Indirect Inquiries
Wire Lyrics
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Not a wave, a gestured wink
I was forced to think
I couldn't ignore
I've seen you before
Joking aside, face to face
It's the one I cannot place
I think I've had a taste of a savory
Denial would be a waste
Lying prone
Hiding in a column, between SALE and ZDRK
Sky, sand, and moorland, shepherd's delight
But not in the sun
Which stops you from walking
I might find you
But I lack the patience
Passed a corner, you'd been stolen
Ate a meal, you'd been defaced
In the song "Indirect Inquiries" by Wire, the lyrics depict a sense of intrigue and curiosity about a person the singer encounters. The opening lines suggest that this person has gained respect or admiration as they pass by, but there is a distance or separation indicated by the lack of a wave, only a gestured wink. The singer is compelled to think about this encounter and cannot ignore the familiarity they feel. They confess to having seen this person before, establishing a foundation of familiarity and recognition.
As the song progresses, the lyrics delve deeper into the singer's attempt to identify this person. Joking aside and face to face, the singer admits their inability to place the person they are trying to identify. They long for a hint that could further solidify their understanding of who this individual is. The mention of tasting something savory suggests that there might have been a previous encounter, perhaps involving food or a shared experience, that has left an impression on the singer. Denial of this connection would be a waste, implying that the singer believes there is a meaningful link between them and the person they are searching for.
The latter part of the lyrics becomes more cryptic and metaphorical. Phrases like "hiding in a column, between SALE and ZDRK" and "sky, sand, and moorland, shepherd's delight" add a layer of abstract imagery. These lines could suggest that the person being sought after is elusive, blending into their surroundings and evading easy detection. The mention of the sun stopping one from walking implies that there are obstacles or complications preventing a straightforward pursuit of this person.
Overall, "Indirect Inquiries" captures the intrigue, curiosity, and frustration of trying to identify someone who has left a lasting impression. It explores the desire for recognition and connection, as well as the challenges and uncertainties that can arise in such situations.
Line by Line Meaning
You gained respect as we passed
As we crossed paths, you earned admiration and recognition from others
Not a wave, a gestured wink
Rather than a simple greeting, you communicated subtly through a wink
I was forced to think
Your actions compelled me to contemplate and reflect
I couldn't ignore
I couldn't overlook or disregard you
I've seen you before
I have encountered you in the past
Joking aside, face to face
Removing humor, directly confronting each other
It's the one I cannot place
I am unable to identify or locate the specific person
A hint might enlarge your imprint
A clue or suggestion could enhance the memory or significance of your presence
I think I've had a taste of a savory
I believe I have experienced a glimpse or a hint of something delightful
Denial would be a waste
Rejecting this connection would be futile and unproductive
Lying prone
Being positioned flat or stretched out
Hiding in a column, between SALE and ZDRK
Concealing oneself within a list or arrangement, obscured among other items
Sky, sand, and moorland, shepherd's delight
The combination of an open sky, sandy terrain, and rural landscapes brings joy to a shepherd
But not in the sun
However, this joy does not come from being in direct sunlight
Which stops you from walking
Direct exposure to the sun hinders or prevents your ability to move forward
I might find you
There is a possibility that I will locate or discover you
But I lack the patience
However, I do not possess the necessary endurance or tolerance
Passed a corner, you'd been stolen
After turning a corner, I realized you had been taken or disappeared
Ate a meal, you'd been defaced
Upon consuming a meal, I noticed that you had been altered or marred
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Graham Lewis, Colin John Newman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Pierre Clary
on Champs
i believe this song is about amphetamine abuse, endemic on the punk scene...Speed, "more speed than before ,less time than before (tolerance build up)........
Pierre Clary
on Champs
The song "Champs" by Wire is an intense and fast-paced track that addresses themes of competitiveness, the desire for success, and the sacrifices one must make in order to achieve their goals. The repeated phrases "The taste of champions, the pace, the pace, the speed, the need, the need to seed, the chance to die" suggest that the speaker is wholly dedicated to winning and will stop at nothing to achieve their goals. The subsequent line "Another dead don't cry" implies that the speaker has seen others perish in their pursuit of victory and is not phased by it. The stanza "You've still got speed, you'll maybe bleed, there's less time" highlights the idea that time is running out and that one must act quickly if they wish to be successful.
The next stanza begins with the phrase "More speed than before, you've done it before, there is no for, what are you doing it for?" which suggests that the speaker is no longer satisfied with their previous achievements and is compelled to push themselves even harder. The line "Want more, want more" is a clear indication that the speaker is never satisfied with what they have and will always strive for more. The repetition of "Another dead don't cry" throughout the song serves as a haunting reminder that the pursuit of success often has a cost, and that cost can be the lives of others.i think this so,
Pierre Clary
on Champs
YOU'RE RICH NOT POOR