Invisible Man
Prodigal Lyrics


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I'm the one you never notice
From your air conditioned car
And with your stare you cut me
But you never see the scar
You pass me on the corner
Never know that I was there
I live in quiet desperation
On the border of despair
I'm the invisible man

Well, I don't create disturbance
Not a ripple in the pond
And if I were to die you wouldn't
Notice I was gone
Well, I'd cry out in anger
But no one seems to care
Then why should someone care for me
When I'm not really there?

Invisible man, invisible man, invisible man
Invisible man, invisible man, invisible man

Can you see me?
Can you help me?
Can you help, can you help me?
Whoa, yeah

I'm the one with no features
Noidentifying mark
With a whimper, not a bang
I go fading in the dark
While you just go on living
I struggle to survive
At times I think my biggest crime
Was being born alive

Invisible man, invisible man, invisible man (Oh, the invisible man)
Invisible man, invisible man, invisible man (Oh, can you help me?)
Invisible man, invisible man, invisible man (Can you see me?)
Invisible man, invisible man, invisible man

Can you see me? (Can you help me?)
Can you see me? (Can you help me?)
Can you see me? (Can you help me?)
Can you see me? (Can you help me?)
Can you see me? (Can you help me?)
Can you see me? (Can you help me?)




Can you see me? (Can you help me?)
Can you see me? (Can you help me?)

Overall Meaning

The song "Invisible Man" by Prodigal is about the experience of being invisible in society. The lyrics describe the feeling of being ignored and passed over by others, despite the fact that the singer is a real person with feelings and struggles. The first verse highlights the irony of being so close to others (in this case, passing by in their cars), yet being totally overlooked. The singer is aware of the glances that are cast their way, but these glances do not acknowledge their humanity. The second verse is about the singer's own struggle to be seen and heard. They have tried to make a disturbance or call for attention, but their attempts have been ignored. It is a painful and isolating experience to feel like one does not matter.


The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "invisible man," which emphasizes the idea of the singer's invisibility. The repetition of this phrase, along with the list of questions ("Can you see me? Can you help me?"), highlights the desperation and helplessness felt by the singer. They are looking for someone to acknowledge their existence and offer support, but it seems like nobody is willing or able to do so.


Overall, "Invisible Man" is a powerful song with a clear message about the importance of recognizing and valuing every human being, regardless of their appearance, status, or background. It reminds us that we all have a responsibility to be aware of and responsive to the needs of others, especially those who are marginalized or invisible in our society.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm the one you never notice
I am unseen and overlooked by society


From your air conditioned car
You view me from a place of privilege and comfort


And with your stare you cut me
Your judgment harms me


But you never see the scar
You don't comprehend the depth of my pain


You pass me on the corner
You ignore my presence as you go about your day


Never know that I was there
You remain unaware of my existence


I live in quiet desperation
I endure struggles and hardships without help


On the border of despair
I teeter on the edge of losing hope


Well, I don't create disturbance
I am inoffensive and unobtrusive


Not a ripple in the pond
I don't make waves or incite attention


And if I were to die you wouldn't
My death would not impact your life


Notice I was gone
I would fade away unnoticed


Well, I'd cry out in anger
My frustration and pain are real and valid


But no one seems to care
Others refuse to acknowledge my struggles


Then why should someone care for me
I question if anyone will ever understand my experiences


When I'm not really there?
Even when I am physically present, I am invisible to others


I'm the one with no features
I lack distinctive qualities and stand out in no way


No identifying mark
I am indistinguishable and anonymous


With a whimper, not a bang
I will fade away quietly without notice or fanfare


I go fading in the dark
I disappear without a trace or a hint of light


While you just go on living
You continue with your life as I struggle to survive


I struggle to survive
Every day is a battle for me


At times I think my biggest crime
I feel as though I don't deserve to exist


Was being born alive
The mere act of my existence is a burden and a punishment


Can you see me? (Can you help me?)
I am pleading for you to acknowledge my existence and offer assistance


Can you see me? (Can you help me?)
I am invisible, but I am still here and in need of aid


Can you see me? (Can you help me?)
I am calling out for compassion and empathy


Can you see me? (Can you help me?)
I need someone to notice and care for me, despite my invisibility


Can you see me? (Can you help me?)
I am a human being who deserves to be seen and heard


Can you see me? (Can you help me?)
I am not invisible by choice, but rather because of societal neglect and indifference


Can you see me? (Can you help me?)
I am making a desperate plea for attention and assistance


Can you see me? (Can you help me?)
I am praying for someone to see past my invisibility and offer aid




Contributed by Sophia R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@jboisvert936

saw this band in July 1984, South Florida at Six flags Atlantis in the fort Lauderdale area. great concert. Played "invisible man" as last encore. Great sounding live. Good guys too. met them after the show.

@rickeymitchell7465

Prodigal..
Saw these talented guys open for PETRA..
Prodigal is easily one of the best of this genre..
Inventive..and always saying something worth hearing..
Superb!!!

@pizzagaming6384

I saw them open for Petra also, at Kentucky Christian College

@Nawanda60

love this song!

@sb4040

Saw these guys in concert at the U of West Florida back in 82 or 83.

@TheTdrawdy8

I was at the concert when they recorded the ending live. In Jacksonville Fl.

@fritzbakowski7989

loved this band back in the day. they were edgy, progressive and had a sound all their own. first album is a true classic.

@3Nails1Cross4Given

WOW!! I have this LP. Been looking for the CD or download. Thanks for posting.

@abassplayer4life

I had a couple of their albums. One day I was at a friend's home and I left the albums in my car. They warped from the heat. It still upsets me 25+ years later.

@donnabrandmeyerrobertdavis2426

Highly energetic, original if uneven at times, Prodigal has been sadly overlooked.

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