A Sermon
The Police Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

When you reach number ten and think the struggle ends
But in the end it's only a trend
You have to unbend 'cause it's only a trend
Don't lose all your friends don't make heroes end

When you reach number eight it ain't no pearly gate
'Cause it won't satiate your growing appetite
You can ply your trade and push your crusade
Emancipate or indoctrinate, but the traps are all laid for any honest crusade

Your old values will fade as you struggle to make the grade
As you struggle to make the grade
You struggle to make the grade, you needn't bother

When you hear number four you're almost through the door
But there's a whole lot more you just can't ignore
The telephone's sure, you know the score
But don't let this uproar dissipate your encore

It's written in the news how you paid your dues
But you've no excuse for the people you abuse

When you reach number one you can beat your drum
Sack your roadies in Birmingham
When your record is platinum, you can stick it to the bath
To the wall like you've always planned

It's written in the news how you paid your dues
There's no excuse for the people you abuse

When you reach number ten
People you abuse, no excuse
For the people you abuse




You got no excuse
For the people you abuse

Overall Meaning

The Police's song "A Sermon" appears to be a commentary on the music industry, fame, and the trappings of success. The lyrics depict the various stages of fame and success one can achieve, from reaching number ten to reaching number one on the charts. The song outlines the dangers of losing one's values and friends along the way and becoming consumed by one's own success, leading to potentially abusive behavior towards others.


The opening lyrics caution that just when one thinks they have made it to the top, it's only a trend, and they must remain grounded to keep their friends and not lose sight of what is important. As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the climb to the top can be treacherous, and the traps are laid for anyone with an honest crusade or values. The "old values" will fade as one struggles to make the grade, but in the end, it's not worth the bother.


The lyrics suggest that reaching number one is not necessarily the end goal, as there is always more to achieve, and it's essential not to abuse others in the process. The final stanza of the song emphasizes that there is "no excuse for the people you abuse," regardless of one's success or fame.


Overall, the song's message seems to be a warning against the dangers of success and the importance of staying grounded, keeping one's values, and treating others with respect.


Line by Line Meaning

When you reach number ten and think the struggle ends
Don't assume the struggle ends when you reach the top.


But in the end it's only a trend
Success is fleeting.


You have to unbend 'cause it's only a trend
Stay humble and don't let success get to your head.


Don't lose all your friends don't make heroes end
Don't let your success change who you are and treat your friends poorly.


When you reach number eight it ain't no pearly gate
Success won't necessarily bring you happiness.


'Cause it won't satiate your growing appetite
You will always want more.


You can ply your trade and push your crusade
You can use your success to promote your values and beliefs.


Emancipate or indoctrinate, but the traps are all laid for any honest crusade
Be mindful of how your actions influence others, and be aware of the potential for traps and setbacks in your pursuits.


Your old values will fade as you struggle to make the grade
As you strive for success, you may lose sight of your original values.


You struggle to make the grade, you needn't bother
Don't worry about striving for success if it comes at the expense of your values and well-being.


When you hear number four you're almost through the door
Don't let the illusion of nearing success distract you from the work that still needs to be done.


But there's a whole lot more you just can't ignore
There are always more challenges to overcome.


The telephone's sure, you know the score
Don't let external praise or criticism dictate your worth or actions.


But don't let this uproar dissipate your encore
Stay true to your values and continue forward despite external distractions and noise.


It's written in the news how you paid your dues
Don't let external validation be your sole motivation for success, and don't forget the hard work and sacrifices it took to get there.


But you've no excuse for the people you abuse
Success does not excuse immoral or harmful actions towards others.


When you reach number one you can beat your drum
When you achieve success, there may be a temptation to excessively celebrate it.


Sack your roadies in Birmingham
Don't let your success be a reason to mistreat or disregard others who helped you get there.


When your record is platinum, you can stick it to the bath
Your success may grant you newfound freedom or power, but don't abuse it.


To the wall like you've always planned
Don't let success change who you are and how you treat others.


For the people you abuse, no excuse
Success does not excuse immoral or harmful actions towards others.


You got no excuse
There is no justification for mistreating others, regardless of one's level of success.


For the people you abuse
Don't forget the impact of your actions on others.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

Daniel


on Roxanne

Algum leitor sabe a letra de Saludos Caballeros ?
Até agora não conseguí !
daprendiz1@gmail.com

More Versions