Influenced by contemporary electropop and the flashy new wave scene, Sembello released his debut solo album in 1983, picking up some commercial success. The song "Maniac" was selected for inclusion in the blockbuster movie 'Flashdance'. Rumored to have been first based on a serial killer from a slasher film, it had a tense, nervy sound with a darker energy than most pop tunes. The track went on to become the third highest grossing song from a film soundtrack in history at that point. His contribution to that soundtrack was rewarded with a Grammy in 1983, when said soundtrack won for 'Best Album of Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or a Television Special'.
Sembello has done considerable soundtrack work since, including such movies as 'Cocoon', 'Gremlins', and 'Independence Day'. As well, his later career has been often focused on Eastern music and spirituality. Sembello has recorded his vocals in six languages and released several albums over his long career. His latest work is 2003's soft rock inspired 'Lost Years'.
Talk
Michael Sembello Lyrics
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Looking out at the rest of our lives
We took the road to the end of romance
to the place broken hearts go to die
So we talk and talk and talk about it
You don't ever hear me
So we talk and talk and talk about it
The fire's gone, and my heart grows heavy
No more words no more reasons for why
Not a tear is there left for crying
Let these arms hold us close one last time
So we talk and talk and talk about it
You don't ever hear me
So we talk and talk and talk about it
It never came true for me
I can feel all the desperation
As it all slips away
So far away
This is more than a separation
Is it wrong, is it right?
We've opened up the door
But I'm afraid to fly
So am I
So we talk and talk and talk about it
You don't ever hear me
So we talk and talk and talk about it
It never came true for me
Who do you blame when love has died?
So we talk and talk and talk about it
You don't ever hear me
So we talk and talk and talk about it
It never came true for me
The lyrics of Michael Sembello's "Talk" describe a couple reaching the end of their relationship. They stand at the "end of trying," looking out at the rest of their lives. They took the road to the end of romance, and are now at the place broken hearts go to die. The fire has gone out, and the singer's heart grows heavy. There are no words or reasons left to be said, no tears left to cry. They talk and talk about it, but she doesn't hear him. The relationship never came true for him. He can feel all the desperation as the relationship slips away.
The singer realizes that this is more than just a separation. They have opened the door to something more, but he is afraid to fly. The couple talks and talks, but it never comes true for the singer. He wonders who to blame when love has died.
The lyrics of "Talk" are full of desperation and sadness. The singer has reached the end of his relationship and is trying to come to terms with it. He knows that it is over, but still clings to hope that things might turn out differently. However, he recognizes that the end has come and that there is nothing left to save.
Line by Line Meaning
Here we are at the end of trying
We have reached the point where we have exhausted all our efforts.
Looking out at the rest of our lives
Thinking about what lies ahead in our future.
We took the road to the end of romance
We pursued our relationship till its end.
to the place broken hearts go to die
Our relationship has come to an end and we are heartbroken.
So we talk and talk and talk about it
We keep discussing our issues.
You don't ever hear me
You aren't really listening to me.
It never came true for me
Our relationship never lived up to what I expected.
The fire's gone, and my heart grows heavy
Our passion has fizzled out and my heart is weighed down by the reality of it.
No more words no more reasons for why
We have no more explanations for our failed relationship.
Not a tear is there left for crying
We have shed all the tears we could and now there's none left.
Let these arms hold us close one last time
Let's embrace for one last time before parting ways.
I can feel all the desperation
I strongly sense the feeling of hopelessness.
As it all slips away
As our relationship crumbles and falls apart.
This is more than a separation
Our breakup is not just a physical distance between us, but an emotional one too.
Is it wrong, is it right?
We are unsure if our decision to break up is the right one or not.
We've opened up the door
We've started talking about our issues and considering breaking up.
But I'm afraid to fly
I am scared of the unknown future without you.
So am I
I am scared too.
Who do you blame when love has died?
There's no one to blame when love fades away.
Contributed by Allison K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.