Showdown
Odia Coates Lyrics


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He cried to the southern wind
For the love that was sure to end
Every dream in his heart was gone
Headed for the showdown (showdown)

Bad dreamer, what's your name
Looks like we're riding on the same train
Looks as though there'll be more pain
There's gonna be a showdown (showdown)

And it's raining all over the world
Oh, it's raining all over the world
Tonight's the longest night
(Gonna be a showdown)

He came to me like a friend
He blew in on a southern wind
Now this heart has turned to stone again
Oh, it's gonna be a showdown

And it's raining all over the world
Oh, it's raining all over the world
Tonight's the longest night
(Gonna be a showdown)

Save me, oh, save me
Save me (gonna be a showdown)

It's gonna be a showdown (showdown)
It's gonna be a showdown (showdown)




It's gonna be a showdown (showdown)
It's gonna be a showdown (showdown)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Odia Coates's song "Showdown" depict a sense of impending doom and foreboding. The singer of the song cries out to the southern wind, revealing his desperation and despair over a love that he knows is doomed to fail. His dreams have been shattered, and he is headed towards a final confrontation, or showdown, with his lover.


The lyrics also address another "bad dreamer," who is riding on the same train as the singer, suggesting that others are experiencing similar ordeals. The rain that is falling all over the world adds to the sense of gloom and hopelessness, intensifying the feeling of despair.


The chorus of "it's gonna be a showdown" is repeated multiple times throughout the song, highlighting the inevitability of the singer's confrontation with his lover. The final plea of "save me" suggests a last hope for salvation, but it seems unlikely that there will be any resolution other than the anticipated showdown.


Overall, the song portrays a bleak view of a failing love and the inevitability of confronting one's fears and demons in a final showdown.


Line by Line Meaning

He cried to the southern wind For the love that was sure to end Every dream in his heart was gone Headed for the showdown (showdown)
He cried out to the winds from the south seeking solace for his love that is clearly doomed to fail. All his hopes and aspirations have turned to dust, and now he faces the reality of a head-to-head conflict.


Bad dreamer, what's your name Looks like we're riding on the same train Looks as though there'll be more pain There's gonna be a showdown (showdown)
Calling someone a 'bad dreamer' suggests that their ideas and expectations are unrealistic. Two people appear to be on the same path, and conflict seems inevitable.


And it's raining all over the world Oh, it's raining all over the world Tonight's the longest night (Gonna be a showdown)
The rain falling all over the world could symbolize a sense of gloom and despair. The longest night raises anticipation for an eventual conflict.


He came to me like a friend He blew in on a southern wind Now this heart has turned to stone again Oh, it's gonna be a showdown
Initially, he seemed like a friendly person, but time and circumstances have forced his heart to grow cold and unfeeling. The showdown between them is imminent.


Save me, oh, save me Save me (gonna be a showdown)
The plea to be saved from the pending conflict reveals the fear and desperation involved in the situation.


It's gonna be a showdown (showdown) It's gonna be a showdown (showdown) It's gonna be a showdown (showdown) It's gonna be a showdown (showdown)
Repeating the title phrase emphasizes the certainty of the upcoming battle and the inevitability of the fight.




Contributed by Josiah B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Carl Howe

Cool cover. Written by the great Jeff Lynne. Just now hearing this for the first time. Odia passed in 1991. She is missed.

Eddy G's Music World

I asked Jeff Lynne what he thought of this version. No response.

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