The Chase
Nick Glennie-Smith Hans Zimmer Harry Gregson-Williams Lyrics
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Don't believe what you read
Are we just another high-speed chase?
They always end the same
But we'll keep running anyway
Jet planes and kerosene
Tear through my whiskey dreams
Remember how to breath
And sing myself to sleep
I'm not a prophet trying to preach about love
But everything changes when you're under the gun
I feel the sky coming down from above
But I'd rather fight than turn around and run
Plastic and junk tv
Remake reality
Panic in the neon streets
When the ground beneath your feet
Is slipping out from underneath
Jet planes and kerosene, don't believe what you read
Are we just another high-speed chase?
Or just running in place
Waiting for someone else to change
I'm not a prophet trying to preach about love
But everything changes when you're under the gun
I feel the sky coming down from above
But I'd rather fight than turn around and run
Just turn around and run
Oooh ooh
Turn around and run
Just another high-speed chase
Or just floating in space
The lyrics of "The Chase" by Nick Glennie-Smith, Hans Zimmer, and Harry Gregson-Williams touch on themes of societal unrest, dissatisfaction, and the desire for change. The first two lines, "Crippled society, don't believe what you read," suggest a lack of trust in the information presented by the media and a recognition of the flaws and limitations within society. The following line, "Are we just another high-speed chase?" reflects a sense of hopelessness or futility in the face of repetitive patterns and outcomes. It implies that despite the knowledge that these pursuits often end in the same way, the desire for change and progress drives us to keep running anyway.
The lyrics further depict a personal struggle within the individual. The reference to "jet planes and kerosene tearing through whiskey dreams" suggests a chaotic and destructive nature within their thoughts and desires. The repetition of "I'll have another cigarette, remember how to breathe, and sing myself to sleep" portrays an attempt to cope with or escape from the overwhelming challenges and pressures of life.
The chorus emphasizes the singer's determination to face these challenges head-on. It acknowledges that everything changes when one is under pressure and feeling the weight of the world bearing down on them. However, rather than succumbing to fear or running away, the singer expresses a preference for fighting and standing up for what they believe in.
In the second verse, the lyrics shift focus to the artificiality of modern society, represented by plastic and junk TV that remakes reality. The mention of panic in the neon streets suggests a sense of unrest and instability. The lyrics convey a feeling of disillusionment as the ground seems to be slipping away. However, the repetition of the chorus reinforces the idea that despite the uncertainty, it is still better to face these challenges rather than running away or waiting for someone else to take action.
Overall, "The Chase" is a song that explores themes of societal frustration, personal struggles, and the choice between passive acceptance or actively fighting for change.
Line by Line Meaning
Crippled society
A society that is weakened or impaired
Don't believe what you read
Do not trust everything that you read or hear
Are we just another high-speed chase?
Is our existence merely a frantic pursuit with no real purpose?
They always end the same
These pursuits always conclude in a predictable manner
But we'll keep running anyway
Nevertheless, we will continue to strive and persevere
Jet planes and kerosene
Symbolizing fast-paced and destructive elements
Tear through my whiskey dreams
Causing disruption and chaos in my personal aspirations or goals
I'll have another cigarette
Using smoking as a way to cope or distract oneself
Remember how to breathe
Recalling the basic act of breathing to find composure
And sing myself to sleep
Seeking solace and tranquility through self-expression
I'm not a prophet trying to preach about love
I am not a visionary attempting to lecture on the subject of love
But everything changes when you're under the gun
Life takes on a different quality when facing imminent danger or pressure
I feel the sky coming down from above
Sensing the weight and burden of the world bearing down on me
But I'd rather fight than turn around and run
I prefer to confront challenges head-on rather than retreat
Plastic and junk TV
Referring to superficial and low-quality television programming
Remake reality
Attempting to alter or manipulate one's perception of the world
Panic in the neon streets
A sense of fear or chaos in the bustling cityscape
When the ground beneath your feet
In times of instability or uncertainty
Is slipping out from underneath
Losing solid ground or stability
Just turn around and run
Simply retreat or escape from the situation
Or just floating in space
Alternatively, being adrift or aimless
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Chelsea Williams
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind