Bouncing
Thompson Twins Lyrics


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You're the kind of person I could look at just to say I love you?
Or do you think the things I say are meant for someone else who's
Living high above you?
It's time for you and me to play

Come on give yourself away
Don't care what you say
It's time for you and me to play

Bouncing like a ball
Bouncing like a ball
These games we play are not worth anything at all unless we're
Bouncing like a ball
You're the kind of person I can talk to but never feel quite at home
And after half an hour realize that I would rather be on my own
I'm tired of playing hide and seek
Knock me off my feet
I never could see why the games we play were worth it anyway

Bouncing like a ball
Bouncing like a ball
These games we play are not worth anything at all unless we're
Bouncing like a ball
You're the kind of person I can talk to but never feel quite at home
And after half an hour realize that I would rather be on my own
I'm tired of playing hide and seek
Knock me off my feet
I never could see why the games we play were worth it anyway

You're wasting your time with useless resistance
I'm wasting mine by keeping my distance
But none of these games would be worth anything at all
If you and I were really bouncing like a ball
You're the kind of person I could look at just to say I love you
Or do you think the things I say are meant for someone else who's
Living high above you

Bouncing like a ball
Bouncing like a ball
These games we play are not worth anything at all unless we're
Bouncing like a ball
You're the kind of person I can talk to but never feel quite at home
And after half an hour realize that I would rather be on my own
I'm tired of playing hide and seek
Knock me off my feet
I never could see why the games we play were worth it anyway

Bouncing like a ball
Bouncing like a ball
These games we play are not worth anything at all unless we're
Bouncing like a ball
You're the kind of person I can talk to but never feel quite at home
And after half an hour realize that I would rather be on my own
I'm tired of playing hide and seek




Knock me off my feet
I never could see why the games we play were worth it anyway

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Thompson Twins' song Bouncing are open to interpretation but at its core, it seems to be about the complexities of human relationships and the importance of being genuine with one another. The lyrics suggest that the games we play in relationships are not worth anything at all unless we can be true and be ourselves with each other.


The opening lines ask the listener whether the singer's expressions of affection are meant for them or someone else living high above them. This is a common feeling in relationships, where we wonder if the other person is truly receptive to our feelings or if they have someone else in mind. The chorus speaks of bouncing like a ball, which could mean living life with joy and enthusiasm, being free to be oneself, and being in sync with each other.


The second verse describes the feeling of not quite feeling at home with someone else, even after talking to them for a while. The singer is tired of playing games and just wants to be knocked off their feet. This could mean being swept off their feet and being surprised by someone's genuine interest in them. The chorus is repeated again, emphasizing the importance of bouncing like a ball and being genuine with each other.


Overall, the song seems to be advocating for honesty and openness in relationships. The games we play may seem fun, but they are ultimately not worth anything if we can't be honest with each other.


Line by Line Meaning

You're the kind of person I could look at just to say I love you?
Are you the type of person that I can admire from afar just to express my love for you?


Or do you think the things I say are meant for someone else who's Living high above you?
Do you believe that the words I say are directed at someone else who is superior to you?


It's time for you and me to play Come on give yourself away Don't care what you say It's time for you and me to play
Let's have some fun and let loose, it's time for us to play and enjoy ourselves without worrying about what anyone else thinks.


Bouncing like a ball Bouncing like a ball These games we play are not worth anything at all unless we're Bouncing like a ball
We need to have an exhilarating time, like a ball bouncing and enjoying life. Otherwise, these games we play won't be worth anything at all.


You're the kind of person I can talk to but never feel quite at home And after half an hour realize that I would rather be on my own I'm tired of playing hide and seek Knock me off my feet I never could see why the games we play were worth it anyway
Although I can converse with you, it's never comfortable enough to feel right, and I still end up preferring to be alone shortly after. The games we play, such as hide and seek, do not make sense to me and are not fulfilling enough.


You're wasting your time with useless resistance I'm wasting mine by keeping my distance But none of these games would be worth anything at all If you and I were really bouncing like a ball
You're resisting for no reason, and I'm pushing you away instead of enjoying each other. But, if we were bouncing around like a ball and enjoying life, then these games and our time spent wouldn't be wasted at all.




Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ALANNAH JOY CURRIE, CHRISTOPHER HAMILTON BELL, JOHN ROOG, JOSEPH MARTIN LEEWAY, MATTHEW THOMAS ARTHUR SELIGMAN, PETER DODD, TOM BAILEY

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Paul Smith

"Bouncing"

You're the kind of person I could look at just to say I love you?
Or do you think the things I say are meant for someone else who's
Living high above you?
It's time for you and me to play
Come on give yourself away
Don't care what you say
It's time for you and me to play
.
Bouncing like a ball
Bouncing like a ball
These games we play are not worth anything at all unless we're
Bouncing like a ball
.
You're the kind of person I can talk to but never feel quite at home
And after half an hour realise that I would rather be on my own
I'm tired of playing hide and seek
Knock me off my feet
I never could see why the games we play were worth it anyway
.
Bouncing like a ball
Bouncing like a ball
These games we play are not worth anything at all unless we're
Bouncing like a ball
.
You're wasting your time with useless resistance
I'm wasting mine by keeping my distance
But none of these games would be worth anything at all
If you and I were really bouncing like a ball
You're the kind of person I could look at just to say I love you
Or do you think the things I say are meant for someone else who's
Living high above you
.
Bouncing like a ball
Bouncing like a ball
These games we play are not worth anything at all unless we're
Bouncing like a ball



All comments from YouTube:

Swedefunkygirl

Their very first album, A Product Of... (Participation), also have some great tracks! On Spotify since 2010: disc 1 in Box Set!

theScytheofGod

First single from these guys, been looking for it for years, literally. Excellent.

Eva Ceballos

Yes, I agree...Make Believe is very good. Another favorite of mine is All Fall Out from the album Quick Step and Side Kick, I believe that was the first album with just the three of them

RNW

'All Fall Out' is also my personal favourite of all their songs! You have exquisite taste x

Rich B

Definitely one of the stand out tracks on Set; 1'25" - 1'50" creates a really edgy but exhilerating feel with the squealing synth, increased time signature percussion & slightly menacing bass riff. Stick this with a good lyric that a lot of people can relate to and you've got a hell of good track. (Seek out the remix on the remastered album - very interesting take on this track!)

Eric White

I'm glad you've uploaded this Eva. Product of/ Set is a great CD. Some particularly good songs on Set. I liked the 7 piece Thompson Twins. Not sure who wrote the lyrics ( either Tom or Joe according to the credits) but they are pretty good, and the music is energetic. Coastline is another favourite of mine. I can also recommend the live version of Make Believe(Lets Pretend)

Brecon Walsh

Superb record never to be surpassed, a TT masterpiece!

John Rebstock

YEP....SET has got to one of the most under rated NEW WAVE albums of the early 1980's....there are 6 or 7 outstanding songs on this album.......THE Rowe, Fools Gold, Bouncing, Good Gosh, Living in Europe and ANOTHER FANTASY are all great

Swedefunkygirl

Love the album Set <3 ! Before the synthbass and drum machine ...! It's on Spotify since 2010, disc 2 on Box Set!

empire

Love this song so underrated

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