High Wire
Men at Work Lyrics
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Haven't really got much to say
Blood on the pillow of my bed
Explains the pain that's in my head
Sometimes I don't know which way to go
Sometimes I can't tell, but it's just as well
High wire
Oh won't someone let me in
I'm stinking and I'm full of gin
No need to close the door so fast
I'm very fragile not built to last
Sometimes I don't know which way to go
Sometimes I can't tell
But it's just as well
'cause I'm walking on a high wire
Diving through the ring of fire
High wire
Have to pull it together
We're in for some stormy weather
Have to pull it together
We're in for some nasty weather
High wire, high wire
It really isn't too much fun
Sitting round waiting for the night to come
It's almost time to put on my suit of cool
I may be an idiot but indeed I am no fool
Sometimes I don't know which way to go
Someties I can't tell but it's just as well
'Cause I'm walking on a high wire
The Men at Work's song, High Wire, is a lament about feeling adrift and struggling with knowing one's direction. The opening lines express a sense of exhaustion, feeling "washed up" and lacking in conversation. The following lines take a darker turn, as the singer reveals "Blood on the pillow of my bed" which "Explains the pain that's in my head." From this, we understand the singer is suffering from a physical ailment, and the emotional struggle tied to it. Despite this, they continue walking "on a high wire" - a metaphor for being in a state of perilous uncertainty or danger, with any misstep potentially causing serious harm. This reflects the singer's inner turmoil about not knowing which way to turn, but being forced to continue to move forward regardless.
The next verse adds more context to the singer's state, as they describe a feeling of being shut out: "Oh won't someone let me in/ I'm stinking and I'm full of gin/ No need to close the door so fast/ I'm very fragile not built to last." It seems they are turning to substances to cope with their pain, and their desperation for human connection is evident in the plea to not be shut out. The chorus repeats the metaphor of the high wire, emphasizing the singer's uncertainty and lack of clarity. The final lines add a twist, as they acknowledge that it's almost time to "put on my suit of cool," implying that the singer has to maintain a certain public image despite their inner struggles.
Line by Line Meaning
Feel so washed up today
I am feeling very drained and unproductive today
Haven't really got much to say
I don't have much to speak about
Blood on the pillow of my bed
I have been experiencing physical pain and might have hurt my head leading to blood on the pillow
Explains the pain that's in my head
That physical pain in my head is leading to me feel mentally distressed
Sometimes I don't know which way to go
I am confused about what path to take sometimes
Sometimes I can't tell, but it's just as well
Even if I am confused, it's not important because usually it won't matter anyway
'cause I'm walking on a high wire
My life feels like it is balanced precariously and there is potential for me to fall apart at any moment
Oh won't someone let me in
I am feeling excluded and wish for someone to show me kindness
I'm stinking and I'm full of gin
I am intoxicated and smelling bad
No need to close the door so fast
Please don't push me away or exclude me
I'm very fragile not built to last
I am feeling delicate and incapable of enduring much more stress
Diving through the ring of fire
I am taking risks and making daring choices despite potential danger
Have to pull it together
I need to gather myself and become more organized or resolute in my behavior
We're in for some stormy weather
Things are going to become rough in the near future
We're in for some nasty weather
Things will get unpleasant in the near future
It really isn't too much fun
I am not enjoying this experience very much
Sitting round waiting for the night to come
I am casually awaiting for time to pass in a somewhat monotonous manner
It's almost time to put on my suit of cool
I am about to put on a confident facade to hide my true feelings
I may be an idiot but indeed I am no fool
I might make silly choices but I am still wise enough to know what I am doing
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: COLIN JAMES HAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Noel Perez
I think they should be in the Rock n Roll hall of fame
Meanwhile, back at the ranch…
@imnotcreative 22 that was my reaction. It’s shocking that they aren’t
Dean Samchester
True and also... One day I was driving home. All the sudden the presence of the Lord came to me so strong and I felt so comfortable with him. I knew if I asked him to play any song on the radio he would, so I said "ok Lord play "Come as you are by nirvana".
I turned on my radio, turned up the volume, and the song started playing right there on the spot. So perfectly. I started getting flooded with Holy Spirit like a waterfall of chills and there was no denying it. He stayed with me the whole ride home, til I got outta the car. He is the very source of love, life, peace, rightness, truth, innocence, and so much more. So please guys, get right with Jesus before it's too late. You might not get another chance.
Andrew Young
Oh hell YES
The Aestheticman
@Jacob Falgout I love their work. Amazing prog-pop at its finest.
Jacob Falgout
@The Aestheticman supertramp for life my guy!!!
DionysusAlS
This must have been such a blast for the band to film. These guys have become one of my absolute favorite bands over the years. It's too bad they couldn't last, but they should be proud of their relatively brief legacy. Their music is the epitome of fun.
Ben Umbdenstock
Dang, what happened to them? Did they break up,
DionysusAlS
@Wyatt K, it must be my many organic robotoid clones.
Wyatt K
Bro, I see your comments everywhere lol