Crazy Life
Toad The Wet Sprocket Lyrics
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He's in there and you're on the outside
Over Pine Ridge to Wounded Knee
Blood on the ground as far as you see
Crazy life
In the air I'm sensing a change of weather
In the end the path is clear
Does anyone remember here
Did you all think he'd just disappear
Crazy life
What have you done with Peltier
Who do you think you're taking away
Crazy life
In the air I'm sensing a change of weather
In the end the path is clear
Burying won't stop it breathing forever
Underground it takes to root, oh
Anyway, it don't seem right
He's in there and you're on the outside
What have you done with Peltier
Who do you think you're taking away
It's not over, it's not over
It's not over, over, over
It's not over, it's not over
Over, over, over
Toad the Wet Sprocket's "Crazy Life" is a protest song about the unjust imprisonment of Leonard Peltier, a Native American activist who was convicted of the murder of two FBI agents in 1975. The lyrics express the viewpoint that Peltier's imprisonment is a symbol of the larger systematic oppression of Native Americans by the U.S. government. The song begins by questioning the moral reasoning behind Peltier's imprisonment, highlighting the fact that he is on the inside and the rest are on the outside looking in. The lyrics then shift to Peltier's connection to other historic events, such as the massacre at Wounded Knee, where Native Americans were slaughtered by the U.S. military, and the upcoming change of weather, which could be interpreted as a sign of change, resistance, and hopefully justice. The lyrics ask a critical question of the listener: "Did you all think he'd just disappear?" - implying that the American government is trying to erase Peltier from history and make it seem like he doesn't exist anymore.
The second verse of the song continues to express confusion and anger at Peltier's imprisonment, particularly the fact that no one knows what has happened to him or why he has been taken away. The haunting line "burying won't stop it breathing forever" seems to be a rallying cry to keep Peltier's memory and story alive, even if the government tries to silence it. The song ends on a defiant note, repeating the phrase "It's not over/over, over, over" as a reminder that the fight for justice for Peltier and for Native Americans more broadly is ongoing and far from finished.
Line by Line Meaning
Anyway now, it don't seem right
Despite how things currently are, something feels off or unjust.
He's in there and you're on the outside
There's a sense of separation between the singer and someone else who is in a different situation or location.
Over Pine Ridge to Wounded Knee
Referencing specific locations, potentially with historical significance or in relation to a particular event.
Blood on the ground as far as you see
A visual of a gruesome scene, possibly a reference to violence or the aftermath of a tragic event.
Crazy life
A summary of how chaotic and unpredictable life can be.
In the air I'm sensing a change of weather
The singer perceives a shift or a coming storm, possibly metaphorical.
In the end the path is clear
Despite whatever obstacles may arise, there's a clear way forward or resolution that will be reached.
Does anyone remember here
A question posed to whoever may be listening, recalling a past event or situation.
Did you all think he'd just disappear
Skepticism towards the idea that someone could simply vanish or be ignored, potentially in relation to an injustice.
What have you done with Peltier
A specific reference to someone who may have been wronged or mistreated, with an implication that justice has not been served.
Who do you think you're taking away
Challenging or questioning the authority of those who may have taken control or made decisions that affected others.
Burying won't stop it breathing forever
Even if something seems to have been dealt with or hidden away, it will still have an impact or consequences.
Underground it takes to root, oh
Something that has been buried or hidden can still grow and have an impact, potentially in unexpected ways.
It's not over, it's not over
A repeated message that a situation or issue is not fully resolved or concluded.
Over, over, over
A final repetition emphasizing the ongoing nature of the situation or struggle.
Lyrics © O/B/O CAPASSO
Written by: DEAN V. DINNING, RANDEL S. GUSS, TODD B. NICHOLS, GLEN RICHARD PHILLIPS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
brandonedge
Anyway now, it don't seem right
He's in there and you're on the outside
Over pine ridge to wounded knee
There's blood on the ground as far as you see
Crazy life
In the air i'm sensing a change in weather
In the end the path is clear
Does anyone remember here
Did you all think he'd just disappear
Crazy life
What've you done with Peltier
Who do you think you''ve taken away?
Crazy life
In the air i'm sensing a change in weather
In the end the path is clear
Burying won't stop it breathing forever
Underground it takes to root
Anyway it don't seem right
He's in there and you're on the outside
What've you done with Peltier
Who do you think you've taken away?
Crazy life
It's not over...
Laurie Gadd-Mccabe
My late husband is with me right now. He knows that I love this song and when I hear this song my heart opens up and I feel so good.
Brian McDonald
Robin I hope your well.
And...
Bobby...
Your Brother is a good egg.
Miss you Both.
Happy Easter
Ray Meyers
My heart goes out to you mam..... That beautiful thought assures me that no one is alone out there. That some one is out there somewhere..... looking for you, caring about you.
Tom Kirsch
MUCH LOVE...
Andrea B
Ahhhh 💖💖💖💖
Will Hopkins
All the very best to you!
willfade 79
This brings back some of the best memories of my life just being young and hanging with my best friend who’s since passed away… It’s hard not to cry when I hear this song. It always overwhelms me and transports me back in time… Oh Anne. I’d never even heard of Toad the Wet Sprocket or Big Head Todd and The Monsters until you played them for me… I’m remembering now us being 20 and 21 in our bikinis listening to this song out by the pool!
🌹
DreamRoots College Consulting
When you say...Oh Anne...so revealing and heartrending.
Rum Coke
Im 54 and already so many great friends lost. RIP friends. Memories never die.
halleck3
Toad = one of the best and most underrated bands of the 90's. Or any time.