When We Die
Tricky (feat. Martina Topley-BIrd) Lyrics
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I don't die young, not like Michael
My friend's psycho, so, I might go lie low
So, where do I go, where do I go?
Fun trips, she's wearing lycro
Where do we go, where do we go
When we die, then we lie low?
Twins apart, faded grey
Is it like that dream I had?
And you are here like a dream
Where did you go, where did you go?
Why did you leave?
What do you need, what do you need?
Now you go, I hardly breathe
What do you see, what do you see?
I think of you and waste my day
So, where do we go, where do we go
When we die, then we lay low?
How can you somewhat say?
Twins apart, faded grey
Is it like that dream I had?
And you are here like a dream
How can you somewhat say?
Twins apart, faded grey
Is it like that dream I had?
And you are here like a dream
How can you somewhat say?
Twins apart, faded grey
Is it like that dream I had?
And you are here like a dream
The lyrics of Tricky's song "When We Die," featuring the vocals of Martina Topley-Bird, appear to grapple with themes of mortality, lost love, and existential uncertainty. The singer of the song begins with a series of questions, seemingly directed inward: "Where do I go?" and "What do I do?" Their thoughts shift to Michael, the pop star who died prematurely, contrasting his experience with their own: "I don't die young, not like Michael." The mention of a "psycho" friend hints at a possible danger or need for hiding, which is reinforced by the question "Where do we go when we die?"
The singer next addresses a lost lover, asking "Why did you leave?" and "What do you need?" The lyrics suggest that this absence is deeply felt by the singer, leading them to "think of you and waste my day." The repetition of the chorus reinforces the sense of confusion and disorientation, with the dream-like imagery of "twins apart, faded grey" suggesting a sense of disconnection or absence. The final line of the song, which repeats the chorus in a slightly altered form, reinforces the sense of uncertainty with its open-ended question.
Overall, "When We Die" appears to use vivid imagery and existential musings to grapple with themes of mortality, love, and loss. Its dream-like quality and open-ended questions leave the listener with a sense of haunting uncertainty and introspection.
Line by Line Meaning
So, where do I go, where do I go?
Questioning where to go in life
I don't die young, not like Michael
Acknowledging that they will not die young like Michael Jackson
My friend's psycho, so, I might go lie low
Considering avoiding a friend who is behaving erratically
Fun trips, she's wearing lycro
Observing someone having fun while wearing athletic clothing
Where do we go, where do we go
When we die, then we lie low?
Contemplating what happens after death
How can you somewhat say?
Questioning the validity of a statement or idea
Twins apart, faded grey
Reflecting on a situation where two things that were once similar are now different
Is it like that dream I had?
Comparing reality to a dream
And you are here like a dream
Expressing surprise and amazement at someone's presence
Why did you leave?
Questioning why someone left
What do you need, what do you need?
Asking someone what they require
Now you go, I hardly breathe
Feeling suffocated and unable to breathe after someone leaves
What do you see, what do you see?
Asking someone what they are observing or noticing
I think of you and waste my day
Acknowledging that thoughts of someone can distract and consume one's time
So, where do we go, where do we go
When we die, then we lay low?
Repeating the question about what happens after death, with a slightly different phrasing
How can you somewhat say?
Re-emphasizing that the validity of an idea is being questioned
Twins apart, faded grey
Repeating the reflection on differences and changes
Is it like that dream I had?
Repeating the comparison of reality to a dream
And you are here like a dream
Repeating the expression of surprise and amazement at someone's presence
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Adrian Nicholas Matthew Thaws, Martina Gillian Topley-Bird
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@john4073
Please please continue producing material together Tricky and Martina. This is beautiful. Intoxicating and dark, you are simply magic together.
This is a brilliant mesmerising song. Fantastic video too.
@sarzbeth
I love Martina...she sounds like a dream
@bigornek
Back to basics, brilliant, the two voices still match together perfectly well
@auswitch
She offers si much
@akdev430
She’s amazing on her own, and I love her. I’ve been a fan since I was a young teenager in the 90s, when TripHop was born. I hate to actually admit this, but he was lost without his muse. There are a few good songs on the album that she’s not apart of, but the album generally suffered for it. Just my opinion for what it’s worth. No matter, I still love both Tricky & Martina.
@stephenking6585
P
@aurelioflocco3253
When a female voice sings with Tricky she is Tricky and viceversa. See for example "Hell is ' round the corner" video
@backontop23
Musical genius!I discovered Tricky's music through Massive attack seeing theirs "unfinished sympathy"on Mtv in 1995...I follow his every release since then and cant get enough of this unique dark style.Tricky a true master in his profession.
@fgrennie
I agree word for word!
@Eastsidechris
Me as well