The Gap
Thompson Twins 1984 Lyrics
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And I see for the first time just what you believe
I go down to the market where I can buy or sell
And listen to the chanting and all the lies the wise ones tell
They say
East is east, west is west
Two diff'rent colors on the map
a keep moving out into the gap
Beggars in the back street, there for all the world to leave
It's you that's begging for attention
Well it's all the same to me
And I won't ask permission, not from teachers or from kings
Cause I can see for myself all the pain that you will bring
They say
East is east, west is west
Two diff'rent rhythms to the rap
We say break the line, chew the fat
a keep moving out into the gap
They say
East is east, west is west
Two diff'rent colors on the map
We say break the line, chew the fat
a keep moving out into the gap
They say
East is east, west is west
Two diff'rent colors on the map
We say break the line, chew the fat
a keep moving out into the gap
Can you smell the perfume of a hundred thousand years?
Dare you look into the eyes that hide a hundred million tears?
But there's no need to be so frightened of all the figures in the night
Cause we share the same emotions and no one's wrong and no one's right
Cause they say
East is east, west is west
Two diff'rent colors on the map
We say break the line, chew the fat
a keep moving out into the gap
They say
East is east, west is west
Two diff'rent colors on the map
We say break the line, chew the fat
a keep moving out into the gap
They say
East is east, west is west
Two diff'rent rhythms to the rap
We say break the line, chew the fat
a keep moving out into the gap
"The Gap" by Thompson Twins is a song about cultural differences and the challenges that come with navigating them. The lyrics of the song detail the experiences of someone who wakes up in a new and foreign place, surrounded by people who have a different way of life and beliefs. The lyrics explore the idea of how people can be divided by their cultural differences, how they see things differently and the implications that these differences can have on society.
The song highlights that while some people may view cultural differences as a threat, there is also an opportunity to embrace and learn from these differences. The lyrics of "The Gap" convey the idea that people should break down boundaries and seek to understand each other. There's harmony in diversity, and it's essential that people learn to embrace the many different cultures that make up the world. This song conveys a message of empathy and open-mindedness, urging people to keep moving forward and break the lines that set us apart.
Line by Line Meaning
Wake up in a strange land, one of forty thieves
Awaken in an unfamiliar place, surrounded by dishonest people
And I see for the first time just what you believe
I finally understand your beliefs
I go down to the market where I can buy or sell
I visit the marketplace where goods and services are exchanged
And listen to the chanting and all the lies the wise ones tell
I hear the deceitful statements made by supposedly knowledgeable individuals
They say East is east, west is west
Some people claim that the east and west regions are fundamentally different
Two diff'rent colors on the map
They justify this by pointing out that they are visually different on a map
We say break the line, chew the fat, a keep moving out into the gap
However, we reject this notion and encourage crossing barriers and embracing diversity
Beggars in the back street, there for all the world to leave
Disadvantaged individuals in plain sight but ignored
It's you that's begging for attention
Ironically, you are the one craving attention
Well it's all the same to me
I am indifferent to your actions
And I won't ask permission, not from teachers or from kings
I won't seek approval from authority figures
Cause I can see for myself all the pain that you will bring
I am aware of the suffering you will cause
Can you smell the perfume of a hundred thousand years?
Can you sense the history and culture of a long-gone era?
Dare you look into the eyes that hide a hundred million tears?
Are you brave enough to witness the sadness of millions?
But there's no need to be so frightened of all the figures in the night
Don't fear unfamiliar things in the dark
Cause we share the same emotions and no one's wrong and no one's right
Because we all experience similar feelings, and there is no absolute right or wrong
Two diff'rent rhythms to the rap
Some say that the east and west have contrasting musical styles
Contributed by Bella A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Максим Чураков
Its wonderful: their music is still able to wake up my emotions of my 18 ears-old mentality !
Nicolás12
This was a great band. I think Thompson Twins was one of my favourite bands from the 80s. Thanks for sharing!.
Nicolás12
@empire It's definitely one of my favourite bands from the 80s.
empire
It is one of mine , So happy that I did get to see them in concert
G Dub
How can the audience just stand there? I'd be bouncing!!
RetroCaptain
That was pretty much how we were, back then. Guaranteed they were dancing in their minds. I think not having the free space to move around, kept us to just swing knees etc. I think it's being recorded for TV, they likely said 'keep it down'. Outdoor concerts, they'd be a lot less inhibited, and loud. Look at Teenage Head doing a concert. Polar opposite, and exact same time period as this.
52lvlv
It's summer 2018, and I'm seeing Tom Bailey LIVE in a few months (Culture Club & B-52s on the same bill). Needed this as a refresher on the clapping pattern for this tune - THANKS!!
Tina Lobo
If you only knew back in the summer of 2018 what the summer of 2020 would be like you would cry.
drzozzy
Equally as good as Living On The Ceiling by Blancmange and The Cutter by Echo and the Bunnymen! Long live 80s eastern tinged pop - Keep moving on into the gap!!!
jon hivark
This is an amazing, genuinely live performance of a uniquely innovative song. Many artists opted for lip sync in such venues. IMO this song cuts deeper than Blancmange's Living on the Ceiling. THANKS ❤