Fragile
Sting Gordon Sumner Lyrics
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Drying in the color 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
Lest we forget 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
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
Sting's song Fragile speaks about the fragility of human life and the impact of violence. The first verse discusses the violent act of flesh and steel coming together, with the bloodstains left behind. While tomorrow's rain can wash the stains away, the lasting impact on our minds will remain. The second verse suggests that the purpose of this violence is to show that nothing good comes from it, and nothing ever will. The final verse speaks to all those who have suffered under the burden of an angry star, reminding us of just how fragile we are.
The chorus of the song compares the falling rain to tears from a star, suggesting the universality of fragility in all beings. The repetition of the line "how fragile we are" drives home the theme of the song and reminds us that, despite our differences, we are all vulnerable to the consequences of violence and the fleeting nature of life.
Line by Line Meaning
If blood will flow when flesh and steel are one
When humans are thrust into violence and war, bloodshed is inevitable.
Drying in the color of the evening sun
The blood will have dried by the time the sun sets, leaving behind stains that show the brutality of the conflict.
Tomorrow's rain will wash the stains away
Although the blood may be washed away by the rain, the memory of what happened will remain.
But something in our minds will always stay
The trauma of violent conflict will stay with people, even if the physical evidence is erased.
Perhaps this final act was meant
Maybe the purpose of the violence was to resolve a long-standing disagreement.
To clinch a lifetime's argument
To bring about a final resolution to an argument that has been ongoing for years.
That nothing comes from violence and nothing ever could
Violence and conflict never lead to a true and lasting resolution of differences.
For all those born beneath an angry star
This message is for everyone who is born into a world where there is so much anger and violence.
Lest we forget how fragile we are
We must remember that all humans are vulnerable and fragile, and that violence only makes this more apparent.
On and on the rain will fall
The rain symbolizes the continuing passage of time, and the persistence of memories and emotions.
Like tears from a star
The rain seems to come from an otherworldly source, as though it is from the heavens or the beyond.
On and on the rain will say
The rain seems to be a voice or a message that continues, reminding us of our vulnerability.
How fragile we are
The song's central message is reiterated: humans are fragile and vulnerable, and violence only reminds us of this fact.
How fragile we are
The song's final line is a haunting reminder of our own mortality and the fleeting nature of human existence.
How fragile we are
The repetition of this line underscores its importance, and the deep sense of meaning it holds for the human experience.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: GORDON SUMNER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind