Twist
Simple Minds Lyrics


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Switch the light on
We can think it's dawn
Oh push along
Push along
Play a long song
I'm laughing at marine
Marine laughs back
Don't like those boys
Toy soldier boys
I'm lying in bed
You can play me fear
You can play me fear
Only rhythm I hear
You cut me up
With joys of life
I'm going somewhere
I'm going someplace
If caution is life
Then caution is sin
Contort contort contort
I'll win
These walls that close
Close in on me
Seductress shout
Seductress scream
Switch the light on
We can think it's dawn
Oh push along
Push along




Pray along
Play a long song

Overall Meaning

The song "Twist/Run/Repulsion" by Simple Minds, appears to be a stream of consciousness or a sequence of disjointed thoughts, with no clear narrative. However, upon closer examination, the lyrics reveal a sense of fear, anxiety, and unease. The opening lines "Switch the light on, We can think it's dawn" suggest a longing for light, possibly to fill darkness or shadows that have enveloped the individual, thereby causing confusion or misunderstandings regarding the time of day.


The fear and anxiety are further highlighted in the lyrics "You can play me fear, Only rhythm I hear," which depict a situation where an individual is dominated or controlled by fear, which interferes with their ability to perceive and interpret their surroundings. The lyrics also suggest the presence of an external force or an enemy, represented by the "Toy soldier boys" or the "walls that close in on me." The urge to "Contort, contort, contort" reveals the desire for transformation or escape, but ultimately "I'll win."


Overall, the lyrics to "Twist/Run/Repulsion" are challenging to interpret, as they appear to be fragmented and disconnected. However, a sense of underlying fear, anxiety, and the desire to overcome the oppressive forces lurking within the individual is prevalent.


Line by Line Meaning

Switch the light on
Let's illuminate what's hidden in the dark


We can think it's dawn
We can pretend the night is over


Oh push along
Keep moving forward despite the obstacles


Push along
Don't stop, keep going


Play a long song
Enjoy and savor the moment


I'm laughing at marine
I'm mocking the senseless repetition of war


Marine laughs back
The cycle of violence and destruction never ends


Don't like those boys
I dislike those who blindly follow orders


Toy soldier boys
They are mere pawns in a game they don't understand


I'm lying in bed
I'm paralyzed by fear and doubt


You can play me fear
You can manipulate me with your threats


Only rhythm I hear
All I can feel is the beat of my own heart


You cut me up
You hurt me with your words and actions


With joys of life
Despite the pain, life still has its moments of beauty


I'm going somewhere
I have a destination, a purpose


I'm going someplace
I'm leaving behind the familiar and venturing into the unknown


If caution is life
If living means always being careful and fearful


Then caution is sin
Then it's better to take risks and live fully


Contort contort contort
Twist and turn to escape the narrow path


I'll win
I'll find a way out, a way to freedom


These walls that close
These walls that suffocate and confine me


Close in on me
Are getting closer and closer, suffocating me


Seductress shout
The tempting voice that lures me into danger


Seductress scream
The fierce and irresistible force that controls me


Pray along
Find comfort and guidance in faith


Play a long song
Compose a meaningful and enduring legacy




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BRIAN MCGEE, MICHAEL JOSEPH MACNEIL, DEREK FORBES, JAMES KERR, CHARLES BURCHILL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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