Wall Of Death
Richard & Linda Thompson Lyrics


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Let me ride on the Wall Of Death one more time
Let me ride on the Wall Of Death one more time
You can waste your time on the other rides
This is the nearest to being alive
Oh let me take my chances on the Wall Of Death

You can go with the crazy people in the Crooked House
You can fly away on the Rocket or spin in the Mouse
The Tunnel Of Love might amuse you
Noah's Ark might confuse you
But let me take my chances on the Wall Of Death

On the Wall Of Death all the world is far from me
On the Wall Of Death it's the nearest to being free

Well you're going nowhere
When you ride on the carousel
And maybe you're strong
But what's the good of ringing a bell
The switchback will make you crazy.
Beware of the bearded lady
Oh let me take my chances on the Wall Of Death

Let me ride on the Wall Of Death one more time
Oh let me ride on the Wall Of Death one more time
You can waste your time on the other rides
This is the nearest to being alive
Oh let me take my chances on the Wall Of Death




Let me take my chances on the Wall Of Death
Oh let me take my chances on the Wall Of Death

Overall Meaning

"Wall of Death" is a song by British musician Richard Thompson that was released in 1982. The Wall of Death refers to a carnival ride where motorcyclists perform dangerous stunts within a wooden cylinder. The song is about living life on the edge and taking risks, with the Wall of Death as a metaphor for life itself. Thompson sings about how the other rides are predictable and unexciting compared to the thrill and excitement of the Wall of Death.


As Thompson sings, "On the Wall of Death all the world is far from me / On the Wall of Death, it's the nearest to being free," indicating that the Wall of Death provides a sense of freedom and release from the mundane. The lyrics imply that life is like riding the Wall of Death – there are risks and dangers, but the thrill of living life to the fullest is worth it. In the end, Thompson urges the listener to take their chances on the Wall of Death, to take risks and embrace the unknown.


Line by Line Meaning

Let me ride on the Wall Of Death one more time
I want to experience the thrilling danger of the Wall of Death again, for it brings a strange sense of life to me.


You can waste your time on the other rides
Other rides in this amusement park cannot provide the same level of excitement that Wall of Death can offer.


This is the nearest to being alive
The experience of the Wall of Death ride is exhilarating and brings a sense of being truly alive.


Oh let me take my chances on the Wall Of Death
I am willing to take the risk and enjoy the thrill of the Wall of Death ride.


You can go with the crazy people in the Crooked House
There are other less exhilarating rides in this amusement park that some people prefer.


You can fly away on the Rocket or spin in the Mouse
There are also rides that offer different types of excitement, but still cannot compare to the Wall of Death ride.


The Tunnel Of Love might amuse you
Some people might prefer the slower, romantic rides offered in this amusement park.


Noah's Ark might confuse you
Some other rides might be strange and confusing to some people.


On the Wall Of Death all the world is far from me
The ride provides a feeling of detachment from the surrounding world, where only the rider and the thrill matter.


On the Wall Of Death it's the nearest to being free
The ride offers a sense of freedom, where one can let go and enjoy the thrill of the ride.


Well you're going nowhere
Some other rides might offer the illusion of movement, but none can compare to the intensity of the Wall of Death ride.


When you ride on the carousel
The carousel ride, while seemingly fun and harmless, cannot provide the same level of excitement as the Wall of Death ride.


And maybe you're strong
Even if one is physically and mentally capable, some other rides might still not compare to the thrills of the Wall of Death ride.


But what's the good of ringing a bell
Even if one tries to prove their strength or bravery, some other rides might still lack the excitement of the Wall of Death ride.


The switchback will make you crazy
Other rides that keep taking repetitive turns might cause dizziness and disorientation.


Beware of the bearded lady
Some other rides might not be suited for some people for various reasons.


Let me take my chances on the Wall Of Death
I am willing to take the risk of the Wall of Death ride as it provides me with the ultimate thrill.




Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: RICHARD JOHN THOMPSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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