Play This Game
Utopia Lyrics


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I could be jealous and grasping with greed
I could pretend that I want something I don't need
These are the things that go through my head
But then, I could be an angel disguised as a man
I could be the sun that shines in the midnight land
If you would only stand in my corner
Give that advantage to me
Don't you feel something?
You know what I'm thinking but
I can't set it free
We must
Play this game, take the prize
But not before you realize
That win or lose, it's all the same
Then maybe we can play this game
I can't remember the reason I'm here
Sometimes it seems like it's all out of habit or fear
Sometimes I wish I could just go to sleep
But then, I'll have a dream with a beautiful end
I'll wake up and feel alive, then I'm off again
If I could only keep your connection
Give me whatever remains
Then I might win you total liberation
But I can't break these chains
We must
Play this game
Let's pretend that we could never reach the end
For it would be a crying shame
If we can't learn to play this game
Stand in my corner
Give that advantage to me
Stand in my corner
Pull down a message with me




The answer that evades our brains
We only think we're wearing chains

Overall Meaning

In "Play This Game," Utopia highlights the internal struggle that we all face as we move through life. On one hand, we can be consumed with materialistic desires and possessiveness. It's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of things we don't really need and often ignore the things that matter most. However, on the other hand, we can be selfless and embody our best selves. We can be the light in the darkness that inspires and motivates others. The singer is caught in this dichotomy, and although they strive to be an angelic force in life, the material temptations are constantly pulling at them.


The singer recognizes that it's a privilege to have someone standing in their corner, giving them an advantage in life. They yearn for a deeper connection with that person, one that transcends the chains of materialistic pursuits. Despite their yearning, the singer recognizes that they must play this game of life, where the stakes are high, and the end can be unpredictable. They hope that in playing this game, they can learn valuable lessons that will lead them to a more fulfilling existence.


Line by Line Meaning

I could be jealous and grasping with greed
I could be envious and covetous, consumed by selfish desire


I could pretend that I want something I don't need
I could act as if I desire something that does not truly benefit me


These are the things that go through my head
These are the thoughts that occupy my mind


But then, I could be an angel disguised as a man
However, I have the potential to be a benevolent and divine figure in human form


I could be the sun that shines in the midnight land
I could emit radiant light and energy in a place of darkness and despair


If you would only stand in my corner
If you would support and ally with me


Give that advantage to me
Allow me to have an upper hand


Don't you feel something?
Do you not experience a certain emotion or sensation?


You know what I'm thinking but
You are aware of my thoughts but


I can't set it free
I am unable to express it or release it


We must
It is imperative that we


Play this game, take the prize
Participate in this competition, and claim the reward


But not before you realize
However, not until you comprehend


That win or lose, it's all the same
That success or failure holds equal value


Then maybe we can play this game
Only then can we potentially engage in this contest


I can't remember the reason I'm here
I am unable to recall the purpose for my presence


Sometimes it seems like it's all out of habit or fear
Occasionally, it appears that my actions and existence are motivated by routine or anxiety


Sometimes I wish I could just go to sleep
Occasionally, I desire the escape and restfulness of slumber


But then, I'll have a dream with a beautiful end
However, I will then experience a vision while sleeping that has a pleasant conclusion


I'll wake up and feel alive, then I'm off again
I will arise from sleep and feel revitalized and motivated to continue my endeavors


If I could only keep your connection
If I could solely maintain our relationship and bond


Give me whatever remains
Provide me with whatever is left over or available


Then I might win you total liberation
Then I may be able to grant you complete freedom


But I can't break these chains
However, I am unable to sever these shackles or constraints


Let's pretend that we could never reach the end
Let us imagine that we are unable to achieve the ultimate conclusion or victory


For it would be a crying shame
Because it would be a terrible tragedy


If we can't learn to play this game
If we are incapable of comprehending and participating in this contest


Stand in my corner
Support and ally with me


Pull down a message with me
Extract and uncover a message with me


The answer that evades our brains
The solution that eludes our minds


We only think we're wearing chains
We merely believe that we are carrying burdens or limitations




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHN WILCOX, KASIM SULTON, ROGER POWELL, TODD RUNDGREN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Second Sight Cinema

always loved this one, so great hearing it live, and sounding incredible!

William Brady

My favorite tune from my favorite Utopia album. Sadly, their last. How this wasn't a hit single surpasses my understanding.

Ken Nelson

Willie Wilcox love this band, needs to be in the hall...
actually needs to have a new tour!!!

Michael Haniotes

What a show

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