Language
Tim Finn/Bic Runga/Dave Dobbyn Lyrics
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Oh I could be a victim
When my tongue won't move
You have tied with your heartstrings
When I needed you most
I couldn't find the language
When I needed you more
My hands truly tied
Yeah I know I'm a prisoner
When my tongue wouldn't move
You have tied with your heartstrings again
And when I needed you most
I couldn't find the language
When I needed you more
I couldn't say a word
When I needed you most
I couldn't find the language
When I needed you more
I couldn't say a word
One day a heap on the ground
Next day I'm so proud
Today I don't know, I don't know
Hey
Your hands are cold
That's why I try to contain you
Now my words are cursed
Ember from the ashes
One day a heap on the ground
Next day I'm so proud
Today, I haven't got a clue
Feels like a river of tears
Today I'm gonna dry these eyes
No
When I needed you more
Couldn't say a word
Couldn't say a word
These lyrics from the song Language by Tim Finn, Bic Runga, and Dave Dobbyn explore the theme of communication breakdown in a relationship. The singer is feeling trapped and helpless, with their hands metaphorically tied, unable to speak out and express themselves. They feel like a victim in this situation, unable to find the right words to convey their feelings to their partner, who holds all the control by tying them with their heartstrings.
The chorus repeats the same lines, emphasizing the frustration and powerlessness the singer feels when they needed their partner the most but were unable to communicate effectively. The bridge "One day a heap on the ground, next day I'm so proud, today I don't know" suggests the ups and downs of the relationship and their emotional state, with moments of confidence and happiness and other times of confusion and uncertainty. The final line "couldn't say a word" repeats the frustration and pain the singer feels, highlighting the importance of communication and the consequences of its absence.
Line by Line Meaning
My hands are tied
I am unable to act or speak freely
Oh I could be a victim
I am vulnerable to the situation
When my tongue won't move
When I am unable to speak up
You have tied with your heartstrings
It is because of you I am in this situation
When I needed you most
In the moment of my greatest need
I couldn't find the language
I was unable to express myself
When I needed you more
In a moment that required even more from you
I couldn't say a word
I was utterly speechless
My hands truly tied
I am absolutely helpless
Yeah I know I'm a prisoner
I understand that I am trapped
You have tied with your heartstrings again
You are the reason for my captivity
One day a heap on the ground
One day I may be at my lowest
Next day I'm so proud
Yet the next day I may be at my highest
Today, I haven't got a clue
I am lost in the present
Feels like a river of tears
I am overwhelmed by my emotions
Your hands are cold
You are distant and unfeeling
That's why I try to contain you
I am trying to keep you close
Now my words are cursed
My words are affected by your coldness
Ember from the ashes
The remaining spark of our relationship
Today I'm gonna dry these eyes
I will attempt to overcome my sadness
No
But
When I needed you more
In a moment that required even more from you
Couldn't say a word
I was utterly speechless
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MORGAN ZARATE, STEVE H. WHITE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind