Head On
Peter Brotzmann / Michiyo Yagi / Paal Nilssen-Love Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And leaves a mark upon your skin
I’ve held it in my weathered hands
And shared the weight of all your sins
So hang your head and make your way
Through all the longest, darkest days
But there’s a light that’s shining down
And you can wear it as a crown, my dear
We were living so blissfully
The days would flourish
And when dusk would fall
You were a roaring flame
Now dark clouds hide the sky
In between each horizon line
You are the faintest fire
Flickering under the pouring rain
Halo, halo
Let the glow illuminate your face
Halo, halo
Let it give you levity and grace
Hold up your heavy head
Hold up a light to guide the way
Hold up your heavy head
Hold up a light to guide the way
You toss and turn at night
Cloaked in blue hues of moonlight
I’ll softly sing a lullaby
To ease your mind
Enough to get some sleep
Halo, halo
Let the glow illuminate your face
Halo, halo
Let it give you levity and grace
Hold up your heavy head
Hold up a light to guide the way
Hold up your heavy head
Hold up a light to guide the way
The millstone hangs around your neck
And leaves a mark upon your skin
I’ve held it in my weathered hands
And shared the weight of all your sins
So hang your head and make your way
Through all the longest, darkest days
But there’s a light that’s shining down
And you can wear it as a crown, my dear
Halo, halo
Let the glow illuminate your face
Halo, halo
Let it give you levity and grace
Hold up your heavy head
Hold up a light to guide the way
Hold up your heavy head
Hold up a light to guide the way
Hold up your heavy head
Hold up a light to guide the way
Hold up your heavy head
Hold up a light to guide the way
The lyrics to Peter Brotzmann / Michiyo Yagi / Paal Nilssen-Love's song Head On deal with the struggle of carrying the weight of one's sins and the weight of life's burdens. The image of a millstone hanging around the neck is a symbol of the heaviness that can hold someone down, leaving a mark on the skin. The singer appears to offer comfort to the person carrying this weight, indicating that they have held it before and shared the burden. The message of the song is about persevering through difficult times, finding the light in the darkness, and hanging onto hope. The repeated "Halo, halo" refrain emphasizes the idea of guiding light and hope in the midst of challenges.
The verses are full of vivid imagery, both of good times and difficult times. It references the past when "the sun was a common scene" and things were better, but now the sky is hidden behind "dark clouds" with only a "faintest fire" flickering in the rain as the person struggles with their burden. The singer offers a lullaby to help ease the person's mind and encourage sleep. The lyrics repeatedly encourage the listener to "hold up your heavy head" and to "hold up a light to guide the way." This message is a reminder to persevere and not let the challenges of life crush one's spirit.
Overall, the lyrics of Head On are offering comfort and hope to those who are struggling with the weight of life's burdens. The song is a reminder to find that inner strength to persist and persevere when things get rough. The song calls to mind the idea that we can find calm in the midst of chaos, that even in the dark, there is always light to be found.
Line by Line Meaning
The millstone hangs around your neck
You bear a great burden or responsibility that weighs you down.
And leaves a mark upon your skin
This burden affects you in a physical and visible way.
I’ve held it in my weathered hands
I, as your friend, have experienced your burden alongside you.
And shared the weight of all your sins
I have helped you carry the burden of your mistakes and regrets.
So hang your head and make your way
Despite the heaviness of your burden, keep moving forward.
Through all the longest, darkest days
Persist through the toughest and most challenging times.
But there’s a light that’s shining down
There is hope and a positive force that can guide you.
And you can wear it as a crown, my dear
You can use this hope and positivity to empower you.
When the sun was a common scene
In the past, life was simpler and happier.
We were living so blissfully
We enjoyed the good life and were content.
The days would flourish
The days were filled with energy and vitality.
And when dusk would fall
Even when things got tough, we coped well.
You were a roaring flame
You had a strong spirit and energy that inspired others.
Now dark clouds hide the sky
The current situation is difficult and gloomy, with no clear way forward.
In between each horizon line
There is uncertainty and confusion about what to do next.
You are the faintest fire
Your spirit and enthusiasm have dimmed, making you less energized.
Flickering under the pouring rain
You are struggling to maintain your positivity and energy in the face of adversity.
Halo, halo
A bright and shining light that surrounds you.
Let the glow illuminate your face
Allow the light and positivity to fill and empower you.
Let it give you levity and grace
This light will make you feel lighter and more graceful in your movements and thinking.
Hold up your heavy head
Despite your burden, hold your head high and do your best.
Hold up a light to guide the way
Use the hope and positivity to guide you in your decision-making and actions.
You toss and turn at night
You struggle with insomnia and anxiety due to your burden.
Cloaked in blue hues of moonlight
The darkness of the night and your anxiety fill your mind.
I’ll softly sing a lullaby
As your friend, I will offer comfort and support to help you sleep.
To ease your mind
The lullaby will soothe you and help you feel more relaxed.
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Adam Feibel
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind