In 2004, Iommi was ranked number one on Guitar World's "100 Greatest Metal Guitarists of All Time", and in 2011, ranked 25th in Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time". On 13 October (Europe) and 1 November (United States) 2011 Iommi's autobiography was published, entitled Iron Man: My Journey Through Heaven and Hell with Black Sabbath. On 9 January 2012, it was announced that Iommi had been diagnosed with early stage lymphoma.
Slip Away
Tony Iommi Lyrics
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What did it take for you to blame yourself?
There is no communication
Sooner or later better watch your health
Why have you been so temperamental?
I see that you suffer through demented eyes
Wanted to be experimental
It's all in the head, you wanna improvise
Don't you relate, oh anymore
Warm is the gun, the shadows fall
Don't wanna wait
Now who's the one who will protect you
You're losin' your grip and you are left to crawl
You need someone who will direct you
You're out on the edge and you begin to fall
Don't wanna wait, you can't recall
Don't you relate, oh anymore
Warm is the gun, the shadows fall
Don't wanna wait
Slip away, won't you make me understand
Slip away, how does it feel, how does it feel
Slip away, tell me 'bout your master plan
Slip away, how does it feel, how does it feel
Tell me about your revelation
What did it take for you to blame yourself?
There is no communication
Sooner or later better watch your health
Don't wanna wait, you can't recall
Don't you relate, oh anymore
Warm is the gun, the shadows fall
Don't wanna wait
Slip away, won't you make me understand
Slip away, how does it feel, how does it feel
Slip away, tell me 'bout your master plan
Slip away, how does it feel, how does it feel
I don't want to know you
You couldn't get much colder
So why do you think I'd follow
And you live in sorrow
Slip away, won't you make me understand
Slip away, how does it feel
Slip away, you gotta tell me 'bout your master plan
Slip away, how does it feel, how does it
The lyrics of Tony Iommi's "Slip Away" appear to be directed towards someone who is avoiding communication and not taking responsibility for their actions. The singer questions why this person is so temperamental and suggests that they need someone to direct them before they fall off the edge. However, the person in question seems to be resistant to opening up or sharing their thoughts and feelings, leading the singer to express frustration and a desire to slip away from them.
The chorus of the song is both pleading and curious, asking the person to make the singer understand their situation and their motivations. The repeated question of "how does it feel" suggests that the singer wants to empathize, but the lack of communication prevents this from happening. The final lines of the song seem to suggest that the singer has grown tired of trying to connect with this person, expressing a desire to distance themselves and move on from the situation.
Line by Line Meaning
Tell me about your revelation
What epiphany did you have?
What did it take for you to blame yourself?
What caused you to take responsibility for your actions?
There is no communication
We're not effectively exchanging information
Sooner or later better watch your health
Take care of yourself or face the consequences
Why have you been so temperamental?
What's causing your erratic behavior?
I see that you suffer through demented eyes
You're experiencing pain and misery
Wanted to be experimental
You wanted to try something new and different
It's all in the head, you wanna improvise
You're trying to come up with new ideas in your mind
Don't wanna wait, you can't recall
You're impatient and having trouble remembering
Don't you relate, oh anymore
You don't connect with others the way you used to
Warm is the gun, the shadows fall
Things are turning dark and dangerous
Now who's the one who will protect you
Who will keep you safe now?
You're losin' your grip and you are left to crawl
You're losing control and struggling to get by
You need someone who will direct you
You require guidance and assistance
You're out on the edge and you begin to fall
You're on the brink of failure and collapse
Slip away, won't you make me understand
Explain to me why you're departing
Slip away, how does it feel, how does it feel
Describe the sensations you're experiencing as you leave
Slip away, tell me 'bout your master plan
What is your strategy and vision for the future?
I don't want to know you
I have no interest in getting acquainted with you
You couldn't get much colder
You're extremely aloof and distant
So why do you think I'd follow
I have no reason to be influenced by you
And you live in sorrow
You're dwelling in sadness and misery
Contributed by Hudson T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
1stSaintsFan
I have been following both Glenn Hughes and Black Sabbath since the early 70's. I bought Trapeze's "Medusa" and Black Sabbath's "Paranoid" and had them on my Hard Rock Playlist for years. Playlist, yeah I had a really good Cassette Home Deck and a sweet car cassette player. Just took those LP's, recorded them and played in the car. Make great playlists like people have now being doing for years. Great Song!!!
Randall Brooks
Omg, seriously, why doesn't Tony Iommi say FUCK Ozzy Osbourne and make more music with Glenn Hughes! This is awesome/flawless!!