RISE
Public Image Limited Lyrics
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could be wrong
I could be wrong I could be right
I could be black I could be white
I could be right I could be wrong
I could be white I could be black
Your time has come your second skin
Walk through the valley
The written word is a lie
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
Could be wrong I could be right
Could be wrong I could be right
I could be wrong I could be right
I could be black I could be white
I could be right I could be wrong
I could be black I could be white
They put a hot wire to my head
'cause of the thing I did and said
And made these feelings go away
Model citizen in every way
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Could be wrong I could be right
Could be wrong I could be right
I could be wrong I could be right
I could be black I could be white
I could be right I could be wrong
I could be black I could be white
Your time has come your second skin
The cost so high the gain so low
Walk through the valley
The written word is a lie
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
Could be wrong I could be right
Could be wrong
They put a hot wire to my head
'Cause of the things I did and said
They made these feelings go away
A model citizen in every way
Your time has come your second skin
The cost so high the gain so low
May the road rise with you (Hey)
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
The lyrics to Public Image Ltd's song "Rise" are about the concept of identity and the fluidity with which it can shift and change. The repeated refrain of "I could be wrong, I could be right, I could be black, I could be white" emphasizes the idea that who we are is not always a fixed or binary state. The opening lines suggest uncertainty and the possibility of being incorrect or mistaken, followed by a repeating refrain that reflects the malleability of identity. The reference to a "second skin" suggests that identity can be constructed and chosen, and that our true selves may be hidden beneath societal expectations and conventions.
The lines "The written word is a lie, May the road rise with you" suggest a mistrust of authority and traditional ways of understanding the world. The hot wire to the head may be a reference to electroconvulsive therapy, a controversial treatment for mental illness that was widely used in the 20th century. The repeated line "anger is an energy" can be viewed as a positive expression of emotions that are often seen as negative or destructive. Overall, the song encourages listeners to question their assumptions about themselves and the world, and to embrace the possibilities that come with self-discovery and evolution.
Line by Line Meaning
I could be wrong I could be right
The singer is uncertain about whether they are correct or not.
could be wrong
The singer acknowledges the possibility of being incorrect.
I could be black I could be white
The singer is highlighting the lack of importance of race or skin color in their identity.
Your time has come your second skin
The listener is being told that it is their moment to shine and be true to themselves.
The cost so high the gain so low
The artist is acknowledging that the price of achieving one's goals may be too steep or unreasonable in the end.
Walk through the valley
The listener is being encouraged to face their struggles head-on and persist through difficult times.
The written word is a lie
The singer is dismissing the idea that everything written is true and emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and objective analysis.
May the road rise with you
The artist is wishing the listener good luck and success in their journey through life.
Anger is an energy
The artist is conveying that anger can be a powerful motivator for change or action.
They put a hot wire to my head
The artist is describing a painful physical experience as a result of expressing their beliefs and opinions.
'cause of the thing I did and said
The singer is detailing the cause of their punishment - speaking out or acting in a way that went against established rules or norms.
And made these feelings go away
The artist is referring to their emotions, which were likely negative or rebellious, being suppressed or silenced by outside forces.
Model citizen in every way
The singer is sarcastically describing themselves as a perfect, law-abiding member of society in contrast to their previous rebellious behavior.
May the road rise with you (Hey)
The singer is once again wishing the listener success and good fortune on their life journey, this time with a more casual and upbeat tone.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BILL O. LASWELL, JOHN LYDON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind