Fragile
Sting The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra Steven Mercurio Lyrics
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Drying in the colour of the evening sun
Tomorrow's rain will wash the stains away
But something in our minds will always stay
Perhaps this final act was meant
To clinch a lifetime's argument
That nothing comes from violence and nothing ever could
For all those born beneath an angry star
On and on the rain will fall
Like tears from a star like tears from a star
On and on the rain will say
How fragile we are how fragile we are
On and on the rain will fall
Like tears from a star like tears from a star
On and on the rain will say
How fragile we are how fragile we are
How fragile we are how fragile we are
The song "Fragile" by Sting is a thought-provoking commentary on the human condition and the destructiveness of violence. The opening lines, "If blood will flow when flesh and steel are one/Drying in the colour of the evening sun," suggest the aftermath of a violent conflict, with the blood staining the ground and the sun casting a somber hue over the scene. However, the next lines, "Tomorrow's rain will wash the stains away/But something in our minds will always stay," imply that despite the physical evidence being wiped away, the psychological impact of the violence will remain with those who experienced it.
Sting goes on to propose that perhaps this violence is a result of a lifetime's worth of disagreements and conflict that could never be resolved peacefully. He argues that "nothing comes from violence and nothing ever could," implying that violence is a futile endeavor that only results in further destruction and pain. The final lines of the song drive the message home: "Lest we forget how fragile we are." This phrase is repeated several times, suggesting that despite our physical strength and resilience, we are ultimately vulnerable and delicate creatures.
Overall, "Fragile" is a powerful and introspective song that encourages listeners to reflect on the impact of violence and the importance of recognizing our own frailty. It is a call to action, reminding us that we must cherish and protect our own humanity and that of those around us.
Line by Line Meaning
If blood will flow when flesh and steel are one
When we use weapons and harm others, it eventually leads to bloodshed.
Drying in the colour of the evening sun
The result of these violent actions is visible and stays with us, just like the color of the sunset remains even after it has disappeared.
Tomorrow's rain will wash the stains away
While natural phenomena like rain can wash away physical stains, the impact of the violence on our minds and emotions will remain.
But something in our minds will always stay
The psychological scars from violence will never disappear completely.
Perhaps this final act was meant
The consequences of our actions, even if it's the last resort, should be considered.
To clinch a lifetime's argument
The final act of violence, which should settle any argument permanently, may not actually settle anything.
That nothing comes from violence and nothing ever could
Violence has only ever led to further violence and it can never solve any problem.
For all those born beneath an angry star
For those who are unlucky and face difficult circumstances in life through no fault of their own.
Lest we forget how fragile we are
We must not forget the delicate nature of human life and how easily it can be destroyed.
On and on the rain will fall
The rain which symbolizes the continuous and inevitable passage of time.
Like tears from a star like tears from a star
Rain is like tears falling from the sky, just like how stars shed their tears in the form of light.
How fragile we are how fragile we are
Our susceptibility to harm and our vulnerability is a constant and essential characteristic of being human.
Contributed by Declan A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.