Blue on Black
SHEL Lyrics


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Night falls, I'm alone
Skin chilled to the bone
You turned and you ran, oh
Slipped right from my hand

Blue on black
Tears on a river
Push on shove
Don't mean much
Joker on jack
Match on a fire
Cold on ice
Dead man's touch

Whisper on a scream
Doesn't change a thing
It won’t bring you back

Blue on black

Blue on black
Tears on a river
Push on shove
Don't mean much
Joker on jack
Match on a fire
Cold on ice
Dead man's touch

Whisper on a scream
Doesn't change a thing
It won’t bring you back

Blue on black (Mmmm)



Black
Blue on black

Blue on black

Overall Meaning

In the song "Blue on Black" by SHEL, the lyrics depict a sense of loneliness and despair as the singer navigates the aftermath of a relationship ending abruptly. The opening lines set a somber tone, with the singer feeling isolated and abandoned as the night falls and they find themselves alone, their skin chilled to the bone. The imagery of someone slipping right out of their grasp conveys a sense of helplessness and loss, as if the person they cared for has disappeared without warning or explanation.


The recurring refrain of "Blue on black, tears on a river" symbolizes the depth of emotion and pain experienced in the wake of this breakup. The juxtaposition of colors like blue and black with elements like tears and a river suggests a blending of sorrow and darkness, with emotions running deep like a river that cannot be easily crossed. The comparison of "push on shove" and "Joker on jack" conveys a sense of conflict and unpredictability, highlighting the tumultuous nature of relationships and the challenges faced in trying to make sense of it all.


The repeated mention of "whisper on a scream" alludes to the futility of trying to change what has already transpired. Despite the inner turmoil and desperation to turn back time, the reality remains unchanged - the other person won't be coming back. The usage of stark contrasts like "cold on ice, dead man's touch" evokes a sense of finality and emotional numbness, as if the singer is grappling with the harsh reality of a love lost and the emptiness left in its wake.


Overall, "Blue on Black" delves into the complex emotions and struggles that come with heartbreak, painting a vivid picture of someone grappling with the aftermath of a failed relationship. The emotional depth and poignant imagery in the lyrics make it a powerful exploration of loss, regret, and the enduring pain of a love that has slipped away.


Line by Line Meaning

Night falls, I'm alone
Darkness descends, I am left by myself


Skin chilled to the bone
My skin feels cold, to the point of discomfort


You turned and you ran, oh
You turned away and fled, oh


Slipped right from my hand
You slipped away from my grip


Blue on black
Feeling sadness and loss


Tears on a river
Crying uncontrollably like a flowing river


Push on shove
Struggling and resisting


Don't mean much
It doesn't have a significant impact


Joker on jack
Deception and trickery


Match on a fire
Adding fuel to the flames


Cold on ice
An intense feeling of isolation and indifference


Dead man's touch
A chilling sensation, reminding of mortality


Whisper on a scream
Soft words spoken amidst a loud outcry


Doesn't change a thing
No matter what is said or done, it remains unaltered


It won’t bring you back
Nothing will bring you back to me


Black
Symbolizing darkness and despair




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Kenny Shepherd, Mark Selby, Tia Sillers

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@obellobellix5947

So dramatic and goosebumps.

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