The Wild
Ultravox Lyrics


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[Repeat: x3]
Reap the wild wind

A finger points to show a scene. (Take my hand. Take my hand.)
Another face where mine had been. (Take my hand. Take my hand.)
Another footstep where I once walked. (Take my hand)
Take it all.
[Chorus]
You take my hand and give me your friendship.
I'll take my time and send you my slow reply.
Give me an inch and I'll make the best of it.
Take all you want and leave all the rest to die.

Reap the wild wind.

A footprint haunts an empty floor. (Take my hand. Take my hand.)
A fading coat that I once wore. (Take my hand. Take my hand.)
Oh, desolation where I once lived.
I have seen in times gone by.
I have felt a different shadow on the wall,
A stranglehold on a certain feeling.

[Chorus]

[Repeat: x2]
Reap the wild wind.

[Chorus]





Reap the wild wind.

Overall Meaning

The song "Reap the Wild Wind" by Ultravox has some enigmatic and powerful lyrics that can be interpreted in a few ways. The central theme of the song depicts the fleeting nature of time and how it can be merciless to people who don’t live in the present. The chorus lyrics, "Give me an inch and I'll make the best of it, Take all you want and leave all the rest to die" indicate that this life is full of opportunities, and those who want to make the most of it should seize the moment as there may not be another chance. This can also be interpreted as a warning to not be greedy and take everything, but leave things for others to enjoy.


The repetition of the phrase "Take my hand" throughout the song signifies the need for human connection and support when one is struggling to navigate life's trials and tribulations. The images of the empty floor, fading coat, and desolation symbolize the fleeting nature of life and how quickly it can disappear. The line "A stranglehold on a certain feeling" insinuates that one's attachment to certain emotions can strangle their ability to move forward and grow as a person.


Line by Line Meaning

A finger points to show a scene. (Take my hand. Take my hand.)
I offer you my help to guide you to a new world.


Another face where mine had been. (Take my hand. Take my hand.)
I want to share my experience and perspective with you.


Another footstep where I once walked. (Take my hand)
You can follow the path that I have taken.


Take it all.
Take everything that you need from me.


You take my hand and give me your friendship.
I value your companionship and I am willing to reciprocate it.


I'll take my time and send you my slow reply.
I will carefully consider your offer or request before responding.


Give me an inch and I'll make the best of it.
I can turn even the smallest opportunity into a great success.


Take all you want and leave all the rest to die.
You have the freedom to take what you need from this situation and disregard the rest.


A footprint haunts an empty floor. (Take my hand. Take my hand.)
I left a trace of myself behind, and I want you to know my story.


A fading coat that I once wore. (Take my hand. Take my hand.)
I am no longer the same person I was, and I want to show you who I am now.


Oh, desolation where I once lived.
I used to be in a dark place, but I have come out of it.


I have seen in times gone by.
I have experienced things in the past.


I have felt a different shadow on the wall,
I have been haunted by a different kind of fear before.


A stranglehold on a certain feeling.
I was once overwhelmed by a particular emotion.


Reap the wild wind.
Take advantage of life's opportunities and live fully.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CHRISTOPHER THOMAS ALLEN, MIDGE URE, WARREN REGINALD CANN, WILLIAM CURRIE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Gita Andani

Ultravox, one of the most important synth pop acts that sadly aren't as famous as they deserve to be.

Fritz Lange

I dunno, Vienna was reasonably successful.

David Meredith

I absolutely agree!! Great, underrated band!!

Paul Anthony

@Fritz Lange As was Dancing with tears in my eyes and various other top 20 tracks they were successful but I catch their drift as in maybe more top ten tracks midge had a number one on his own with "If I was" I had their hits Album The Collection back then. Incidentley in the UK Vienna was voted as the best song to not get to number 1 and number 2 instead famously kept off the top with "Shut uppa your face"

Maciej Tadaszak

What? They are. I'm from Poland, born in 86 and I know their songs since childhood.

srkbear1

They were in the UK. Who were always ahead of us musically here in America. This was top 40 in England when it came out, while we were being “dazzled” by “Eye of the Tiger” and the Flashdance theme here in the US. 🙄

8 More Replies...

Brett Terwilliger

Midge Ure's voice is so unique. There's a poetic vibe that was perfect for that genre.

eternal1blue

Very much

Green Eyes

It's pure new romantic, new wave and melancholic. I wanna dance, I wanna sing and cry at the same time. That's the real music. That is the best music.

where's Yaya

👏👏👏👏👏 you captured it exactly !!

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