Wish
The Cinematics Lyrics


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Your clenched-fist salute
Says “Fight! Fight the Power!”
But your charcoal suit
Says something different altogether

It says “i won’t dance when the banks collapse...”
So we better be careful what we wish for
Lost my job and my band
To the laying of a hand
I’ve still got my love
But I’m not sure how much she’ll stand
And I don’t have your stone walls
To keep the wolves from my door

No, I won’t dance when the banks collapse
So we better be careful what we wish for
I’d love to see you when the streets are turning
I’ve love to be you when the whole world’s burning
I’d love to see your new world order
I’d love to be your new business model
I won’t dance when the banks collapse




I won’t dance when the banks collapse
Thom, can I sleep at your house?

Overall Meaning

The song "Wish" by The Cinematics is a commentary on the contradiction present within society, specifically regarding those in power. The clenched-fist salute is a symbol of resistance and a call for action against corruption and oppression. However, this apparent fight against the system is contradicted by the charcoal suit, which represents conformity and submission to societal norms. The lyrics suggest that those in power may act rebellious and anti-establishment, but in reality, they are only interested in self-preservation and protecting their own interests, even if it means ignoring the struggles of the less fortunate.


The singer has lost their job and their band due to the actions of some external force. They have managed to hold onto their love, but are not sure if they will be able to withstand the hardships that they are facing. The stone walls that the powerful have to keep them safe from the wolves at their door are not available to the singer. They cannot afford to dance in the face of collapse because it can be risky. The lines "so we better be careful what we wish for" refers to the idea that when we wish for change and a better world, we may not always be prepared for the consequences that come with it.


Overall, "Wish" is a warning against blindly following those in power and a call for individuals to be aware of the consequences of their actions and desires. It highlights the contradictions and hypocrisy of those in positions of authority and encourages us to look beyond the surface and question the motives behind their words and actions.


Line by Line Meaning

Your clenched-fist salute
Your physical gesture of resistance


Says “Fight! Fight the Power!”
Conveys your desire to fight against the authorities or those in power


But your charcoal suit
However, your clothing which we associate with the elites or the powerful


Says something different altogether
Is actually conveying a completely different message or hidden agenda


It says “i won’t dance when the banks collapse...”
This message is about your unwillingness to participate or enjoy while others suffer during an economic collapse


So we better be careful what we wish for
Therefore, we must be cautious about what we desire or wish for


Lost my job and my band
I suffered a loss of my livelihood and my passion


To the laying of a hand
To the action of someone else who laid me off or caused my loss


I’ve still got my love
Despite all the loss, I still have the one I love


But I’m not sure how much she’ll stand
But I am uncertain if my love will be enough to sustain us


And I don’t have your stone walls
I do not have your security, protection, or support


To keep the wolves from my door
To protect me from the dangers or hardships of life


I’d love to see you when the streets are turning
I would enjoy seeing you during some kind of social or political upheaval


I’ve love to be you when the whole world’s burning
I would love to experience what you experience, even if it means destruction or chaos


I’d love to see your new world order
I would like to witness your plan or vision for a new social, political or economic system


I’d love to be your new business model
I would like to be part of your new way of doing things or making money


I won’t dance when the banks collapse
I will not be happy or celebratory during an economic crisis or collapse


Thom, can I sleep at your house?
A request for a literal or figurative shelter from the upcoming storm




Writer(s): Ross Bonney, Ramsay Miller, Scott Rinning, Adam Goemans Copyright: Reservoir Media Music, Adam Goemans Pub. Designee, Scott Rinning Pub. Designee, Ramsay Miller Pub. Designee, Ross Bonney Pub. Designee

Contributed by Luke A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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