Strange Blue Mercy
Phantom Blue Lyrics
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Tried to look down
There was no ground
I started talking to the people in the sky
Every word was heard but nothing was said
It was a one man ride
I was not trying
Man in the mirror faded more and more
Started crying to the people in the sky
Your own big brother's paying to fly
It was sixty-nine
[Chorus I]
Strange blue mercy
Set the Autumn leaves on fire
Strange blue mercy
Won't get the sun without the rain
Inside dreams hide the key to the pain
Escape from fears gone far from the past
It's only all in my head
[Chorus II]
Strange blue mercy
Set the Autumn leaves on fire
Strange blue mercy
I don't wanna feel it
[Chorus III]
Strange blue mercy
Set the Autumn leaves on fire
Strange blue mercy
I don't wanna feel it
Strange blue mercy
Set the Autumn leaves on fire
Strange blue mercy
Inside the weird gold mine
The chorus of Phantom Blue's song Strange Blue Mercy seems to highlight the conflicting and paradoxical nature of life experiences. It suggests that one cannot enjoy the sunshine without experiencing the rain or joy without pain. The songwriter seems to be grappling with the idea of accepting the inherent uncertainties and extremes of life. This sentiment is mirrored in the opening lines of the song where the persona describes slowly climbing a ladder and realizing there is no ground to stand on. The metaphorical ladder could represent the path of life or the journey towards self-discovery. The sudden shift from the concrete physical reality of the ladder without ground to the abstract idea of speaking to people in the sky suggests a transition from a fixed, tangible understanding of life to more abstract, spiritual concepts. The repetition of the phrase "strange blue mercy" implies a sense of bewilderment, fear, and peaceful acceptance of this paradoxical reality. It could be interpreted as the light at the end of the tunnel, the mercy that makes it all worth it, or a strange unexplained phenomenon that signifies the beauty in the chaos. The line "inside dreams hide the key to pain" also suggests that our subconscious holds the answers to our struggles, and maybe the way to find meaning or healing is by looking within.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I was slowly walking up the ladder so high
I was progressing upward, step by step, deliberately.
Tried to look down
I attempted to glance at the view below.
There was no ground
There was no solid structure beneath me.
I started talking to the people in the sky
I initiated a conversation with the imaginary beings above.
Every word was heard but nothing was said
Although my words were audible, the response was non-existent.
It was a one man ride
I was alone in this journey.
I was not trying
I was not putting in much effort.
Hard to sell my soul yet
I found it difficult to give up my integrity for personal gain.
Man in the mirror faded more and more
The reflection of myself in the mirror became increasingly vague.
Started crying to the people in the sky
I began to weep while conversing with the illusory figures above.
Your own big brother's paying to fly
Even my close relatives were unable to comprehend my struggles.
It was sixty-nine
This event occurred in the year of 1969.
Strange blue mercy
An unusual yet comforting sense of benevolence.
Set the Autumn leaves on fire
Brought fascination and passion to the world around me.
Won't get the sun without the rain
Without experiencing hardships, one cannot appreciate the beauty and joy in life.
Inside dreams hide the key to the pain
The key to overcoming pain and suffering is hidden in one's dreams.
Escape from fears gone far from the past
Freeing oneself from past distressing memories can alleviate present anxieties.
It's only all in my head
These negative thoughts and emotions are all a product of my imagination.
I don't wanna feel it
I do not wish to experience this agony any longer.
Inside the weird gold mine
Deep within the strange and mysterious place of my mind.
Contributed by Sydney K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Josh Mannen
Yo! Cathleen and Richard. You guys might be in a pointless argument… Because Cathleen‘s responses keep coming to my email, but I don’t see them here.
Anyhow.
It’s unfortunate that you had a bad experience or falling out with members of the band Cathleen. It’s unfortunate that the band is no longer together.
Look… I am a drummer also and have been in and out of many bands in Hollywood. It’s like having four or five girlfriends, At the same time. Sometimes even though you make great magic together… It doesn’t always work out.
But coming on here and talking trash will not negate the magic that they made.
Every time I’ve ever run into Linda, she’s been nothing but a sweetheart. And I’ve always thoroughly enjoyed watching her perform. You will not change my opinion that she’s my favorite female drummer and you will not change my opinion that “Built to Perform” is quite possibly the best heavy-metal/hard rock album of the 90s.
I wish all of the past members the greatest success and look forward to new music or solo projects by everyone.
Krooksbane
How the hell did I miss this band growing up!
I just binged between self titled and built to perform and I love these gals! Linda McDonald is a fantastic drummer, I love the production quality on both records. Gigi’s vocals are incredible and the guitar tone is fucking brilliant.
Hope someone from the band reads this, you gals wrote kick ass music!
Hunter Killer
Absolutely! They are beautiful shining stars!
Robert Rousseau
Phantom Blue are Awesome. Gigi is one of the best singer ever! Love her voice so much. ❤️
Sabrina Varela
Thanks for uploading this masterpiece!
80’s Rocker
Great band
Great playing
Great music
Are Ray
Must have been a great band live!
Lee Thomas
I forgot how good Phantom Blue were, very talented. It's been at least 26 years since I last listened to them, thanks for the upload Hard Rock Blog. It would be great if they reformed, like Vixen
Rich Argrew
Gigi is in the studio recording her solo album
Josh Mannen
I got this CD back in the late 90's as I was HUGE fan of Built to Perform. Guru, If memory serves me the only way to get the CD was to buy Linda's comic book, and CD came free with it... and the only way to buy the comic book, was to join the fan club. This is the ONLY band I ever joined a fan club for, only to get this CD. A few years ago I was playing with a band that opened for Linda's Iron Maiden tribute in Hollywood, at a strip club... I wore one of the Phantom Blue removable tattoos that came with the fan club, we laughed and took a horribly blurry picture of the event.
Mayhem81
Josh Mannen dude, that is bloody awesome.