Listen
Tears for Fears Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Mother Russia badly burned
Your children lick your wounds
Pilgrim father sailed away
Found a brave new world




Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Tears for Fears' song "Listen" are about the history of Russia and its people. The first line "Mother Russia badly burned" refers to the many wars and revolutions that Russia has experienced over the years, leaving the country in a state of chaos and destruction. The next line "Your children lick your wounds" is a metaphor for the resilience of the Russian people who have survived these hardships and are still fighting to rebuild and improve their country.


The second half of the song shifts to a more positive tone with the line "Pilgrim father sailed away, found a brave new world". This line is a reference to the European colonization of America and the search for a new life and new opportunities. The implication is that although Russia has been through a lot, there is still hope for a better future.


Overall, the song is about the struggles and triumphs of the Russian people throughout history. It acknowledges the pain and difficulties they have experienced, but also celebrates their resilience and the potential for a brighter tomorrow.


Line by Line Meaning

Mother Russia badly burned
Russia has been badly ravaged by war and destruction, leaving its people to suffer and bear the scars.


Your children lick your wounds
Despite the pain and devastation, the people of Russia remain steadfast and try to heal their nation from its afflictions.


Pilgrim father sailed away
The ancestors of the current generation left Russia in search of a better life and new opportunities elsewhere. They were like pilgrims embarking on a journey of self-discovery.


Found a brave new world
These pioneers discovered new lands, cultures, and ways of life that challenged and reshaped their understanding of the world. They were awestruck by the many wonders of the world.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: ORZABAL STANLEY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

@02Amigo02

This song is one of my strongest memory of my dad. He loved this music, he had great taste in music. When I was young we watched together concert of Tears for Fears and once he told me "please, let this music play on my own funeral". Unfortunately that day came, I lost my dad. This song accompanied him to heaven. Miss you Edson.

@oscarserranolopez443

Sorry for your lost! You will see him again bro!!

@lucianateixeiraferrazmenci7233

Thank you for sharing your story. God bless you and your father!

@cesarescobar8549

Adam Burdej iam a big fan off tears for fears and this is great son i was thinking the same as you dad i want this song when mi time comes i hope you dad rest in peace Good bless

@lizzyrose9503

this is so powerful thankyou

@andrerone8208

The song is very beautiful from beginning to end and it sends to give you a special meaning or a spiritual message and some kind of way shape or form of this you will see your dad but right now you have a lot of living to do and when that time comes you'll know so just live for yourself your wife and your kids and most of all your family is the most important thing right there and like I said just enjoy life okay God bless sorry for your life all the best😊❤🎶🎵🎼🎸

17 More Replies...

@annatsemekhman9732

It's sad how tears for fears are mostly known for their big hits but then masterpieces like this exist and don't get enough recognition

@williamloppes3485

Time change things change.

@crystaldenham7610

I agree 100%

@crystaldenham7610

Sometimes when I can't sleep,I play this song .it's a montra

More Comments

More Versions