Mike & The Mechanics debuted with their stellar eponymous album in 1985 which highlighted Rutherford's innovative guitar work and the vocal talents of the two Pauls, amongst other guest vocalists. Initially, the group's albums were released between Genesis albums, all three Genesis members having solo projects of their own, most notable in the huge chart success of singer/drummer Phil Collins. This ended with the disbanding of Genesis in 1998.
The classic song "The Living Years" from the album of the same name was to be the height of their critical success to date; the #1 single was written by and about the dissension between singer BA Robertson and his father, a situation that was never rectified prior to his father's death, sung with great passion by Carrack. The album also featured the song "Nobody's Perfect" which received considerable airtime as the music to a successful television advertising campaign for Tennants bitter. Their third album "Word of Mouth" followed in 1991 with less commercial and critical success although the lead single, with vocals by Paul Young, reached the Top 20. The fourth album "Beggar On a Beach of Gold" was a high watermark in the quality of their material, with both the album and first single "Over My Shoulder" charting well with many considering the album the band's best work.
After a hiatus following Young's death from a heart attack on July 17, 2000, the band reformed in 2004 as Mike & the Mechanics featuring Paul Carrack releasing the album "Rewired".
A new Mike & the Mechanics album (titled "The Road") was released in the spring of 2011, supported by a 22-date UK tour. Replacing Carrack and Young as vocalists for the group are Andrew Roachford and Canadian actor/singer Tim Hower.
Silent Running
Mike & The Mechanics Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And hide out in the cellar
By now the fighting will be close at hand
Don't believe the church and state
And everything they tell you
Believe in me, I'm with the high command
Can you hear me, can you hear me running?
Can you hear me, can you hear me running?
Can you hear me running, can you hear me calling you?
There's a gun and ammunition
Just inside the doorway
Use it only in emergency
Better you should pray to God
The Father and the Spirit
Will guide you and protect from up here
Can you hear me, can you hear me running?
Can you hear me running, can you hear me calling you?
Can you hear me, can you hear me running?
Can you hear me running, can you hear me calling you?
Swear allegiance to the flag
Whatever flag they offer
Never hint at what you really feel
Teach the children quietly
For some day sons and daughters
Will rise up and fight while we stand still
Can you hear me, can you hear me running?
Can you hear me running, can you hear me calling you?
Can you hear me, can you hear me running?
Can you hear me running, can you hear me calling you?
Can you hear me, can you hear me running (can you hear me calling you?)
Can you hear me hear running, can you hear me calling you?
(Can you hear me running) Can hear me running (can you hear me calling you)?
Can you hear me
Hear me calling you
(Can you hear me running) hear me running, babe
Can you hear me running (hear me running)
Calling you
The lyrics of Mike & The Mechanics's song "Silent Running" tell a cautionary tale about war and the importance of independent thinking, challenging authority, and retaining hope in the face of despair. The singer, likely a resistance fighter or rebel leader, urges listeners to take their children and hide in the cellar, as fighting will soon encroach on their location, warning them not to trust the church or state. Instead, the singer urges listeners to believe in them, as they represent a higher command than those in charge. The repeated refrain of "Can you hear me running? Can you hear me calling you?" emphasizes the urgency and desperation of the situation and the need for those listening to act quickly.
The song's description of hiding in a cellar and using a gun only in emergencies suggests an underground resistance fighting against an oppressive regime. The mention of the Father, Spirit, and flag suggest a mix of religious and nationalistic themes, with the singer arguing that true loyalty lies in fighting for a cause rather than blindly following authority figures. The final lines about teaching the children quietly and hoping for a future where they will rise up and fight while the previous generation stands still hints at a bleak present and a longing for a better future. Overall, the lyrics of "Silent Running" encourage resistance, individuality, and a refusal to accept the status quo.
Line by Line Meaning
Take the children and yourself
Leave your home with your loved ones to seek shelter.
And hide out in the cellar
Go to the underground storage space of your house or building.
By now the fighting will be close at hand
There is an ongoing conflict that is approaching you.
Don't believe the church and state
Do not trust the religious and political authorities.
And everything they tell you
Their messages may be untrue or manipulative.
Believe in me, I'm with the high command
Have faith in my guidance as I have a senior position in the military.
Can you hear me, can you hear me running?
Are you listening to me and following my instructions?
Can you hear me running, can you hear me calling you?
Are you aware that I am trying to reach you and that you need to respond?
There's a gun and ammunition
There is a weapon and bullets available for use.
Just inside the doorway
It is close to the entrance.
Use it only in emergency
Do not resort to violence unless absolutely necessary.
Better you should pray to God
It is preferable to appeal to a higher power.
The Father and the Spirit
References the Holy Trinity in Christianity.
Will guide you and protect from up here
The divine entities will look out for you from heaven.
Swear allegiance to the flag
Pledge loyalty to the nation's symbol.
Whatever flag they offer
Regardless of which group's flag is presented.
Never hint at what you really feel
Do not express your true opinions or sentiments.
Teach the children quietly
Educate the next generation without drawing attention to yourself.
For some day sons and daughters
One day your offspring will rise up.
Will rise up and fight while we stand still
They will rebel for change while we remain static.
Can you hear me running (can you hear me calling you?)
I am still trying to communicate with you, are you receiving the message?
Can hear me running, can you hear me calling you?
Are you paying attention to what I am saying?
(Can you hear me running) Can hear me running (can you hear me calling you)?
The urgency of my message is increasing, do you hear me now?
Can you hear me
Can you listen and comprehend?
Hear me calling you
I am trying to make contact with you.
(Can you hear me running) hear me running, babe
This is an urgent situation that requires immediate action.
Can you hear me running (hear me running)
I am moving quickly, and so should you.
Calling you
I need you to respond and acknowledge my message.
Lyrics ยฉ BMG Rights Management, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: B.A. Robertson, Mike Rutherford
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@3OCALM1
"Swear allegiance to the flag
Whatever flag they offer
Never hint at what you really feel
Teach the children quietly
For some day sons and daughters
Will rise up and fight while we stood still."
Think for a moment about those words, especially the last two lines.
I remember when this song was on MTV a lot back in 1985 or 86. Never has it been more eerily relevant than now in 2021.
@markmak7548
This song could not be anymore apt for today. You know what I mean. It speaks volumes for what's happening right now in the west .
@muffs55mercury61
By all means !!
@idinvention
2023 ends. The song is becoming more relevant every day.
@timcyr3457
glad to see i am not alone
@ozsalt4811
The 'High Command' ... The most important two words of this very important and amazing song. These guys knew it all years ago
@friedrichdergroe9664
Also check out Rush 2112 -- similar prophetic goosebump-inducing lyrics.
@mariazamoragonzale949
Yo siempre la escucha y irradiaba algo...... Y sabรญa lo que hiba ocuuurrir aรฑos despuรฉs... Siempre la escuchรฉ... Mis compaรฑeros en los 80 no se daban cuenta... Ahora en mis 50.. Ya esta todo visto y dicho
@garyn9279
Space Force
@FerBolanos1966
My thoughts exactly
@alucardtepes5924
This song is haunting from 1985 to now! Personally, a war is coming and we need to protect our own, family and friends.