Deadline
Robert Palmer Lyrics


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When I get aroused, I can make a headline
When you play it loud, I can feel the bassline
I only caught a glimpse, I only saw your outline
Loved you ever since, I fell for you from behind

(chorus)
Running round barefooted
Gonna catch you up again
Running round barefooted
Gonna catch you up again

Too much alcohol, couldn't get your name right
Didn't care at all, seein' you in the daylight
When your daddy calls, I was on the breadline
Didn't care at all, see you at the deadline

(chorus)

Say hello, say hello

I've been sold on a long lost love that will never die
I've been told it'll die but I don't know when
Don't forget your goals, altering your hemline
No good for your soul, no good for your waistline
Look in your heart, look in your mind's eye
Tear it all apart, watch the fashions fly by

Say hello, say hello





(repeat chorus)

Overall Meaning

In Robert Palmer's song Deadline, the lyrics seem to be about someone who has fallen for another person and is desperately chasing after them. The first verse talks about how being aroused can make a headline, perhaps alluding to the excitement and passion that can come with romantic attraction. The singer also mentions feeling the bassline, which could be interpreted as being in tune or in sync with the object of their desire. They only caught a glimpse of the person, but fell for them nonetheless.


In the second verse, the singer mentions being too drunk to even remember the person's name, yet still feeling an intense attraction towards them. They didn't care about their financial situation, and seem to be willing to make any sacrifices necessary in order to be with this person. The chorus repeats the idea of running around barefooted and trying to catch up with the person, emphasizing the singer's desperation.


The final verse talks about being sold on a long lost love that will never die, but still not knowing when it will end. The singer warns the person not to forget their goals or change themselves for the sake of fashion, because it's not good for their soul or waistline. The song seems to be about someone who is completely consumed by their desire for another person and will do anything to be with them, despite any obstacles in their way.


Line by Line Meaning

When I get aroused, I can make a headline
My creative juices flow when I feel sexually stimulated, and I can come up with great ideas and headlines.


When you play it loud, I can feel the bassline
High volume levels force the bassline to reverberate through my body, heightening my senses and making me feel alive.


I only caught a glimpse, I only saw your outline
I only briefly saw you, enough to memorize how you looked, but not enough to know you properly.


Loved you ever since, I fell for you from behind
From that first glance, I've been in love with you – even though it was just your back I saw. You captivated me, and I am still mesmerized by you.


Running round barefooted Gonna catch you up again Running round barefooted Gonna catch you up again
I'll chase you with boundless energy, even if I have to do it barefooted. I won't give up on you.


Too much alcohol, couldn't get your name right Didn't care at all, seein' you in the daylight When your daddy calls, I was on the breadline Didn't care at all, see you at the deadline
I was too drunk to remember your name properly. Honestly, I didn't care much, even when I saw you soberly for the first time. When your dad asked me my profession, I was too poor to have a real answer, and I still don't care. But the moment the deadline to be with you approaches, I care so much.


Say hello, say hello
A simple greeting from you, the one I love, means the world to me.


I've been sold on a long lost love that will never die I've been told it'll die but I don't know when Don't forget your goals, altering your hemline No good for your soul, no good for your waistline Look in your heart, look in your mind's eye Tear it all apart, watch the fashions fly by
I'm in love with someone long-gone, but I'm also advised that this love can't sustain forever. I'm telling you to not forget your dreams, even if altering your body will help attain them. It's not good for your well-being! Rather, look inward, and see what truly matters, let go of the superficial, and watch life unfold.


Running round barefooted Gonna catch you up again Running round barefooted Gonna catch you up again
I'll keep chasing you with boundless energy, even if I have to do it barefooted. I won't give up on you.




Contributed by Emma L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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