Going Blind
The Melvins Lyrics
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There is nothing more for you and I
Some are young and some are free
But I think I'm goin' blind
'Cause I think I'm goin' blind
And I know how it should be
Little lady, can't you see
I'm ninety-three, you're sixteen
Can't you see I'm goin' blind?
'Cause I think I'm goin' blind
And I know how it should be
'cause I think I'm goin' blind
And I know how it should be
You're much younger; can't you see?
There is nothing more for you and I
I'm ninety-three, you're sixteen
And I think I'm goin' blind
Yes, I think I'm goin' blind
And I know how it should be
The Melvins's song "Going Blind" is a poignant and melancholic reflection on the passage of time, aging, and the inevitability of death. The song opens with the singer acknowledging that he knows what it's like to face the end of his life, and that there's nothing left for him and his lover ("there is nothing more for you and I"). He goes on to compare himself to the young and the free, suggesting that he's no longer either of those things, and that he's coming to terms with his own mortality ("But I think I'm goin' blind").
One of the most striking elements of the song is the disparity in age between the singer and his lover. He describes himself as 93 years old, while his lover is only 16. This creates a sense of unease and sadness, as the two are clearly at very different points in their lives, and the singer is faced with the realization that he will not be able to share the future with this person he loves ("Little lady, can't you see / You're so young and so much different than I?"). Despite this, he cannot help but feel a connection to her ("'Cause I think I'm goin' blind / And I know how it should be").
Overall, "Going Blind" is a powerful meditation on aging, love, and loss. The song's stripped-down instrumentation and haunting vocal delivery give it a sense of deep emotional weight, and the lyrics are thought-provoking and poignant. It's a testament to The Melvins's talent as a band that they're able to create such a powerful emotional impact with such simple musical elements.
Line by Line Meaning
And I know how it's to be
I have experienced this feeling before and I know how it feels
There is nothing more for you and I
We have reached the end and there is no future for us together
Some are young and some are free
Some people are young and carefree, while others are burdened with age and responsibilities
But I think I'm goin' blind
I am losing my ability to see things clearly, both physically and emotionally
'Cause I think I'm goin' blind
I am convinced that I am losing my clarity of vision
Little lady, can't you see
I am addressing a younger woman who may not understand the consequences of our relationship
You're so young and so much different than I?
We come from different generations and have different perspectives on life
I'm ninety-three, you're sixteen
There is a significant age gap between us that cannot be ignored
Can't you see I'm goin' blind?
I am unable to see the future clearly, and our relationship may not be a wise decision
You're much younger; can't you see?
I am emphasizing that there is a major difference in age and life experience between us
Yes, I think I'm goin' blind
I am becoming increasingly certain that my vision is fading
And I know how it should be
I have a clear idea of how things should be, but my current situation is preventing that from happening
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GENE SIMMONS, STEVE CORONEL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind