The Crack-Up
The Black Sorrows Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
At the barrelhouse and bars
Big towers made of concrete
Starin' at the stars
This city and it's scars
Hope I ain't got long to wait
For the crack-up
For the crack-up
You might need a quick solution
It's time to make a stand
On this day of execution
Let's shake the holy land
Every woman every man
(J. Camilleri N. Smith – Rondor Warner Chappel)
The Black Sorrows's song The Crack-Up seems to speak to the idea of the struggles of life in a big city, with its concrete towers and scars, and the people who try to find solace in the barrelhouse and bars on the back streets. The lyrics suggest that the city can be a difficult and often lonely place, and the people who inhabit it are searching for something more meaningful out of life.
The song speaks of a potential "crack-up," or a moment of crisis, that could bring about change and possibly even redemption. The lyrics also suggest that this change may not come easily, but will require a "quick solution" and a willingness to "make a stand" in the face of an impending "day of execution." The song seems to be a call to action for everyone, regardless of gender or background, to unite in the face of adversity and work towards a brighter future.
Line by Line Meaning
You'll find em on the back streets
The people being referred to can be found on less popular roads
At the barrelhouse and bars
These people are usually at cheap/low-end drinking establishments
Big towers made of concrete
The city is known for tall and imposing concrete structures
Starin' at the stars
Despite being in the middle of the city, people taking a moment to look up at the night sky
This city and it's scars
The city bears marks of its past experiences with hardship and trauma
Hope I ain't got long to wait
The singer is eager for something to happen, and doesn't want to wait long for it
For the crack-up
The 'crack-up' is the event that the singer is anticipating
Hope you don't arrive too late
The artist wants to ensure that the person they address does not miss the anticipated event
You might need a quick solution
The situation may require immediate and smart action
It's time to make a stand
The situation requires someone to take a strong stand or position
On this day of execution
The event is happening in the present, with a sense of urgency and finality
Let's shake the holy land
The artist wants to create significant change in a sacred or revered place
Every woman every man
All people are involved and should be accounted for in the anticipated event
Contributed by Henry Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@MrKarlRugen
Drove all day from Medan to Sibolga in Sumatra in 1989 with three ozzies in a taxi listening to this album over and over. We were on our way to catch a funky old freighter out to Nias. No phones to look at then and no other distractions. Just laughing and talking and listening to music and taking in the beauty of the jungle and Indonesian villages pass by. Fell in love with this music that day and it brings back great memories now of my younger days… free to travel and surf
@jaymejams1
Lost classic. The Black Sorrows best song.
@modguitar190
This still cooks today 🔥🔥🔥
@KoolHandJuke
lately, before I even rise from bed, I start every day with this rabble rousing song. 👍👍😎😎👊👊
@borgy017
awesome song!!!!!
@Joe77man
great memories!
@KoolHandJuke
Joe77man 👍👍👍👍
They should tour US. We're in withdrawal of good music. They'd be huge in the south.
@rippedgenes1
You are officially a legend. About time. Cheers
@ellenscamnello3935
funky but nice and groovy
@nicolesmith5908
not too long now...for the crack up!