1- Previously known as The Setz, this punk band changed musical direction i… Read Full Bio ↴1- Previously known as The Setz, this punk band changed musical direction in 1982 and re-named themselves Silent Running. Members include Richard Collett (Bass), Peter Gamble (Vocals), Tony Scott (Guitars), Ian Gault (Drums) and Alex White (Keyboards).

They signed with Parlophone records in the UK and released three albums; 'Shades Of Liberty' (1984), 'Walk On Fire' (1987) and 'Deep' (1989)

After a long hiatus, the band reformed in 2020, playing several gigs in their native Belfast and recording an album of critically acclaimed new material; 'Follow The Light' in 2022. In the same year they supported Simple Minds in Belfast, reprising the pairing from the 1980s.

The band announced on their Facebook page that they will be releasing new material in 2024.

2 - Silent Running is a eurodance act produced by Christian Ruf, Johannes Uhl, and Matthias Krebs.
They recorded the single "Follow Me" in 1995.

Sticks and Stones
Silent Running Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Look in my eyes, what can you see?
Burning ambition trying to break free
Your tongue's like a knife, stuck in my back
Well I paint in colours but you'd still see black

But it's the price I pay
It's the price I pay
Every day

Sticks and stones can break your bones
But names will never hurt you
They told me bones
Sticks and stones can break your
But it never seems to ease the pain

But when you sleep, how do you dream?
Does the rhythm haunt you, the way it haunts me?
My time is short, my need is great
My passion's high, you're in my space
I'm in the shadows, I'm living in your shadow

But it's the price I pay
It's the price I pay
Every day

Sticks and stones can break your bones
But names can never hurt you
They tell me
Sticks and stones can break your bones
But it never seems to ease the pain

Well it's so hard to swallow
When your pride sticks in your throat
It leaves a taste so hollow
Like the words that you wrote
I have to choke

Music's the gift I try to unwrap
My secret lover, my fatal trap
'Cause no one is right, no one is wrong
It's just the same old hat wearing a brand new song

But it's the price I pay
It's the price I pay
Every day

Sticks and stones can break your bones
But names will never hurt you
They tell me
Sticks and stones can break your bones
But it never seems to, never seems to
Sticks and stones
Sticks and stones
Sticks and stones
Oh well, it never seems to ease the pain

Oh well, it takes it's toll
This kick inside

So if I lose control, hey, don't ya look surprised
Don't look surprised, surprised

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Sticks and Stones" by Silent Running describe the pain and struggle of trying to make it in the music industry. The singer talks about the burning ambition to break free, but also the constant criticism and negativity from others. The phrases "your tongue's like a knife, stuck in my back" and "my need is great, my passion's high, you're in my space" convey the feeling of being constantly watched and judged by others. The chorus repeats the childhood phrase "sticks and stones can break your bones, but names will never hurt you" but contradicts it with the line "it never seems to ease the pain." The singer acknowledges that while words may not physically harm them, the constant criticism and negativity still hurt just as much.

The lyrics also touch on the difficulty of balancing a love for music with the challenges of the industry. The line "music's the gift I try to unwrap, my secret lover, my fatal trap" suggests that while the singer loves music, it can also be a source of frustration and pain. The final lines of the song warn the listener not to be surprised if the singer loses control, suggesting that the constant pressure and negativity can take a toll on anyone.

Line by Line Meaning

Look in my eyes, what can you see?
I am ambitious and determined to succeed, and you can see that in my eyes.

Burning ambition trying to break free
My strong desire to achieve success is constantly struggling to break free from within me.

Your tongue's like a knife, stuck in my back
Your hurtful words and criticisms feel like a sharp knife being plunged into my back.

Well I paint in colours but you'd still see black
Even if I try to show my best self, you'll only see the negative side of me.

But it's the price I pay It's the price I pay Every day
Dealing with criticism and negativity is a constant struggle that I must deal with every day.

Sticks and stones can break your bones But names will never hurt you They told me bones
People have always told me that words only have a superficial impact and that physical harm is much worse.

Sticks and stones can break your But it never seems to ease the pain
Despite what people say, words can still have a lasting impact and cause me pain.

But when you sleep, how do you dream? Does the rhythm haunt you, the way it haunts me?
I wonder if the same negative thoughts and criticisms that haunt me also haunt you in your dreams.

My time is short, my need is great My passion's high, you're in my space
My time to succeed is limited, and I am passionate about achieving my goals, but your negative presence is in my way.

I'm in the shadows, I'm living in your shadow
I feel like I'm living in your shadow, constantly overshadowed by your negativity and influence.

Well it's so hard to swallow When your pride sticks in your throat It leaves a taste so hollow Like the words that you wrote I have to choke
It's difficult to accept and deal with your negative words and criticisms, and it feels like a heavy weight that I have to bear.

Music's the gift I try to unwrap My secret lover, my fatal trap
Music is an important part of my life and it fuels me, but it can also be a trap that keeps me from achieving my other goals.

'Cause no one is right, no one is wrong It's just the same old hat wearing a brand new song
There are no right or wrong answers, but people keep repeating the same things over and over again, even with new variations added.

Oh well, it takes it's toll This kick inside So if I lose control, hey, don't ya look surprised Don't look surprised, surprised
Dealing with all these struggles takes a heavy toll on my emotional well-being, so if I start to unravel, don't be surprised, as it's something that has been building up inside me for a while.

Contributed by Aaron E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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