Crawl
Tribe Lyrics


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Smiley's sure there's no more tomorrow
Got put out with the trash at dawn-so long
Srniley's never beggar or borrow
A one without his pride is gone-all gone
But you know, but you know, poor smiley doll
But you know, but you know, poor smiley crawl

And the spiney fish are breaking the barrier
As he whispers to his loving son-hang on
And the radar dish lies dead on the carrier
Shares the secret only with his gun: Red
My one friend

Smiley knows the phone won't stop ringer
The ringer drum inside his hull--my skull
Smiley wants to make the world singer
The future sweet and magical--my skull

But you know, but you know, poor smiley doll
But you know, but you know, poor smiley crawl

And the spiney fish are breaking the barrier
As he whispers to his loving son-hang on
Then the danger wish goes up on scarier
As his fingers and his toes go numb-hang on
And the spiney fish have broken the barrier
He emerges as a better one-hang on
And the radar dish lies dead on the carrier




Shares the secret only with his gun: Red
My one friend

Overall Meaning

The song "Crawl" by Tribe is a complex and deeply introspective song that explores the internal struggles of an individual called "Smiley." The opening lines of the song immediately set a tone of hopelessness and despair, as the lyrics describe Smiley being discarded with the trash at dawn. This imagery sets the stage for a story of a man who has been cast aside by society and is struggling to find meaning and purpose in his life.


Smiley's character is described as someone who is proud and unwilling to ask for help, even when he is in dire need. The lyrics suggest that Smiley's sense of pride is all he has left, and without it, he would be lost. This theme of pride as a form of survival is echoed throughout the song, and it underscores Smiley's struggle to maintain his dignity in the face of overwhelming adversity.


The song's chorus is a poignant reminder of Smiley's vulnerability and his need for support: "But you know, but you know, poor smiley doll/But you know, but you know, poor smiley crawl." These lines speak to the idea that Smiley is a victim of circumstance, and he is forced to crawl through life, despite his best efforts.


The middle of the song is marked by a shift in focus, as the lyrics describe the "spiney fish" breaking through a barrier, and Smiley whispering to his son to "hang on." These lines suggest that Smiley's struggles are not unique and that there are others who are facing similar challenges. The reference to the "radar dish" and "gun" suggests a sense of danger and uncertainty, but also a sense of resolve and determination.


As the song progresses, the lyrics become more hopeful, with lines about Smiley wanting to make the world a sweeter place, and the possibility of a magical future. The final lines of the song underscore the idea that Smiley has emerged from his struggles a better person, and he has learned important lessons along the way.


Overall, "Crawl" is a powerful and insightful song that explores themes of pride, vulnerability, resilience, and hope. It is a testament to the human spirit and the ability to overcome even the most difficult challenges.


Line by Line Meaning

Smiley's sure there's no more tomorrow
Smiley is certain that there will not be any more opportunities in the future.


Got put out with the trash at dawn-so long
Smiley was thrown away like trash at dawn, signaling the end of his time.


Smiley's never beggar or borrow
Smiley never degrades himself by asking for money or borrowing from others.


A one without his pride is gone-all gone
A person who loses his pride has lost everything.


But you know, but you know, poor smiley doll
Despite all the difficulties, it's clear that Smiley is going through a tough time.


And the spiney fish are breaking the barrier
The difficult obstacles are being overcome by the singer.


As he whispers to his loving son-hang on
Despite the difficulties, the singer encourages his loved ones to hold on and persevere.


And the radar dish lies dead on the carrier
A piece of equipment used for guidance or direction has been destroyed, rendering it useless.


Shares the secret only with his gun: Red
The only way to reveal the secret is through a weapon, indicated by the color red.


My one friend
The weapon mentioned in the previous line is the only trustworthy ally and companion of the artist.


Smiley knows the phone won't stop ringer
Smiley is aware that the phone will keep ringing continuously.


The ringer drum inside his hull--my skull
The sound of the ringing is overpowering, deafening, and painful to the artist's head.


Smiley wants to make the world singer
Smiley's desire is to make the world more joyful, or musical.


The future sweet and magical--my skull
The singer believes that the future will be bright and enchanting, but it is also causing a lot of confusion and stress in his head.


Then the danger wish goes up on scarier
The sense of impending danger is getting more intense.


As his fingers and his toes go numb-hang on
The artist is losing sensation in his extremities, yet he encourages others to hold on nonetheless.


He emerges as a better one-hang on
Despite all the difficulties and obstacles, the artist becomes a better person, and perseverance pays off.




Contributed by Asher G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@elricthorean5235

Mon bon vieux groupe des années 90 !!

@metallica9207

the best band!!!

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