Limelight
Paul Rudd & Jason Segel Lyrics
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Approaches the unreal
For those who think and feel
In touch with some reality
Beyond the gilded cage
Cast in this unlikely role,
Ill-equipped to act
One must put up barriers
To keep oneself intact
Living in the limelight
The universal dream
For those who wish to seem
Those who wish to be
Must put aside the alienation
Get on with the fascination
The real relation
The underlying theme
Living in a fish eye lens
Caught in the camera eye
I have no heart to lie
I can't pretend a stranger
Is a long-awaited friend
All the world's indeed a stage
And we are merely players
Performers and portrayer
Each another's audience
Outside the gilded cage
The song Limelight by Paul Rudd and Jason Segel is a philosophical reflection on the nature of success and fame. The song begins by describing the illusion that is being in the limelight, living on a "lighted stage" that approaches the "unreal." The ones who are "in touch with some reality" are those who think and feel beyond the gilded cage, the metaphor for the traps of societal expectations and limitations.
The second verse is a reflection on the challenges that come with the fame and living in the limelight. The performer must put up barriers to keep themselves intact and protected from the alienation of others. Yet, the universal dream for those who wish to be seen and to seem is to live in the limelight. However, to achieve this, one must put aside the alienation and get on with the fascination, the real relation, and the underlying theme of life.
The final verse describes the fish eye lens effect in which the performer is caught in the camera eye, leading to the feeling of being unable to lie or pretend. The song concludes with the assertion that all of the world is indeed a stage, and we are merely players performing for each other.
Line by Line Meaning
Living on a lighted stage
Existing in a world where everything is visible and scrutinized
Approaches the unreal
Seems surreal because of the constant attention and expectations
For those who think and feel
For people who are introspective and empathetic
In touch with some reality
Able to see beyond the superficial and understand what is truly important
Beyond the gilded cage
Free from the restrictions and limitations of a privileged lifestyle
Cast in this unlikely role,
Thrown into a position that is unexpected and challenging
Ill-equipped to act
Unprepared for the demands and pressures of the role
With insufficient tact
Lacking the social skills and diplomacy to deal with others effectively
One must put up barriers
Must protect oneself from the negative effects of fame and scrutiny
To keep oneself intact
To preserve one's identity and values in the face of constant scrutiny and pressure
Living in the limelight
Existing in a world where fame and attention are the norm
The universal dream
The desire for recognition and success that transcends cultural and geographic boundaries
For those who wish to seem
For people who want to present a certain image to the world
Those who wish to be
People who aspire to achieve their goals and dreams
Must put aside the alienation
Must overcome the feeling of detachment and isolation that comes with fame
Get on with the fascination
Embrace the excitement and interest that comes with being famous
The real relation
The genuine connection with others that is the most important thing
The underlying theme
The deeper meaning or message that is present in everything
Living in a fish eye lens
Being watched and scrutinized constantly by the public and the media
Caught in the camera eye
Seen through the lens of the media and the public
I have no heart to lie
Being honest and genuine is the best way to cope with the pressures of fame
I can't pretend a stranger
Can't act like someone is a friend when they are really just an acquaintance or stranger
Is a long-awaited friend
Can't pretend that the attention and admiration of strangers is the same as genuine friendship
All the world's indeed a stage
The idea that life is like a performance and we are all actors on this stage called Earth
And we are merely players
Humans are like actors playing different roles in life
Performers and portrayer
People who act and people who create art
Each another's audience
We all observe and react to each other's performances in life
Outside the gilded cage
Free from the constraints and pressures of fame and fortune
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ALAN PARSONS, ERIC WOOLFSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@blackmii
Wow they are awesome singers I want them to sing The spirit of Radio and Fly by night :D
@ivanmejia8980
Luv the movie
@djaussiekid
I had to double check this was indeed Jason and Paul cause it's sounds too good! Shazam confirms, this is their version.
@wernkety
um, jason segel and paul rudd?
@thescotlandfan3977
They starred in a movie and both of their characters loved the band Rush who play this song. This song is in the movie and it is played by Rush when they both attend a Rush concert. The movie is called ‘ I love you man’ it is a really good movie i’ve watched it a couple of times and I have enjoyed it every time.