The Working Hour
Tears for Fears Lyrics


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These things
That I've
Been told
Can rearrange
My world
My doubt
In time
But inside out
This is the working hour
We are paid by those who learn by our mistake
This day
And age
For all
And not for one
All lies
And secrets
Put on
Put on and on
This is the working hour
We are paid by those who learn by our mistake
And fear is such a vicious thing
It wraps me up in chains
Find out
Find out
What this fear is about
Find out




Find out
What this fear is about

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Tears for Fears's song "The Working Hour" seem to convey a sense of disillusionment and frustration, particularly in regards to the powerful forces that shape our lives. The lines "These things that I've been told can rearrange my world" suggest that the singer has been subject to some kind of manipulation or external influence that has uprooted their sense of order and stability. Furthermore, the lines "All lies and secrets put on and on" suggest that those in power are not always truthful or forthcoming about their intentions, and that they use their influence to maintain control over others.


However, the song also suggests that change is possible, albeit difficult. The lines "My doubt in time, but inside out" seem to suggest that the singer has some measure of control over their own sense of doubt and disillusionment, and that with time and patience, they may be able to overcome these feelings. The repeated refrain, "This is the working hour, we are paid by those who learn by our mistake" underscores the idea that through our struggles and failures, we have the opportunity to learn and grow.


Overall, "The Working Hour" seems to be a deeply introspective and poignant meditation on the ways in which external forces shape our lives, and the potential we have to overcome them.


Line by Line Meaning

These things
The advice I have received


That I've
Which I have received in the past


Been told
Has the power to change my worldview


Can rearrange
Has the ability to restructure


My world
My perception of the world around me


My doubt
My uncertainty


In time
Eventually


But inside out
Will change how I see myself


This is the working hour
This is the time we are expected to be productive


We are paid by those who learn by our mistake
Our employers benefit from the errors we make


This day
The current era


And age
The present time period


For all
For everyone


And not for one
Not just for a single person


All lies
All falsehoods


And secrets
And things kept hidden


Put on
Displayed falsely


Put on and on
Repeating over and over


And fear is such a vicious thing
Fear can be incredibly harmful


It wraps me up in chains
It constricts me and holds me back


Find out
Discover


What this fear is about
The cause of this fear


Find out
Uncover


What this fear is about
The root of this fear




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Manny Elias, Roland Orzabal, Ian Stanley

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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