Imagining
Steve Hackett - GTR Lyrics


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I can’t see, I can’t sleep
I can’t swim, I can’t talk
Can’t write, I can’t count
Can’t fly, can’t play today

Take your things and run away
Grab yourself a holiday
Fix your nose and change your name
Thyroid eyes they diagnose myopia

A red light stomach ache
Relax, but don’t be late
It’s too loud I’ve disappeared
I can’t drink, I can’t tell the time

Epic hero Gilgamesh battling with a lioness
One man war against the odds
Spectacles that break because myopia

I don’t think that I can afford ya
You make me ugly, anyhow
I think I see a car before me
Or maybe I’ve just hit a cow

I've been out of touch again
From all that's happening around you
I've become a different man
Can't seem to stand still

It was all a big mistake
Once we were partners in crime
We went off our separate ways
Never performing in time, in time

Imagining (all the lies you were told)
Imagining (they were true, you withhold)
Imagining (is it real, or a myth?)
Imagining (in the world that we live)

You were still dependent on
Lovers on your terms, your terms
Could you entertain again?
Could you be losing your freedom, freedom?

Imagining (all the lies you were told)
Imagining (they were true, you withhold)
Imagining (is it real, or a myth?)
Imagining (in the world that we live)




Imagining imagining
Imagining

Overall Meaning

In the song "Imagining" by Steve Hackett and GTR, the lyrics convey a sense of confusion, dissatisfaction, and a longing for escape. The first verse sets the tone by describing the singer's inability to engage in various activities like seeing, sleeping, and playing. This suggests feelings of disconnection and frustration.


The following lines encourage the listener to run away and take a break from the mundane aspects of life. The mention of "fixing your nose and changing your name" suggests a desire for transformation or reinvention. The reference to "thyroid eyes diagnosing myopia" could be a metaphor for the ability to see beyond the surface and perceive deeper truths.


The second verse presents a mix of physical and emotional discomforts. The mention of a "red light stomach ache" suggests anxiety or stress. The line "I’ve disappeared" hints at a feeling of being overwhelmed or invisible. The inability to drink or tell time further emphasizes a sense of disorientation and being out of sync with the world.


The lyrics then shift to a reference to the ancient hero Gilgamesh battling a lioness, symbolizing a struggle against adversity or challenges. The lyrics suggest that this battle is hindered by the singer's myopia, implying a limited perspective or lack of clarity. The line "I don’t think that I can afford ya" may reflect a sense of worthlessness or inability to meet expectations.


The song then explores themes of disconnection and change. The mention of being out of touch and becoming a different person highlights a disconnect from one's surroundings and possibly a loss of identity. The line "partners in crime" alludes to a past relationship or shared experiences, which have now diverged. The lyrics imply a sense of regret or missed opportunities due to a lack of synchronization or alignment.


The chorus repeats the word "imagining" multiple times, suggesting a constant daydreaming or perhaps an escape into a fantasy world. It questions the truthfulness of the lies that have been told and challenges the perception of reality. The mention of losing freedom and being dependent on others adds to the theme of longing for escape or independence.


Overall, "Imagining" can be interpreted as a reflection on dissatisfaction, disconnection from reality, and a desire to break free from constraints. The lyrics explore themes of transformation, missed opportunities, and the power of imagination in navigating a complicated world.


Line by Line Meaning

I can’t see, I can’t sleep
I am unable to perceive things clearly and unable to have a restful sleep


I can’t swim, I can’t talk
I have lost the ability to swim and communicate verbally


Can’t write, I can’t count
I have lost the ability to write and perform basic arithmetic


Can’t fly, can’t play today
I am unable to fly and unable to engage in any recreational activities today


Take your things and run away
Pack your belongings and escape from your current situation


Grab yourself a holiday
Give yourself a break and go on a vacation


Fix your nose and change your name
Undergo cosmetic surgery and assume a new identity


Thyroid eyes they diagnose myopia
My eyes affected by myopia are attributed to thyroid issues


A red light stomach ache
Experiencing a stomach pain like a warning sign


Relax, but don’t be late
Take it easy, but make sure not to be tardy


It’s too loud I’ve disappeared
The overwhelming noise has made me feel invisible or insignificant


I can’t drink, I can’t tell the time
I am unable to consume alcohol and have lost the ability to read time


Epic hero Gilgamesh battling with a lioness
An allusion to the legendary Gilgamesh fighting a lioness, symbolizing a courageous struggle


One man war against the odds
A solitary battle against challenging circumstances


Spectacles that break because myopia
Glasses that shatter due to the presence of myopia


I don’t think that I can afford ya
I don't believe I can withstand the cost or consequences of being with you


You make me ugly, anyhow
Regardless, you cause me to feel unattractive


I think I see a car before me
I believe I perceive a vehicle in front of me


Or maybe I’ve just hit a cow
Alternatively, I might have collided with a cow


I've been out of touch again
Once again, I have lost connection or contact


From all that's happening around you
Unaware of or disconnected from the events occurring near you


I've become a different man
I have transformed into someone else entirely


Can't seem to stand still
Unable to remain stationary


It was all a big mistake
Everything turned out to be a significant error


Once we were partners in crime
We used to be complicit in illegal activities together


We went off our separate ways
We ventured in different directions


Never performing in time, in time
Consistently failing to act or achieve at the appropriate moment


Imagining (all the lies you were told)
Contemplating the falsehoods that were fed to you


Imagining (they were true, you withhold)
Considering the possibility that those lies were actually true and keeping them secret


Imagining (is it real, or a myth?)
Pondering whether a certain situation or concept is factual or merely fictional


Imagining (in the world that we live)
Envisioning a certain scenario within the reality we presently inhabit


You were still dependent on
You were still relying on or needing


Lovers on your terms, your terms
Romantic partners who conform to your specific demands or conditions


Could you entertain again?
Are you able to captivate or amuse once more?


Could you be losing your freedom, freedom?
Is it possible that you are gradually losing your liberty or autonomy?


Imagining (all the lies you were told)
Contemplating the falsehoods that were fed to you


Imagining (they were true, you withhold)
Considering the possibility that those lies were actually true and keeping them secret


Imagining (is it real, or a myth?)
Pondering whether a certain situation or concept is factual or merely fictional


Imagining (in the world that we live)
Envisioning a certain scenario within the reality we presently inhabit


Imagining imagining
Continually creating mental images or scenarios




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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