Toe The Line
Steve Hackett - GTR Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
For letting things get this far
You get no thanks at all
It's just a double-edged sword
We try to keep ourselves detached
It's clear who holds the key
Drifting through the age of reason
Toe the line
It'll only hurt
What are you trying to hide
When you go swimming against the tide
You'd better toe the line
It's only going to hurt
What a waste of time
Trying to change their world
So toe the line
It seems like everything you went for
Disappeared like purple haze
Can we ever hope for justice
While bitter men hold nothing close to them
It was fixed before you were here
You'd better toe the line
It's only going to hurt
What a waste of time
Trying to change their world
So toe the line
It's an English custom
The lyrics to "Toe The Line" by Steve Hackett - GTR explore the frustration and disillusionment one can experience when trying to make a difference or bring about change. The singer reflects on their own naivety and regrets for allowing things to escalate to this point. There is a sense of resentment for receiving no appreciation or acknowledgment for their efforts, as if it's a thankless task. The phrase "double-edged sword" conveys the complexity and mixed outcomes that can arise from taking a stand or trying to challenge the status quo.
The song emphasizes the struggle to remain detached and impartial while facing the reality that certain individuals or groups hold the key to power and influence. The reference to "the age of reason" suggests a longing for rationality and fairness, but ultimately feeling weary and defeated as they find themselves washed up on the shore, symbolizing a feeling of helplessness or being cast aside.
The chorus urges the singer and others to "toe the line" despite the pain it may cause. Going against the tide or swimming against popular opinion is seen as futile, and the lyrics question the worth of trying to change the world when faced with resistant forces. The phrase "trying to change their world" implies a battle against an entrenched system that is difficult to overcome. The final line, "It's an English custom," implies a sense of resignation or acceptance of the oppressive nature of societal norms or expectations.
Line by Line Meaning
Sometimes you want to kick yourself
Occasionally, you feel regret and frustration towards your own actions or choices
For letting things get this far
Blaming yourself for allowing a situation to escalate to its current state
You get no thanks at all
You receive no appreciation or gratitude for your efforts
It's just a double-edged sword
The situation brings both benefits and drawbacks, presenting a dilemma
We try to keep ourselves detached
We attempt to remain emotionally uninvolved or distant
It's clear who holds the key
The person or group with control or power is evident
Drifting through the age of reason
Navigating through a period where logical thinking should prevail
Now your washed up on the shore
You find yourself stranded and abandoned
Toe the line
Conform to expectations or rules
It'll only hurt
Noncompliance will lead to negative consequences or pain
What are you trying to hide
Questioning the motives or secrets behind your nonconformity
When you go swimming against the tide
When you resist the prevailing or popular opinions or actions
You'd better toe the line
You should conform and comply
What a waste of time
Attempting to bring about change or make an impact is fruitless
Trying to change their world
Aim to alter the perception or values of others
So toe the line
Therefore, conform to societal expectations
It seems like everything you went for
All your endeavors or aspirations
Disappeared like purple haze
Vanished or dissolved mysteriously
Can we ever hope for justice
Is there a possibility to achieve fairness or righteousness
While bitter men hold nothing close to them
As embittered individuals keep their desires or possessions distant
It was fixed before you were here
The situation or outcome was predetermined or rigged
It's an English custom
This behavior or expectation is ingrained or traditional within English culture
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Dr. Bill
I love this song . Every-time I brought a woman home, and put this song on and played and sang it - Worked like a charm every time . 😂 I couldn’t hit them high notes now. I’d rupture a vocal cord.
tally mike
Timeless in 2019!
Pablodell
Muy atrás la voz... Igual las violas suenan lindo. Esto deberÃa sonar mejor!!! ES UN TEMAAASOO!!!!
derail14
great song,great band,by steve howe,and steve hackett.too bad it didn't make it past one album.the whole album was a master piece,not one weak song on it,i saw them live in pittsburgh,pa back in 1986,a awesome show.gtr will probably go down as the most forgotten,album,and band,what a fucking shame.
TheK2Networks
Am best rock ever...