That Voice Again
Peter Gabriel Lyrics


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I want to be with you
I want to be clear
But each time I try
It's the voice I hear
I hear that voice again

I'm listening to the conversation:
Judge and jury in my head
It's coloring everything
All we did and said
And still I head that sharp tongue talking
Talking tangled words
I can sense the danger
Just listen to the wind

I want you close I want you near
I can't help but listen
But I don't want to hear
Hear that voice again

I want to be with you
I want to be clear
But each time I try
It's the voice I hear
I hear that voice again

I'm hearing right and wrong so clearly
There must be more than this
It's only in uncertainty
That we're naked and alive
I hear it through the rattle of a streetcar
Hear it through the things you said
I can get so scared
Listen to the wind

I want you close I want you near
I can't help but listen
But I don't want to hear
Hear that voice again

What I carry in my heart
Brings us so close or so far apart
Only love can make love

I want you close I want you near
I can't help but listen
But I don't want to hear
I hear that voice again

I want to be with you
I want to be clear
But each time I try




It's the voice I hear
I hear that voice again

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Peter Gabriel's song That Voice Again depict the struggle of a person trying to connect with their partner while trying to silence the negative voices in their head that remind them of past mistakes and anxieties. The song opens with the singer expressing a desire to clear the air with their loved one, but they are held back by that nagging voice in their head that reminds them of past grievances. The voice of negativity colors everything the singer has said or done, tying in with an idea that people often overthink and analyze every interaction they have with others.


The singer is listening to the conversation in their head like a judge and a jury, and it is making them more anxious with each passing moment. They want to be with their loved one, but they cannot help but listen to that destructive voice in their head. The lyrics suggest that the fear of the unknown and doubts cloud one's perception of reality. In the end, however, the lyrics suggest that only love can strengthen their bond and make everything right.


Line by Line Meaning

I want to be with you
I desire to be with you.


I want to be clear
I want to be honest and transparent in my communication.


But each time I try
However, whenever I attempt to communicate my thoughts and feelings,


It's the voice I hear
I can only hear the critical voice in my head.


I hear that voice again
That voice keeps resurfacing when I'm trying to communicate.


I'm listening to the conversation:
I'm paying attention to the exchange of thoughts and ideas with my partner.


Judge and jury in my head
However, I am also experiencing self-doubt and criticism in my mind.


It's coloring everything
This negativity is impacting the way I perceive and interpret our conversation.


All we did and said
It's affecting my memory and view of everything we have discussed and interacted about.


And still I head that sharp tongue talking
Despite my efforts to focus on the present moment with my partner, my inner critic keeps speaking up.


Talking tangled words
This voice is often confusing and nonsensical.


I can sense the danger
I can feel how this critical voice creates distance and conflict between me and my partner.


Just listen to the wind
I need to shift my attention from my negative thoughts to the present moment.


I can't help but listen
Despite the damage it causes, I can't help but tune in to this critical voice.


But I don't want to hear
I am aware of how damaging and unproductive this is.


I'm hearing right and wrong so clearly
It feels as though I can clearly distinguish the faults and flaws in our communication and relationship.


There must be more than this
However, I recognize that there is more to our relationship than just these negative thoughts and feelings.


It's only in uncertainty
It is only when we allow ourselves to be unsure and vulnerable,


That we're naked and alive
that we can truly connect on a deep level and experience real intimacy and aliveness.


Hear it through the rattle of a streetcar
This critical voice can intrude on my thoughts even in moments of distraction and noise.


Hear it through the things you said
Sometimes, the negative thoughts are triggered by things my partner has said.


I can get so scared
These negative thoughts can make me feel afraid and defensive.


What I carry in my heart
The feelings and beliefs I hold inside myself,


Brings us so close or so far apart
Can either bring us closer together in love and mutual understanding, or create distance and conflict between us.


Only love can make love
The only way for us to truly connect and love one another is by overcoming the negativity of the critical voice with genuine love and compassion.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DAVID RHODES, PETER GABRIEL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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