Lost For Words
Pink Floyd (UK) Lyrics
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I was caught in a cauldron of hate
I felt persecuted and paralyzed
I thought that everything else would just wait
While you are wasting your time on your enemies
Engulfed in a fever of spite
Beyond your tunnel vision reality fades
To martyr yourself to caution
Is not going to help at all
'Cause there'll be no safety in numbers
When the right one walks out of the door
Can you see your days blighted by darkness?
Is it true you beat your fists on the floor?
Stuck in a world of isolation
While the ivy grows over the door
So I open my door to my enemies
And I ask could we wipe the slate clean?
But they tell me to please go fuck myself
You know you just can't win
In the first verse of Pink Floyd's song Lost For Words, the singer describes himself or herself as being stuck in a bleak and stagnant place, filled with dread and anger. The singer is caught in a turbulent and tumultuous state of mind, oppressed and paralyzed by intense feelings of animosity and hatred. They feel that they are at the mercy of these feelings, unable to move forward or make progress.
In the second verse, the singer's perspective shifts, and they address the listener directly. They criticize the listener for wasting time on their enemies, consumed by a fever of spite that blinds them to the reality around them. The singer warns that this kind of narrow vision will lead to isolation and darkness, and that caution and self-preservation will not protect against the pain of losing a crucial relationship.
In the final verse, the singer returns to their own situation, describing how they have attempted to reach out to their enemies in an effort to "wipe the slate clean." However, their overtures are met with rejection and hostility, underscoring the futility of trying to repair a relationship that has become irreparably damaged.
Line by Line Meaning
I was spending my time in the doldrums
I was in a state of boredom and inactivity
I was caught in a cauldron of hate
I was trapped in a place of intense anger and hostility
I felt persecuted and paralyzed
I experienced mistreatment and was unable to move or act
I thought that everything else would just wait
I believed that everything else would remain the same and not change
While you are wasting your time on your enemies
You are spending your time on your foes to no avail
Engulfed in a fever of spite
Consumed by intense and malicious ill will
Beyond your tunnel vision reality fades
Your narrow and limited view causes you to lose sight of reality
Like shadows into the night
Lost and forgotten, disappearing from view
To martyr yourself to caution
To sacrifice oneself for prudence and safety
Is not going to help at all
It will not provide any benefit or assistance
'Cause there'll be no safety in numbers
There is no security in having a large group of people
When the right one walks out of the door
When the one you need most leaves, you will be vulnerable
Can you see your days blighted by darkness?
Can you envision being plagued by darkness for a long time?
Is it true you beat your fists on the floor?
Is it true that you express your frustration and anger through physical violence?
Stuck in a world of isolation
Trapped in a state of being alone and apart from others
While the ivy grows over the door
While time passes and things change without your knowledge or control
So I open my door to my enemies
I let in those who seek to harm or hurt me
And I ask could we wipe the slate clean?
I inquire if we can start anew and forget the past
But they tell me to please go fuck myself
But they reject my request and respond with hostility and rejection
You know you just can't win
You realize that it's impossible to come out on top or achieve your desired outcome
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: DAVE GILMOUR, POLLY SAMSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind