The moniker 'Rising Force' came to prominence on March 5, 1984 at the release of the album of the same name, distributed through Polydor Records. Malmsteen's band featured a mix of instrumental songs and energetic metal tracks, with Jeff Scott Soto notably on vocals, and became a critical and commercial success. In particular, Malmsteen's band was nominated for 'Best Rock Instrumental Performance' at the 1986 Grammy Awards. While the reception of their work waxed and waned throughout the 80s, they still earned a considerable fan response.
Website: http://www.yngwiemalmsteen.com
Catch 22
Yngwie J. Malmsteen's Rising Force Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're damned if you don't
Catch 22
You're so Very close, Yet so far
You gave your best shot
Still no cigar
Working your fingers down to the bone
Running with sinners, your life's just on loan
They say you can
They say that you can't
Catch 22
The Limits the sky
But they lock you inside
You're livin' a lie
You'll never know why
Workin' your fingers down to the bone
Running with sinners, your life's just a loan
Catch 22
Catch 22
You think you will win
But you always lose
Catch 22
They think they're so strong
They think they are so wise
You know they are wrong
They tread on thin ice
Working your fingers down to the bone
Running with sinners
Your life is just a loan
Catch 22
Catch 22
You think you will win, but you always lose
Catch 22
They think thet are so strong
They think they are so wise
You know they are wrong
They tread on thin ice
Workin' you fingers, down to the bone
Running with Sinners, Your life is just a loan
Catch 22
Catch 22
The lyrics of Yngwie J. Malmsteen's Rising Force's song Catch 22 are a metaphorical representation of the frustrating cycle of existence in which one is stuck. The title refers to a situation in which one is caught between two conflicting conditions or choices, and both have negative consequences. The singer highlights the helplessness and powerlessness of the individual who is unable to escape the Catch 22 he is in. The lyrics talk about the futility of hard work, the presence of limitations and restrictions, and the illusory nature of success. The refrain "Working your fingers down to the bone, Running with sinners, Your life is just a loan" emphasizes the idea that even though one works hard and tries to live life to the fullest, one is ultimately just borrowing time on this earth.
The lyrics create a sense of disillusionment and frustration, which is further supported by the music. The guitar riffs are fast-paced and aggressive, with the occasional slow interlude that adds to the introspection and melancholy of the song. The lyrics and the music work together to create a powerful message about the human condition, highlighting the inherent contradictions and limitations in our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Well You're damned if you do
No matter what you do, there will always be negative consequences.
You're damned if you don't
If you don't act, there will still be negative consequences.
Catch 22
A situation in which the desired outcome is impossible to achieve due to contradictory conditions.
You're so Very close, Yet so far
You are almost achieving the goal, but some insurmountable obstacle remains.
You gave your best shot
You tried your hardest.
Still no cigar
Despite your best efforts, you still have not succeeded.
Working your fingers down to the bone
Working extremely hard and for long hours.
Running with sinners, your life's just on loan
Spending time with immoral people while your life is temporary.
They say you can
Some people believe you are capable of achieving your goal.
They say that you can't
Other people believe you will never achieve your goal.
The Limits the sky
The sky is the limit, meaning there is no limit to what you can achieve.
But they lock you inside
Others restrict you from achieving your full potential.
You're livin' a lie
You are not being truthful to yourself about your abilities or your goal.
You'll never know why
You will never understand why you were unable to achieve your goal.
You think you will win
You believe you are capable of succeeding.
But you always lose
Despite your belief, you never succeed.
They think they're so strong
Others believe they are powerful and capable.
They think they are so wise
Others believe they are intelligent and knowledgeable.
You know they are wrong
You know that their beliefs about themselves are false.
They tread on thin ice
Their actions put them in danger of negative consequences.
Workin' your fingers, down to the bone
Working extremely hard and for long hours.
Running with Sinners, Your life is just a loan
Spending time with immoral people while your life is temporary.
Catch 22
A situation in which the desired outcome is impossible to achieve due to contradictory conditions.
Catch 22
A situation in which the desired outcome is impossible to achieve due to contradictory conditions.
You think you will win, but you always lose
Despite your belief, you never succeed.
Catch 22
A situation in which the desired outcome is impossible to achieve due to contradictory conditions.
They think thet are so strong
Others believe they are powerful and capable.
They think they are so wise
Others believe they are intelligent and knowledgeable.
You know they are wrong
You know that their beliefs about themselves are false.
They tread on thin ice
Their actions put them in danger of negative consequences.
Workin' you fingers, down to the bone
Working extremely hard and for long hours.
Running with Sinners, Your life is just a loan
Spending time with immoral people while your life is temporary.
Catch 22
A situation in which the desired outcome is impossible to achieve due to contradictory conditions.
Catch 22
A situation in which the desired outcome is impossible to achieve due to contradictory conditions.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: YNGWIE MALMSTEEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind