open
Queensryche Lyrics


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You're an angel with your wings broken
Wearing sandals that I tripped in
You're a holiday already taken
A cocktail that's stirred, never shaken

Your head's in overload
You've reached your threshold
And you're about to explode...

Open your eyes - Just say what you want to say
Open your eyes - You see yours isn't the only way
Open your eyes - To you everyone is blind
Open your eyes - Open your eyes and your mind

You're like a handgun that's fully loaded
Making idle threats of violence

Your head's in overload
You've reached your threshold
And you're about to explode...

Open your eyes - You take what you want for free
Open your eyes - And you see what you want to see
Open your eyes - To you everyone is blind
Open your eyes - Open your eyes and your mind

Open your eyes - Just say what you want to say
Open your eyes - You see yours isn't the only way
Open your eyes - To you everyone is blind
Open your eyes - Open your eyes and your mind

Open your mind...




Open your mind...
Open your mind...

Overall Meaning

The song "Open" by Queensryche speaks of a person who is like an angel whose wings are broken and a holiday already taken. The lyrics also describe this person as a cocktail that is stirred but never shaken. The artist implies that this person is conflicted, lost, and unable to make clear decisions. They are like a loaded handgun making idle threats, and their head is in overload, about to explode. The song's chorus asks this person to open their eyes and their mind, to see beyond what they want to see and understand that everyone else is not blind.


The song's message is about perspective, perception, and understanding. The lyrics aim to inspire the listener to reassess and open their minds to new ideas and thoughts, to be more receptive and accepting of others, and to engage in honest dialogue without resorting to idle threats and violence. The song "Open" presents a message of empathy and compassion, encouraging listeners to consider other people's perspectives and listen with an open mind.


Line by Line Meaning

You're an angel with your wings broken
You are someone who is good at heart, but have been hurt before and are struggling to move on.


Wearing sandals that I tripped in
Your presence is causing problems for those around you.


You're a holiday already taken
You have exhausted your own happiness and the happiness of those around you.


A cocktail that's stirred, never shaken
You are someone who makes their own problems and fails to deal with them properly.


Your head's in overload
You are stressed beyond what you can handle.


You've reached your threshold
You can no longer deal with the stress you are under.


And you're about to explode...
You are on the brink of breaking down mentally or emotionally.


Open your eyes - Just say what you want to say
You need to be honest with yourself and those around you about your thoughts and feelings.


Open your eyes - You see yours isn't the only way
You need to realize that others have their own perspectives and that compromise is important.


Open your eyes - To you everyone is blind
You believe that you are the only one who truly understands the situation.


Open your eyes - Open your eyes and your mind
You need to be receptive to alternative viewpoints and make an effort to understand others.


You're like a handgun that's fully loaded
You are a danger to yourself and others when you are under stress.


Making idle threats of violence
You are using aggression as a way to cope with your problems, which is not healthy or productive.


Open your eyes - You take what you want for free
You are willing to do whatever it takes to get what you want, even if it means disregarding others' needs or feelings.


Open your eyes - And you see what you want to see
You are selective in what you choose to acknowledge about yourself and others.


Open your mind...
You need to be open to new ideas and ways of thinking.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHRISTOPHER LEE DE GARMO, GEOFFERY TATE, MICHAEL FRANCIS WILTON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Archduke Big Dog Koopa

You're an angel with wings broken (I doubt you will ever fly)
Wearing sandals that I tripped in (You drive me crazy, and this ain't no lie)
You're a holiday already taken (out of all the girls, you're the only one)
A cocktail that's stirred, [but] never shaken (No one knows what you do, what you want).

Your head is in overload.
You have reached your threshold.
And you are about to explode!

OPEN YOUR EYES! And just say what you want to say.
OPEN YOUR EYES! Do you see yours isn't the only way?
OPEN YOUR EYES! [I know that] to you, everyone is blind.
OPEN YOUR EYES! Just open your eyes, and your mind.

You're like a hand gun that's fully loaded (Ready to Fire, Shoot me through the heart!)
Making idle threats of violence (Resistance won't be useful anymore.)

(Repeat Pre-chorus)

OPEN YOUR EYES! Do you take what you want for free?
OPEN YOUR EYES! And do you see what you want to see?
OPEN YOUR EYES! [You know that] to you, everyone is blind!
OPEN YOUR EYES! Open your eyes, and your mind.



All comments from YouTube:

Richard Orduno

Queensryche has made a big impact on my music and I have no regrets to the metal songs i love old an new rock hard everyone merrychristmas

Danimal300zx

Agreed. Tribe (2003) always felt like a matured, slowed down, deeoer, darker and at times, heavier version of Rage For Order (1986). Definitely felt like a Queensryche album. Criminally underrated.

Rick McGhee

One of my favorite QR songs - I love this CD!

SuperModernrock

This is a great song.  If Geoff did this with them today I'd be happy.  I like what I've heard so far off the new album with Todd, but Todd singing the old stuff live I'm not so sure.  It's like he's trying too hard to copy the nuances of Tate, and that just can't be done, in my opinion.

Ed Collins

Have you heard Tate try to sing the old stuff today? Doesn't sound like the same guy. I prefer Todd of today over Geoff of today anyday!

Spencer Cale

This has to be one of the most level headed and respectful opinions on this subject i think I have ever seen. Well said, friend.

David Gil Vallejo

Amazing song!!!

Nola West

Love this Queensryche!  Forever!

G Art

First time I heard that song while playing at True Crime Streets of L.A. (Kick-ass rock/metal collection at that game), that's how the story goes...nowadays, Ryche is one of my main inspirations at music. De Garmo is simply a natural genius!

Chad Held

Good things happen when the talents of Geoff Tate and Chris DeGarmo are combined. It would nice to see that happen again someday.

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