clarity of mind
Spy vs. Spy Lyrics


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Been years gone by
I've just abused my mind
My body's paid the price
Come to a fork
I can go up and down
Or use my mouth too much
Oh lord, protect my words
Reality's a matter of a clarity of mind

Take the things away
I like the look of that
And makes my mouth water
Lift in the air
All the things i've said
You know they don't all add
Now who's a moddle head

Clarity of mind

Been years gone by
I've just abused my mind
My body's paid the price
Come to a fork
I can go up and down




Or use my mouth too much
Oh lord, protect my words

Overall Meaning

The song "Clarity of Mind" by Spy vs. Spy talks about the consequences of not taking care of one's mind and body. The lyrics suggest that the singer has been through a lot in the past and has "abused [their] mind," leading to their body "paying the price." The singer comes to a fork in the road where they can either go up or down or "use [their] mouth too much," indicating that they might have been engaging in unhealthy behaviors such as talking too much or using substances. The lyrics then pivot to a plea for protection of the singer's words, suggesting that they are aware of the harm that can come from careless speech.


The chorus, "Reality's a matter of a clarity of mind," is the central message of the song. The singer recognizes that their current reality is a result of not taking care of their mind and body. They understand that having a clear mind is essential to perceive reality as it is.


The repetition of "Clarity of Mind" throughout the song reinforces the central message of the importance of having a clear mind. The song ends with the same lyrics that begin it, bringing the narrative full circle.


Line by Line Meaning

Been years gone by
It has been a long time since...


I've just abused my mind
I have mistreated my mental health


My body's paid the price
My physical health has suffered as a result


Come to a fork
I have reached a point where I must make a decision


I can go up and down
I have two options with opposite consequences


Or use my mouth too much
I could potentially make things worse by speaking too much


Oh lord, protect my words
I hope my words are chosen wisely and well received


Reality's a matter of a clarity of mind
One's perspective on reality is determined by their state of mind


Take the things away
If I remove certain things from my life...


I like the look of that
...even though I enjoy them


And makes my mouth water
...they cause me to crave them


Lift in the air
When I review the things I have said in the past...


All the things i've said
...I realize they do not all align with my current perspective


You know they don't all add
Some of my past comments were foolish or misguided


Now who's a moddle head
I am now aware of how foolish I may have appeared to others


Clarity of mind
A clear mind provides a better understanding of one's own thoughts and the world around them




Contributed by Claire T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@carambola1980

Been years gone by
I've just abused my mind
My body's paid the price
Come to a fork
I can go up and down
Or use my mouth too much
Oh lord, protect my words
Reality's a matter of a clarity of mind
Take the things away
I like the look of that
And makes my mouth water
Lift in the air
All the things i've said
You know they don't all add
Now who's a moddle head
Reality's a matter of a clarity of mind

Clarity of mind

Been years gone by
I've just abused my mind
My body's paid the price
Come to a fork
I can go up and down
Or use my mouth too much
Oh lord, protect my words
Reality's a matter of a clarity of mind

Clarity of mind



All comments from YouTube:

@renanfavero3678

We Brazilians love all Aussie 80s bands, they are totally underated worldwide!! Everyone here in between 35-50y old, with a rock mindset, know the Spys, Australian crawl, Men at Work, Midnight Oil, Hodoo Gurus, Yuthu Indi and many others. I listen to these songs every fking weekend at home with my wife and my 7y old son who sing many of these anthems!!! Cheers to u all!!!

@jessechardworks

This is so wonderful to hear - Australia has produced some remarkable music over the years, and as an Aussie it makes me so proud to know that people around the world dig it too! RIP Mike <3

@ricardoguida8273

Eu também, meu amigo. Sou viciado no SPY VS SPY, além das outras bandas que você citou. Ouço direto. Tenho todos os CDs delas, com exceção do Yothu Yindi, que só tenho o CD Tribal Voice. São as melhores bandas do universo!

@MrAluiz76

Aussie Rock , it's savage....i love since 80's!

@frostlamberti

Another brazilian from 80's here confirming that information!

@andrerebelo2805

@@frostlamberti Hurray!!! É "nóis"!!!!

49 More Replies...

@isaiasfritsch

The band that has a bigger following in Brazil than in Australia! I'm a Brazilian living in Australia and was surprised to learn that almost no one knows the band here. Ask any surfer in Brazil, actually... don't even ask, you'll hear them blasting the Spies on their car stereos when going for a surf. Cheers to the Spies, Cheers to Surfing, Cheers to Brazil, Cheers to Australia!

@kathytukavkin2522

Nice!!! I'm an Aussie in Australia and I know the Spies, I've been listening since the 90s. It's 2022 and they're on tour this year.

@rogerioriva2179

Exactly...ou... exatamente bro! Cheers!!!

@eduardoligeiro2817

Absolutely right, i am brazilian, and since i was 16 , it is a top song throughout all generations !

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