Lydia
Paradise Lost Lyrics


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Through the searching lights that weave and dart
Comes the stranger that cares not for your heart
The pain of living life this way
Must take its toll on you some day

Your jaded eyes can't see
Embarrassment or harm
The frail skin that bleeds
Emotionally on guard

All lowest forms of life
Are pounding you inside
You're hollow cold display
Your tired masquerade

Let the image that you present entice
Unlike the mirror that shows the strains of vice
This act of contact your decay
While willing souls will more than pay

Your jaded eyes can't see
Embarrassment or harm
The frail skin that bleeds
Emotionally on guard

All lowest forms of life
Are pounding you inside




You're hollow cold display
Your tired masquerade

Overall Meaning

The song "Lydia" by Paradise Lost explores the life of a person who has become emotionally distant and apathetic towards others. The lyrics begin by describing a stranger who comes and goes, indifferent to the feelings of those around them. The singer of the song is then addressed, revealing the toll that living life in this way has taken on them. Despite their efforts to present a certain image to the world, the emotional damage they have suffered is evident in their jaded eyes and frail skin.


The lyrics suggest that the singer's emotional state results from a constant barrage of negativity from those around them, which has left them hollow and cold. They are unable to form genuine connections with others and instead rely on a tired masquerade to maintain their façade. The song concludes by warning that, while the singer may entice others to engage with them, this will ultimately lead to their decay.


Overall, "Lydia" is a powerful commentary on the toll that emotional isolation can take on a person. The lyrics paint a stark picture of a life lived behind emotional walls, where the only connection to others is through image and façade.


Line by Line Meaning

Through the searching lights that weave and dart
Amidst the dynamic lights of the city, a stranger arrives who is indifferent to your emotional needs.


Comes the stranger that cares not for your heart
A person who is not empathetic to your emotional state has arrived.


The pain of living life this way
The constant struggle of living under such emotional and psychological pressure can be taxing.


Must take its toll on you some day
The long-term effects of living like this will catch up to you eventually.


Your jaded eyes can't see
You've become desensitized and can no longer see the harm or embarrassment you're causing.


Embarrassment or harm
You are no longer affected by the negative consequences of your actions.


The frail skin that bleeds
Your vulnerable and exposed state is apparent to those who truly see you.


Emotionally on guard
You are always prepared to defend yourself emotionally.


All lowest forms of life
You attract negative energy and people into your life.


Are pounding you inside
They are taking a psychological toll on you.


You're hollow cold display
Your outward appearance is a façade, lacking genuine emotion and warmth.


Your tired masquerade
Your act is no longer convincing or interesting to those around you.


Let the image that you present entice
Continue to put on a façade that will attract people to you.


Unlike the mirror that shows the strains of vice
Unlike the mirror that reflects the real you and your flaws, continue to present an idealized image of yourself.


This act of contact your decay
This false image of yourself will lead to your ultimate downfall.


While willing souls will more than pay
People who are susceptible to your act will give you more than you ask for.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Gregory John Mackintosh, Nicholas John Holmes

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@dimmartin2602

Back then I thought it was a too soft of an PL album. Now I realize the genius they were. So diverse and interesting composition

@danielmenefrego

Yeah, I thought the same at the time. So immature.

@nunomachado2110

Such an amazing piece

@Alibm80

Thanks for uploading!

@metal4k787

Thanks for appreciating

@theprayer-uk

Hammer Song

@rk4592

All lowest forms of life are pounding you inside
Your hollow cold display, your tired masquerade

@evrenfurtuna

one of my favourites

@pacoguitar4816

i miss my mother.

@mariaes2742

So do I

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