I Wish
Rose Tattoo Lyrics
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Drinkin' in a bar
Although his voice was soft and warm
His eyes were cold and har-ard
He spoke of Irish children
Knowing only war
I wish I could have know-own him better
I might have understood it a-all
Something to ease the pain away
I hear the voice of Poland
It's calling out to me
Sighing, crying, dying to be free-ee
Their streets are full of armour
Their eyes are full of tears
Must they live this life of sadness
For year-ears and years and years
I wish where was something I could say-ay
Something to ease the pain away
Something to ease the pain away
Mmm, mm-mmm
I wish I was a hero
Fighting for the rights of man
Wish I was a tribesman in
In the hills of Afghanistan
I wish I was a so-oldier
Fighting for the peace
Fighting down in El Salvador
Fighting insanity, inhumanity
I wish there was something I could say-ay
Something to ease the pain away
I wish where was something I could say-ay
Something to ease the pain away
Oh you know I wish there was something I could say-ay
Something to ease the pain away
I wish there was something I could say-ay
Something to ease the pain away...
The song "I Wish" by Rose Tattoo is a poignant plea for understanding and a desire to ease the pain felt by people affected by war and violence across the world. The verses describe encounters with people from different backgrounds who have all been impacted by the brutality of conflict. The first verse speaks of a man from Ireland whose voice may have been gentle, but whose eyes betrayed a deep sadness after experiencing the violence of war. The second verse describes the voice of Poland, whose people are crying out for freedom from oppression and expressing their hardship through tears. The third verse is a reflection on the desire to be a hero or soldier fighting for justice, and the need for greater efforts to bring peace and end the inhumanity of war.
The repetition of the phrase "something to ease the pain away" highlights the helplessness felt by everyday people in the face of war and violence. The singer expresses a wish to understand and offer comfort to those who are hurting, but recognizes the limitations of language and action. The song's haunting melody adds to the sense of loss and sorrow, as the chorus laments the lack of a quick fix: "Oh, you know I wish there was something I could say, something to ease the pain away." Despite the despair, the singer's voice is clear and powerful, and the song ends on a hopeful note that someday, somehow, peace may reign.
Overall, "I Wish" is a somber but stirring tribute to the impact of war on individuals and communities. Through its simple, powerful lyrics and emotive melody, the song asks us to see and feel the pain of people affected by conflict, and to work towards a world where peace is the norm.
Line by Line Meaning
Met a man from Ireland
I encountered an individual from Ireland
Drinkin' in a bar
He was consuming alcohol inside a drinking establishment
Although his voice was soft and warm
Despite his smooth and pleasant manner of speaking
His eyes were cold and har-ard
His demeanor and expression conveyed a distant, unapproachable nature
He spoke of Irish children
He discussed young individuals from Ireland
Knowing only war
These children experienced only periods of conflict and violence
I wish I could have know-own him better
I regret not having had more of an opportunity to become familiar with him
I might have understood it a-all
Perhaps, had I gained a deeper understanding of him, I could have comprehended everything he was trying to convey
I wish where was something I could say-ay
I desire to offer some kind of verbal solace
Something to ease the pain away
Words that might have alleviated his suffering
I hear the voice of Poland
I am made aware of the cries of individuals from Poland
It's calling out to me
Their plight is reaching my ears and attention
Sighing, crying, dying to be free-ee
They are experiencing anguish and desperation as they yearn for liberty
Their streets are full of armour
Their roads are lined with military vehicles
Their eyes are full of tears
Their expressions reveal deep sorrow and distress
Must they live this life of sadness
Must they endure such a bleak, despondent existence
For year-ears and years and years
This suffering is being prolonged over a protracted period of time
Mmm, mm-mmm
An interlude with no clear meaning
I wish I was a hero
I desire to be seen as a hero
Fighting for the rights of man
Engaged in the battle to obtain justice for all individuals
Wish I was a tribesman in
I wish to live as a member of a tight-knit, communal group within
In the hills of Afghanistan
The mountainous terrain of Afghanistan
I wish I was a so-oldier
I desire to be a soldier
Fighting for the peace
Engaged in conflict to secure a stable, peaceful future
Fighting down in El Salvador
Engaged in conflict within the Central American country of El Salvador
Fighting insanity, inhumanity
Fighting against extreme irrationality and a lack of compassion for others
I wish there was something I could say-ay
I wish to be able to say something of comfort
Something to ease the pain away
Words that might have assuaged a sense of suffering
I wish where was something I could say-ay
Reiterating a wish to express some form of consolation
Oh you know I wish there was something I could say-ay
Expressing frustration at the lack of meaningful words to offer
I wish there was something I could say-ay
Repeating the central desire to be able to offer a form of verbal support
Contributed by Logan N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Shiny Leather Boy
Great oldskool sound! AWESOME band, one of my favorite videos by these guys.
vinni dwyer
awesome tats how this song didnt get greater commercial recognition is beyond me. a classic
Werner Poeschl
Even though it wasn't the original line-up (was there ever a original line-up in Rose Tattoo???) but I loved and still love the album 'Southern Stars'. Yes, it's different but has a lot of great catchy riffs and great tracks.
Caitlin Etherington
I love this album..poles apart from the first few albums but great music, just about different stuff.
alan burge
my favourite Rose Tattoo song. A classic in many different ways as there is a story behind the song too. It's not just another loud angry rock band with an axe to grind. Not preaching just saying. Some people out there don't get or understand rock and roll which saddens me.
Mr. Z
Agreed. I loved this song when it came out, i still have the 6inch single, i knew it was a special song then as a kid, now i realise how much it actually is, it definitely brings out a tear or 2 in this old man now.
Bertrand Malkiewicz
A great classic. I am so grateful for the part about the communist-era Poland!
Steve Williams
R I P John Meyer, great guitarist, great guy. 😁
Emma Denton
My pop is the "irish man" actor in the film clip and my nan is sitting at the table! so funny to watch
Carlos Daniel 300
i love is song