The New York trip-hop outfit Wax Poetic came together in 1997 under the rei… Read Full Bio ↴The New York trip-hop outfit Wax Poetic came together in 1997 under the reign of Turkish-born music guru Ilhan Ersahin. The group originated at the popular and now-defunct club Save the Robots, and consisted of a volatile group of musicians jamming together to create a heavy groove of drum 'n' bass blended with quick dance elements. Ersahin and company signed to Atlantic in the latter '90s and released their debut self-titled album Wax Poetic in June 2000. The group's music was featured in the film Belly during a montage evoking the vulnerability of the film's heroines.

Tommy
Wax Poetic Lyrics

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Push, shove
Give a man a hand and then tell him that you will be friends forever
Love, hate
Someday we can all relate
Together

And then it's falling from the sky
???

Along the way
And then it's speaking from our hearts
We can make a start
What do you say?

Joy, peace
Wait ??? tomorrow and hold it tight
And never let it go
Give, hope
Someday we can find a way
Learn ??? all the things to say

And then it's falling from the sky
???
Along the way
And then it's speaking from our hearts

We can make a start
What do you say?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Wax Poetic's "Tommy" are a reflection on the ups and downs of life and relationships. The opening lines suggest that friendships are not always easy, but that it's worth giving a helping hand and striving for longevity in those connections. The subsequent lines mention love and hate, alluding to the fact that even the strongest bonds may experience moments of tension and adversity. The chorus emphasizes the need for unity and support in facing life's challenges, with the imagery of something "falling from the sky" and speaking from the hearts of individuals as a shared effort towards progress.

The second verse continues with a focus on positivity, encouraging the listener to hold onto joy and peace at all costs, and to extend those feelings to others through acts of giving and offering hope. The mention of learning "all the things to say" highlights the idea that communication is a key component of sustaining relationships. The chorus repeats with slight variations, emphasizing the collective effort and shared responsibility that is required to make a difference in the world.

Line by Line Meaning

Push, shove
Starting a relationship through physical interaction

Give a man a hand and then tell him that you will be friends forever
Helping someone and then expressing desire for long-lasting friendship

Love, hate
The two emotions that we all experience

Someday we can all relate
Everyone can empathize with each other at some point in life

Together
Unifying with others to achieve common goals

And then it's falling from the sky
Great experiences can happen unexpectedly

???
Unknown

Along the way
During the journey of life

And then it's speaking from our hearts
Emotions are deeply felt and expressed

We can make a start
Taking action can lead to positive change

What do you say?
Asking for agreement or input