Rundgren is well known among his fans as being an electronic music revolutionary. His skilled production techniques, matched by his belief that he has ability to play just about any instrument at a mastery level, has allowed him to release some of the most honest and personal music of his time. Many of his solo albums, including Something/Anything?]' were made completely by himself. That is, he played all the instruments, sang all the vocals, did all of the recording, editing, mixing, and mastering.
Website: http://www.tr-i.com/
Core discography:
With Nazz:
1968 - Nazz
1969 - Nazz Nazz
1970 - Nazz III
Solo:
1970 - Runt
1971 - Runt. The Ballad of Todd Rundgren
1972 - Something/Anything?
1973 - A Wizard, a True Star
1974 - Todd
1975 - Initiation
1976 - Faithful
1978 - Hermit of Mink Hollow
1978 - Back to the Bars (live)
1981 - Healing
1983 - The Ever Popular Tortured Artist Effect
1985 - A Cappella
1989 - Nearly Human
1991 - 2nd Wind
1993 - No World Order
1995 - The Individualist
1997 - With a Twist
1998 - Up Against It
2000 - One Long Year
2003 - Can't Stop Running (live box set)
2004 - Liars
2008 - Arena
2011 - Todd Rundgren's Johnson
2011 - (re)Production
2013 - State
2015 - Global
2015 - Runddans (collaboration with Emil Nikolaisen and Hans-Peter Lindstrøm)
2017 - White Knight
With Utopia:
1974 - Todd Rundgren's Utopia
1975 - Another Live
1976 (released 2001) - Disco Jets
1977 - Ra
1977 - Oops! Wrong Planet
1980 - Adventures in Utopia
1980 - Deface the Music
1982 - Swing to the Right
1982 - Utopia
1984 - Oblivion
1985 - P.O.V.
2003 - Last of the New Wave Riders (live box set)
Flesh
Todd Rundgren Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
For no man wrote the law
They who would change the law just abuse it
Oh the law is the law
There is no justice outside the law
But if you know the law, you can use it
If you will, then you will
As your faith is so you are
Where your mind is there you are
Just as action follows thought
You can be whole again
Be healed again
And make your body follow
You are thy flesh and flesh will obey
You are thy flesh and flesh must obey
Whoa your life is your life
No one else can live your life
And the debts of your life
You must pay them
If a man knows the law
He gets help from the law
Only fools fear the law that can save them
The song "Flesh" by Todd Rundgren is a thought-provoking and introspective commentary on the nature of the law and our relation to it. The opening lines "Oh the law is the law, for no man wrote the law, they who would change the law just abuse it" imply that the law is an inherent and unchanging force in our lives, and those who try to bend it for their own benefit are doing so at the expense of others. This powerful statement is then followed by the idea that justice can only come from the law, and those who understand it have the power to use it to their advantage.
The lyrics then take a turn towards personal responsibility – "where your mind is there you are, just as action follows thought" – suggesting that individuals have the ability to overcome great obstacles in their lives through willpower and determination. This is further emphasized with the declaration that "you are thy flesh and flesh must obey", indicating that our bodies are subject to our mental and emotional states. The final lines of the song warn against denying the law, stating that "only fools fear the law that can save them."
Overall, "Flesh" is a introspective examination of the relationship between the law, the individual, and personal responsibility. The lyrics leave the listener with a sense of personal empowerment, suggesting that our ability to overcome life's challenges is within our own control.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh the law is the law
The law is the ultimate power that governs society.
For no man wrote the law
No individual has the authority to create laws without the proper channels and mechanisms.
They who would change the law just abuse it
Individuals who seek to manipulate or bend the law for personal gain are not respecting the rules set forth by society.
There is no justice outside the law
Justice is only attainable through lawful channels and procedures.
But if you know the law, you can use it
By being well-versed in the law, one can use it to their advantage while still following the rules.
If you will, then you will
One's determination and willpower can make a significant difference in achieving their goals.
For nothing can withstand your will
A determined person can overcome any obstacle.
As your faith is so you are
Believing in something can shape who you are as a person.
Where your mind is there you are
Your thoughts and actions are integrated, and what you think can influence how you behave.
Just as action follows thought
A person's actions are dictated by the thoughts and beliefs that they hold.
You can be whole again
Through faith, one can be renewed and made whole again.
Be healed again
With determination and a strong belief, one can be healed and recover from injury or illness.
And make your body follow
By changing your thoughts and beliefs, you can make your body follow and react accordingly.
You are thy flesh and flesh will obey
The flesh is obedient and subservient to the person controlling it.
You are thy flesh and flesh must obey
The person controlling their flesh holds complete power over their actions.
Whoa your life is your life
Every person is in charge of their own life and must make their own choices.
No one else can live your life
It is impossible for another person to live your life or make your decisions for you.
And the debts of your life
Each person is responsible for their own debts and must pay them accordingly.
You must pay them
No one else will pay your debts for you - it is your responsibility to address them.
If a man knows the law
Individuals who are familiar with the law and how it works can use it to their advantage.
He gets help from the law
By following proper legal steps, individuals can receive assistance and support from the law.
Only fools fear the law that can save them
Fearing the law will not help you, as it is only there to protect and serve individuals who follow it correctly.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: TODD RUNDGREN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind