Sharleen Spiteri (vocals, guitar), Ally McErlaine (guitar) and Johnny McElhone (bass) have survived all line ups.
Fade Away
Texas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You know I'm never what I seem
'Cause I don't worry about the future
My days, they pass just like a dream
Are you scared of what you're seeing?
Does it make me seem so cruel?
And now I'll ask you if I hurt you?
That's just something that I do
[Chorus]
If you don't listen to me
You'll stay the same
And you're just gonna fade away
Fade away
If you don't listen to me
You'll stay the same
And you're just gonna fade away
Fade away
Listen, hear the secret in my voice
Are you so gone that you can't hear?
Scared I forgot you for no reason?
Maybe that's what you can't bear
Give me more than words and gestures
Give me something I can keep
That's how you get to love forever
That's why you've gotta try and see
[Chorus]
If you don't listen to me
You'll stay the same
If you don't listen to me
You'll stay the same
If you don't listen to me
You'll stay the same
And you'll fade away
In "Fade Away," Texas sings about the importance of communication and attentiveness in a relationship. The lyrics suggest that the singer feels misunderstood by their partner and desires a deeper level of understanding and connection. The opening verses hint at the singer's complex and often changing emotions, as they suggest that they are never quite what they seem. There is a sense of vulnerability and insecurity here, as if the singer worries that their partner may not fully grasp the depths of their personality. However, rather than dwelling on this uncertainty, the singer seems to embrace the fleeting nature of time, seeing each day as a dream that passes by quickly.
The chorus then shifts to a warning, as the singer insists that failing to listen and understand them will lead to stagnation and ultimately fading away. There is a note of urgency throughout this section, with the repetition of the line "fade away" highlighting the stakes. The second verse continues this theme and seems to underscore the need for verbal affirmation and physical gestures of love. The singer suggests that words and gestures alone are not enough; they want something lasting, something they can keep. They plead with their partner to make an effort and try to truly see and understand them.
Overall, "Fade Away" is a poignant reminder of the importance of paying attention to one's partner in a relationship. It acknowledges the complexity of human emotions and the challenge of truly knowing and understanding another person. However, it also suggests that with effort and attentiveness, it is possible to build a strong and lasting love.
Line by Line Meaning
With every little smile do you know me better
Do my happy expressions provide you an accurate insight into who I am as a person?
You know I'm never what I seem
I have a lot of layers and you cannot judge me based on what you see on the surface.
'Cause I don't worry about the future
I live in the moment and do not fret over what tomorrow might bring.
My days, they pass just like a dream
Time goes by too quickly and life seems like a blur.
Are you scared of what you're seeing?
Does my personality or behavior intimidate you?
Does it make me seem so cruel?
Does it come across as if I am intentionally being harsh to you?
And now I'll ask you if I hurt you?
I need to inquire if I have caused you any emotional distress.
That's just something that I do
It is a part of my personality or nature to check in with people's emotions.
If you don't listen to me
If you do not heed my advice or warning.
You'll stay the same
You will continue as you are without making any changes or improvements.
And you're just gonna fade away
You will gradually lose your significance and existence.
Listen, hear the secret in my voice
Pay attention closely to what I am saying - there is a message I am trying to convey.
Are you so gone that you can't hear?
Have you become so deaf to my words that they do not register or make sense?
Scared I forgot you for no reason?
Are you afraid that I have unintentionally neglected you?
Maybe that's what you can't bear
Perhaps the thought of being overlooked is unbearable to you.
Give me more than words and gestures
I need more than just superficial efforts from you.
Give me something I can keep
I desire a solid, tangible proof of your affection or loyalty.
That's how you get to love forever
This is the key to a lasting, forever kind of love.
That's why you've gotta try and see
It is essential that you put in effort and experience things to truly understand it.
If you don't listen to me
If you continue to ignore my words or advice.
You'll stay the same
Your current situation, circumstance or life will remain unaltered.
And you'll fade away
You will slowly disappear and not have any lasting impact or influence.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JOHN MC ELHONE, SHARLEEN SPITERI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind