Walls
T.R.Kelley Lyrics
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Let me ride on the wall of death one more time
You can waste your time on the other rides
but this is the nearest to being alive
Let me take my chances on the Wall of Death
You can go with the crazy people in the crooked house
You can fly away on the rocket or spin in the mouse
The tunnel of love might amuse you
Let me take my chances on the Wall of Death
On the Wall of Death
All the World is far from me
On the Wall of Death
It's the nearest to being free
Well you're going nowhere when you ride on the carousel
And maybe you're strong, but what's the use of ringing a bell
The switchback will make you crazy
Beware of the bearded lady
Oh let me take my chances on the Wall of Death
You are going nowhere when you ride on the carousel
And maybe you're strong, but what's the use of ringing a bell
The switchback will make you crazy
Beware of the bearded lady
Let me take my chances
Let me take my chances
Let me take my chances
T.R.Kelley's song "Walls" is about taking risks and feeling alive. The singer in the song asks to ride the "Wall of Death" one more time, indicating that they have experienced it before and want to feel that thrill again. The Wall of Death is a carnival ride where a motorcyclist rides around a wall that is perpendicular to the ground. It is a dangerous ride, and the singer emphasizes that it is the nearest to feeling truly alive. The other rides offered at the carnival are dismissed by the singer; they are not as thrilling or as much of a risk.
The singer urges the listener to take their chances on the Wall of Death rather than wasting their time on other rides like the crooked house, the rocket, the mouse, the tunnel of love, or Noah's Ark. Each ride is briefly described, but none of them are as exciting as the Wall of Death. Even the carousel, which is often associated with childhood joy and innocence, is dismissed as "going nowhere." The switchback is even called "crazy," and the bearded lady is warned about. The singer seems to be advocating for taking risks and living life to the fullest.
Overall, the song is about the desire to feel alive and take risks. The Wall of Death is used as a metaphor for the thrill of living dangerously, and the other rides at the carnival are seen as pale imitations. The song can be interpreted as a call to live life boldly and not be afraid of taking chances.
Line by Line Meaning
Let me ride on the wall of death one more time
I want to experience the danger of the Wall of Death, even though I may die.
You can waste your time on the other rides
The other rides are not as thrilling as the Wall of Death.
but this is the nearest to being alive
The Wall of Death is the most intense and exhilarating ride that makes one feel truly alive.
Let me take my chances on the Wall of Death
I choose to face my fears and try the Wall of Death, no matter the consequences.
You can go with the crazy people in the crooked house
If you want to experience a different kind of thrill, go to the funhouse.
You can fly away on the rocket or spin in the mouse
There are other rides that offer the illusion of flight or simulate being dizzy, but they cannot compare to the Wall of Death.
The tunnel of love might amuse you
The tunnel of love may be romantic, but it is not exciting or thrilling.
And Noah's Ark might confuse you but
The animal-themed Noah's Ark ride may be confusing or disorienting, but not exhilarating.
On the Wall of Death
The Wall of Death is a unique, dangerous ride unlike any other.
All the World is far from me
When I'm on the Wall of Death, nothing else in the world matters.
It's the nearest to being free
The Wall of Death is the only place where I feel truly free and alive.
Well you're going nowhere when you ride on the carousel
Riding on the carousel may be fun, but it ultimately takes you nowhere.
And maybe you're strong, but what's the use of ringing a bell
Even if you're skilled at the carnival games, it is a pointless accomplishment.
The switchback will make you crazy
The switchback ride can be disorienting or make you nauseous.
Beware of the bearded lady
Be cautious of the strange or unusual things you might encounter at the carnival.
Let me take my chances
I am willing to take risks and face danger to feel truly alive.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: RICHARD JOHN THOMPSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind