My enemy
Thompson Richard Lyrics
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You came and snuffed out the flame
You thought you finished me off
But you just made me strong
Each time you dealt me a blow
Each time you brought me so low
I found something inside to help me along
How I need my enemy
Oh my enemy, enemy
How I need my enemy
Did I slight you in some little way
Or does hate help you get through the day?
One way or another, I'm happy your aim was so true
If the demons in you hadn't jarred
I would never have struggled so hard
The only thing now eating me is, what's eating you?
My enemy, enemy
How I need my enemy
Oh my enemy, enemy
How I need my enemy
My enemy, enemy
How I need my enemy
Oh my enemy, enemy
How I need my enemy
Now we're just two old men on the brink
Each waiting for the other to blink
If I should lose you, I'd be left with nothing but fate
As I see your life fall apart
I should smile but I don't have the heart
At the end of the day, it's still too much effort to hate
My enemy, enemy
How I need my enemy
Oh my enemy, enemy
How I need my enemy
The song "My Enemy" by Thompson Richard's is a powerful and introspective exploration of the meaning and purpose of having an enemy. Through the lyrics, the artist explores the idea that an enemy can be a source of strength and motivation, and that adversity can bring out the best in us. The opening lines of the song describe the moment when the singer believes they are winning the game, only to have their enemy step in and "snuff out the flame." However, instead of being defeated, the artist expresses that these challenges only make them stronger.
The chorus of the song, which repeats the phrase "How I need my enemy," further explores this idea of the importance of having someone to push us to be better. The artist questions whether they have somehow wronged their enemy and caused them to hate them, while also acknowledging that perhaps this hate is what drives them forward. The second verse is particularly interesting in its examination of the relationship between the artist and their enemy, with the artist expressing gratitude for the struggle that their enemy has caused them, stating that without it they "would never have struggled so hard."
Ultimately, the song recognizes that the relationship between the artist and their enemy is a complicated and twisted one, with both parties relying on each other in different ways. However, as the song concludes, the artist states that at the end of the day "it's still too much effort to hate," perhaps suggesting that despite the benefits that having an enemy may bring, it is not worth sacrificing one's own well-being for the sake of a rival.
Line by Line Meaning
When you thought I was winning the game
You tried to bring me down because you were jealous of my success
You came and snuffed out the flame
You tried to extinguish my passion and drive
You thought you finished me off
You believed that you had defeated me
But you just made me strong
Instead, your negative influence empowered me and made me more resilient
Each time you dealt me a blow
Every time you hurt me or tried to bring me down
Each time you brought me so low
Every time you pushed me to my limits
I found something inside to help me along
I discovered inner strength to overcome the obstacles you placed in my path
Did I slight you in some little way
Did I offend or hurt you unintentionally
Or does hate help you get through the day?
Perhaps your resentment and hatred towards me motivates you to keep going
One way or another, I'm happy your aim was so true
Whether intentional or not, your actions helped me become stronger
If the demons in you hadn't jarred
If you weren't struggling with your own inner demons
I would never have struggled so hard
I wouldn't have had to overcome so many challenges to get where I am today
The only thing now eating me is, what's eating you?
I'm curious about what's going on in your life that's causing you to act this way
Now we're just two old men on the brink
We've both grown older and are approaching the end of our lives
Each waiting for the other to blink
We're both still in competition with each other, waiting for the other to make a move
If I should lose you, I'd be left with nothing but fate
Even though I don't like you, I know our rivalry has helped me become who I am today
As I see your life fall apart
As I see the negative consequences of your actions impacting your life
I should smile but I don't have the heart
I should be happy about your misfortune, but I can't bring myself to feel that way
At the end of the day, it's still too much effort to hate
Despite everything that's happened between us, I realize that it's not worth the effort to hate you
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: RICHARD JOHN THOMPSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
mando3b
One of the most brilliant songs RT ever wrote. And that is saying something. He writes about subjects no one else ever thinks about. And on top of that, the guitar work is spectacular . . .
Arnold Nordwall
I just saw Richard in Santa Cruz, Ca. He played this song and I was stunned. It's got to be one of his best. The inferences are so deep.
good 'un
Don't let yourself be defined by your enemy!
"When you thought I was winning the game/ you came and snuffed out the flame/ you thought you finished me off/ but you just made me strong....each time you dealt me a blow/ each time you brought me so low/ I found something inside to help me along....
( chorus)...my enemy, enemy/ how I need my enemy/ oh my enemy, enemy/ how I need my enemy....
Did I slight you in some little way/ or does hate help you get through your day?/ one way or another, I'm happy your aim was so true/ if the demons in you hadn't jarred, I would never have struggled so hard/ the only thing now eating me, is what's eating you?....
( chorus)
Now we're just two old men on the brink/ each waiting for the other to blink/ if I should lose you, I'd be left with nothing but fate/ as I see your life fall apart, I should smile but I don't have the heart/ at the end of the day, its still too much effort to hate..... ( chorus)".
mingkee27
This is a good one. Trust me.
Ric Ellingson
Excellent