The Light That Will
Stereolab Lyrics


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So terminal, unreachable

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so turn it on. . .
(la-la-la-la bum-bum, la-la-la-la bum-bum)
so turn it on. . .




Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Stereolab's song The Light That Will Cease to Fail have been subject to various interpretations. The opening lines are "So terminal, unreachable, or maybe so turn it on". The first interpretation is that the singer is talking about something that is beyond their grasp and understanding, something unreachable. Or maybe, they are suggesting that rather than giving up, they should turn it on and try to find a way to reach it. It might be a call to take a less passive approach to life and actively seek out opportunities.


The chorus is a repetition of the phrase "so turn it on la-la-la-la bum-bum, la-la-la-la bum-bum". The imagery is of flicking a switch, turning on a light, and starting something. This could be interpreted as an affirmation of life, a push to take charge of one's destiny and make changes. The 'bum-bum' can also be likened to the beating of a heart, emphasizing that the singer is urging someone to take action and live a meaningful life.


Overall, The Light That Will Cease to Fail seems to be a song of empowerment, urging listeners to take an active role in pursuing their dreams and chasing the things that truly matter to them.


Line by Line Meaning

So terminal, unreachable
The situation seems hopeless and impossible to reach or solve.


Or maybe so turn it on
Alternatively, perhaps the solution is to activate something or start something up, as represented by the metaphor of turning something on.


La-la-la-la bum-bum, la-la-la-la bum-bum
This is a refrain or repeated musical phrase with no specific meaning, but it could be interpreted as representing a sense of rhythm or pulsing energy.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY
Written by: LAETITIA SADIER, TIMOTHY JOHN GANE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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