King of Pain
Sting feat. Lady Gaga Lyrics
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It's the same old thing as yesterday
There's a black hat caught in a high tree top
There's a flag-pole rag and the wind won't stop
I have stood here before inside the pouring rain
With the world turning circles running 'round my brain
I guess I'm always hoping that you'll end this reign
There's a little black spot on the sun today
That's my soul up there
It's the same old thing as yesterday
That's my soul up there
There's a black hat caught in a high tree top
That's my soul up there
There's a flag-pole rag and the wind won't stop
That's my soul up there
I have stood here before inside the pouring rain
With the world turning circles running 'round my brain
I guess I'm always hoping that you'll end this reign
But it's my destiny to be the king of pain
There's a fossil that's trapped in a high cliff wall
That's my soul up there
There's a dead salmon frozen in a waterfall
That's my soul up there
There's a blue whale beached by a springtime's ebb
That's my soul up there
There's a butterfly trapped in a spider's web
That's my soul up there
I have stood here before inside the pouring rain
With the world turning circles running 'round my brain
I guess I'm always hoping that you'll end this reign
But it's my destiny to be the king of pain
There's a king on a throne with his eyes torn out
There's a blind man looking for a shadow of doubt
There's a rich man sleeping on a golden bed
There's a skeleton choking on a crust of bread
King of pain
There's a red fox torn by a huntsman's pack
That's my soul up there
There's a black-winged gull with a broken back
That's my soul up there
There's a little black spot on the sun today
It's the same old thing as yesterday
I have stood here before in the pouring rain
With the world turning circles running 'round my brain
I guess I always thought you could end this reign
But it's my destiny to be the king of pain
King of pain
King of pain
King of pain
I'll always be king of pain
The lyrics of Sting feat. Lady Gaga's song King of Pain are an elaborate expression of the complex emotions of longing and suffering experienced by someone who is haunted by the memories of a failed relationship. The opening lines of the song set the tone by presenting a powerful metaphor of the little black spot on the sun. This spot is a symbol of the singer's hurt and pain, which is always present and recurring like the daily cycle of the sun. He sees himself as the king of pain, a hopeless and tragic figure who is destined to suffer the consequences of his actions.
The song uses a series of vivid and surreal images, such as a fossil trapped in a cliff wall, a dead salmon frozen in a waterfall, a butterfly trapped in a spider's web, and a red fox torn by a huntsman's pack, to represent the singer's soul. These images suggest that he feels trapped and helpless, unable to move forward or escape the painful memories that haunt him. The refrain of the song, "I have stood here before in the pouring rain, with the world turning circles running 'round my brain, I guess I'm always hoping that you'll end this reign, but it's my destiny to be the king of pain," further reinforces the feeling of hopelessness and resignation.
Overall, King of Pain is a haunting and evocative song that captures the emotional complexities of heartbreak and the long, painful journey of trying to move on from a failed relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a little black spot on the sun today
There's a darkness or emptiness in my life
It's the same old thing as yesterday
I'm stuck in a rut, going through the same motions
There's a black hat caught in a high tree top
I feel like I'm trapped or stuck in a bad situation
There's a flag-pole rag and the wind won't stop
I can't find peace or stability in my life
I have stood here before inside the pouring rain
I've been through tough times before
With the world turning circles running 'round my brain
My thoughts are consumed by the hectic chaos of life
I guess I'm always hoping that you'll end this reign
I'm looking for someone to save me or make things better
But it's my destiny to be the king of pain
I'm destined to suffer and feel the pain indefinitely
There's a fossil that's trapped in a high cliff wall
There are parts of me that are stuck and unable to move forward
There's a dead salmon frozen in a waterfall
I feel like I've failed or missed opportunities
There's a blue whale beached by a springtime's ebb
I feel like I'm out of my element or stranded
There's a butterfly trapped in a spider's web
I feel helpless and trapped
There's a king on a throne with his eyes torn out
Power and wealth do not bring happiness or fulfillment
There's a blind man looking for a shadow of doubt
Some people are searching for something that doesn't exist
There's a rich man sleeping on a golden bed
Material possessions do not bring happiness or fulfillment
There's a skeleton choking on a crust of bread
Even basics like food and water can be taken for granted
There's a red fox torn by a huntsman's pack
I'm being hunted or attacked
There's a black-winged gull with a broken back
I feel like I'm broken and unable to fly or soar
King of pain
I am the ruler of my own suffering
King of pain
My pain is my kingdom
King of pain
I will always be in pain
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Gordon Sumner
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Paulina Wiejak
I come back here every time when I'm down, sad and lost. When I feel overwhelmed and burned out. This single performance has so much music in itself, experiencing it gives me new energy, pure joy and a sense of great beauty. When I feel happy this song helps me elevate my feelings to the next level. One of the BEST performances EVER!
Antoine Klum
Müde
Antoine Klum
Ich will dass Vivi und Aicha
Carrie Cashmore
This performance touches your soul! Just added it to playlist
ada
Im too
alecfed
Lady Gaga's voice and her energy is amazing and inspiring. This is one of my favourite performances from her.
pink sin
Brought tears to my eyes with the sheer brilliance of Lady Gaga and Sting! Does music ever get any better than this! There aren't the words to describe how wonderful this is to me!! I will love this always!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sean Concannon
Big Sting fan and I love Gaga's voice.....the girl can sing anything.......probably my favourite performance EVER!
NlHILIST
Gaga is quite possibly the most gifted and versatile female performer ever to step on stage. This woman is a wonder to behold. 🖤
Thelonious Coltrane
Gaga is great; BUT c'mon now..