Reach up to the sky
I would but the sun's in my e… Read Full Bio ↴Reach up to the sky
Reach up to the sky
I would but the sun's in my eyes
Can you see the lightnin'
Can you see the lightnin'
Oh but why are you so frightened why?
Can you hear the thunder?
Can you hear the thunder?
Oh you lay back down and wonder yeah
Step out on the moon
Step out on the moon
There ain't nothin' but gloom
On the dark side
It's dark and forboding
It's dark and forboding
Oh my mind is overloading yeah yeah
Can you hear the thunder?
Can you hear the thunder?
Oh you lay back down and wonder
About things
Elements And Things
Tony Joe White Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Reach up to the sky
I would but the sun's in my eyes
Can you see the lightnin'
Can you see the lightnin'
Oh but why are you so frightened why?
Can you hear the thunder?
Oh you lay back down and wonder yeah
Step out on the moon
Step out on the moon
There ain't nothin' but gloom
On the dark side
It's dark and forboding
It's dark and forboding
Oh my mind is overloading yeah yeah
Can you hear the thunder?
Can you hear the thunder?
Oh you lay back down and wonder
About things
The lyrics of Tony Joe White's "Elements And Things" reflect a sense of curiosity and fear inspired by nature. The singer is inviting someone to look up at the sky, but acknowledges that the sun is blinding them. They question whether the other person can see the lightning and are puzzled by their fear. The thunder echoes in the background, but the person seems content with staying where they are and wondering. The second stanza takes a darker turn, as the singer encourages the listener to step out on the moon, only to be met with gloom and darkness. The mind becomes overwhelmed, and the thunder continues to roll in the distance. The song ends with an unspoken sense of uncertainty about the future.
Line by Line Meaning
Reach up to the sky
Attempt to achieve one's goals and aspirations
Reach up to the sky
Continue striving towards success
I would but the sun's in my eyes
Despite my ambition, there are obstacles preventing me from achieving my goals
Can you see the lightnin'
Are you aware of the danger or potential consequences of your actions?
Can you see the lightnin'
Do you recognize the opportunities that lie ahead?
Oh but why are you so frightened why?
Why are you hesitant or unwilling to take risks?
Can you hear the thunder?
Are you aware of forces beyond your control that may affect your life?
Can you hear the thunder?
Do you recognize your own power and potential to create change?
Oh you lay back down and wonder yeah
You hesitate to take action and instead contemplate the unknown
Step out on the moon
Take a bold step into the unknown or unfamiliar
There ain't nothin' but gloom
The future seems bleak and uncertain
On the dark side
In a negative or pessimistic mindset
It's dark and forboding
The situation seems ominous or threatening
Oh my mind is overloading yeah yeah
Feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to proceed
About things
Concerned about the future and uncertain outcomes
Contributed by Alexandra K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
MISTERXANDERSON
Thank you HBO, David Milch and Michael Mann for such an amazing show!
Nathan Clark
This song rocks! Why have I never heard of this band before? Why isn't this being played on the oldies stations?
raiin238
What a song!!!!Totally pulling me into the racing field!!!!
Kenneth Andrysiak
Owned the 8 track. Bought it after hearing “Polk Salad Annie” on the radio. Tony Joe never disappointed. This was probably my favorite track. Funky Swamp Rock at its finest. Grand group of musicians jamming up a storm.
Matt Pusatory
Thanks to Luck for pointing this one out. Amazing jam.
miles Jackson
Incredible song
CEEZEE
FKN song is the bomb!!! Awesome riffs and jams!
CEEZEE
Bring back this show!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Floyd Harrison
RIp TJW. Terrible loss. Leann , not let your heart be troubled. Love Ya'll
Emile Montiere
I was 18 going to a nightclub called The Penny Farthing in Southend. Happy memories of continental students staying with us. Hell what a time.