds, but the protector is willing to stand up for his friend and take on anyone who tells him that he shouldn't.


The final verse turns the tables, revealing that the protector also has vulnerabilities and needs protection at times. However, the friend he protected when she was in need is now grown up, and she will be the one to catch him when he falls. The song ends on a note of mutual support and love, with the two friends promising to be there for each other through thick and thin.


Overall, "Protection" is a poignant and powerful tribute to the importance of friendship, love, and support in difficult times. The lyrics are beautifully written and convey a sense of intimacy and vulnerability that will resonate with many listeners.


Line by Line Meaning

This girl I know needs some shelter
A certain girl is in dire need of protection.


She don't believe anyone can help her
She feels hopeless and thinks no one can aid her.


She's doing so much harm, doing so much damage
Her actions are causing harm and destruction.


But you don't want to get involved
You are hesitant to involve yourself in her affairs.


You tell her she can manage
You try convincing her that she is capable of dealing with it.


And you can't change the way she feels
You understand that her emotions are beyond your control.


But you could put your arms around her
You can offer comfort and support by embracing her.


I know you want to live yourself
You have your own life to live and issues to deal with.


But could you forgive yourself
Would you be able to forgive yourself?


If you left her just the way You found her
If you abandon her in the same situation you found her in.


I stand in front of you, I'll take the force of the blow
I will shield you from harm.


You're a boy and I'm a girl, But you know you can lean on me
Despite our gender differences, you can rely on me.


And I don't have no fear, I'll take on any man here
I am unafraid and willing to face any challenge.


Who says that's not the way it should be
Those who criticize our unconventional relationship.


She's a girl and you're a boy, Sometimes you look so small, look so small
At times, you both seem vulnerable and in need of protection.


You've got a baby of your own, When your baby's grown, she'll be the one To catch you when you fall
You have your child but eventually, your child will become your support.


Sometimes you look so small, need some shelter, Just runnin' round and round, Helter Skelter
At times, you appear lost and desperately in need of safety.


And I've leaned on you for years, Now you can lean on me
You have provided support in the past, and it's now my turn.


And that's more than love, that's the way It should be
Our relationship transcends mere love and represents how we should treat each other.


Now I can't change the way you think, But I could put my arms around you
I cannot alter your thoughts, but I can offer you comfort.


That's just part of the deal, That's the way I feel, I put my arms around you
Providing care and support is simply what we have agreed upon, and it's how I genuinely feel.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Tracey Thorn, Robert Del Naja, Grant Lee Marshall, Andrew Vowles, Alex Santos

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

@kw271

I once met an old buddhist monk that was giving a buddhist talk on arresting the 5 poisons ( AKA 5 destructive emotions) in us as we go through life to created good karma and cessation of negative karma.

He instructed the attendees on reciting some buddhist MANTRA, which is a phrase, rhythmic or musical, again and again, until the negative feeling ceases.

I'd like to think that this song is your beautiful mantra for patience and compassion and care for your patients as you help them.

The monk also said that one day when we all leave this realm and we reach rhe afterlife, no matter where our negative karmas might impede us, mantras recited with sincerity and positivity would transport us to a place or state of being that is reflective of the mantra's purpose and purity.

When i read what you wrote, i'd like to imagine sometime in the future when you move beyond this world, it is this, your beautiful mantra that will bring you a place of protection too.



All comments from YouTube:

@pici5533

I remember tripping acid in NYC one night, walking the tracks. Passing by apartments and buildings, peering inside every lit window from a far. Seeing everyone's personal little world. A little piece of everyone's life as I pass by. This video brings me back to those moments. Wishing and hoping everyone is doing alright.

@Braxas666

Thanks internet friend

@iwantt40z9

I love this

@jazzyshizzyyea6843

Playmobile world. Everything so small trully.

@noandnotopman3747

I used to do the same thing in the uk miss them fun days😅

@padwak82able

Golden

60 More Replies...

@filmstaratease

CLASSIC

Tracey Thorn, one of the greatest female voices in pop music ever!

@thomasford5813

Sublime voice and presence

@nodyourhead

The girl had everything

@subarubrat

Absolutely! Totally and criminally underrated!

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