Rising
Tim Booth Lyrics

The song "Rising" is a powerful anthem that celebrates strength and resilience in the face of adversity. The title itself is a metaphor for overcoming obstacles and soaring above them. The song starts with the repetition of "Rising" which creates a sense of urgency and determination. The first two lines of the song, "Rising--we're so bright we are blinding. Rising--somehow we keep reminding" suggest that the singer and their community are so powerful that they shine like a bright light, and even though they face challenges, they are able to persevere.

The third line, "Rising--grafted from a hybrid breed. Survivalist unique and hard as concrete" refers to the fact that the singer and their community are made up of people who come from diverse backgrounds but have come together to create a strong and resilient group. They have a unique blend of skills and talents, and they are as hard as concrete in terms of their ability to withstand challenges. The chorus, "Haven't you heard cream rises to the top. I hope you know we ain't never gonna stop" highlights the idea that the community is destined for success, as the best will always rise to the top.

The second verse of the song starts off by pointing out a problem with the music industry, where bands are often just recycled versions of what has come before, with nothing truly new or original to offer. However, the singer and their community are breaking free and rising above this, as they create something unique and original. The lines "Breaking free up out of this cesspool" emphasizes this idea of rising above the challenges, particularly those of the music industry or any other form of adversity one may face.

The song ends with the powerful repetition of "And I'm rising". The repeated phrase conveys the idea that the singer is continually rising, growing and developing, keeping up their strength and resilience, and that they are unstoppable in their journey towards success.