Stephen Lawrence ("Steve") Winwood (born May 12, 1948 in Great Barr, Birmin… Read Full Bio ↴Stephen Lawrence ("Steve") Winwood (born May 12, 1948 in Great Barr, Birmingham, England) is a British singer, songwriter, and musician who, in addition to his solo career, was a member of the bands the The Spencer Davis Group, recording the hit "Gimme Some Lovin'", Traffic, and Blind Faith. Winwood's commercial success waned during the mid and late 70's. He had a major hit with While You See A Chance in 1980. He had a career renaissance beginning in 1986 with the hit album Back in the High Life which produced hits such as Higher Love and The Finer Things.

Winwood released a new album "Nine Lives" on April 29, 2008, and started a tour with Tom Petty and others in May 2008.

Split Decision
Steve Winwood Lyrics

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Sometimes I think he knows too much
His confidence never needs a crutch
One man is a real one, the other wants to hide
One man has his mind made up, the other can't decide
By the time there's nothing left to choose
One man puts the fire out, the other lights the fuse

Sometimes I think I know too much

'Bout what goes on in the real world and such
Half of me is certain, the other isn't sure
One half has the symptom, the other has the cure
By the time there's nothing left to choose
One half has the answer, the other looks for clues

It's a fine line
A very fine line
Split decision
It's a fine line
A very fine line

Sometimes I think we've come too far
If we're lost and if not where we are
Half of us is easy, the other half is hard
Even though we do our best, we end up being scarred
By the time there's nothin' left to choose
One man puts the fire out, the other lights the fuse

It's a fine line
A very fine line
Split decision
It's a fine line
Split decision
Oh, it's a fine line
It's a very fine line
Split decision
It's a fine line
A very fine line

It's a fine line
A very fine line
Split decision
Oh, it's a fine line
Split decision
It's a fine line
A very fine line
Split decision
It's a fine line
A very fine line

It's a very fine line
Very fine

A very fine line
Very, very fine line

Overall Meaning

In "Split Decision," Steve Winwood uses a metaphor of two different personalities within one person to describe the inner conflicts and contradictions that many individuals face regularly. The song's lyrics suggest that we all have a "dark side" or a side that feels differently from our usual selves. In this state of conflict, one half of this person "knows too much" and is overly confident, while the other half is struggling with indecision and doubts. The latter half is looking for signs or "clues," while the former half has already made up its mind.

The song reflects on the difficulty of making decisions when both options have advantages and disadvantages. Steve Winwood also brings in a sense of societal conflict, suggesting that we are living in a world where there is a fine line that divides good and evil, right and wrong, easy and hard, and by the time there is nothing left to choose, one action would positively affect things, while the other would set things ablaze. The lyrics express our general feelings of doubt, confusion, and the inability to make a choice that is acceptable in today's world.

Line by Line Meaning

Sometimes I think he knows too much
The subject thinks someone else may have too much knowledge or understanding

His confidence never needs a crutch
The person being referred to is very self-assured and does not need help or support

One man is a real one, the other wants to hide
One of the individuals involved is authentic and genuine, while the other is a fraud or deceptive

One man has his mind made up, the other can't decide
One person is resolute and determined, while the other hesitates and is unsure

By the time there's nothing left to choose
When all options are exhausted and no alternatives remain

One man puts the fire out, the other lights the fuse
One person extinguishes conflict or avoids trouble, while the other instigates or exacerbates it

Sometimes I think I know too much
The singer is questioning their own level of knowledge or comprehension

'Bout what goes on in the real world and such
Concerning the happenings and details of the actual world and related things

Half of me is certain, the other isn't sure
The person expressing the dichotomy is divided and ambivalent

One half has the symptom, the other has the cure
One part is experiencing a problem, while the other possesses a solution

It's a fine line
The distinction or demarcation between the two positions is subtle and delicate

A very fine line
The division or differentiation is exceedingly narrow and tenuous

Sometimes I think we've come too far
The group or collective may believe that they've progressed too much or advanced too quickly

If we're lost and if not where we are
They are unsure about their location and direction, but cannot determine if they are lost or not

Half of us is easy, the other half is hard
Half of the people are amenable or relaxed, while the other half is difficult or complicated

Even though we do our best, we end up being scarred
Despite making an effort, they experience emotional or mental harm

Oh, it's a fine line
The situation or difference between the two options is precarious and uncertain

Split decision
The choice or decision is divided or contested

It's a very fine line
The minimal or slight difference between the two possibilities has significant consequences

Very fine
Extremely subtle or nuanced

Very, very fine line
The division or option is nearly imperceptible or indistinguishable

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Spirit Music Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: JOE WALSH, STEVE WINWOOD

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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