The Living Daylights
a～ha Lyrics
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I swear my nerves are showing
Set your hopes up way too high
The living's in the way we die
Comes the morning and the headlights fade away
Hundred thousand people, I'm the one they blame
I've been waiting long for one of us to say
Ah, ah, the living daylights
Ah, ah, the living daylights
All right, hold on tight now
It's down, down to the wire
Set your hopes way too high
The living's in the way we die
Comes the morning and the headlights fade away
Hundred thousand changes, everything's the same
I've been waiting long for one of us to say
Save the darkness, let it never fade away
Ah, ah, the living daylights
Ah, ah, the living daylights
Ah, ah, the living daylights
Comes the morning and the headlights fade away
Hundred thousand people, I'm the one they frame
Ah, ah, the living daylights
Ah, ah, the living daylights
Ah, ah, the living daylights
Set your hopes up way too high
The living's in the way we die
The above lyrics are from the song "Living Daylights" by a-ha, which was released in 1987. The song features an upbeat tempo and has a hint of desperation in the lyrics. In the first verse, the singer is questioning the driver about where they are headed, saying that they feel nervous and have set their hopes too high. The second verse talks about how the morning comes and everything fades away, with the singer feeling responsible and waiting for someone to save the darkness and let it never fade away. The chorus repeats the phrase "the living daylights" and emphasizes the idea that the living is in the way we die.
The song seems to be a commentary on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. The lyrics suggest that we often get caught up in our own ambitions and plans, leading us to forget the beauty of the present moment. The idea is conveyed using metaphorical language, comparing the morning and the fading headlights to the passing of time and how people change but things remain the same.
Overall, "Living Daylights" is an intriguing song that provokes thought and encourages listeners to live in the present moment. The lyrics suggest that we should appreciate life and not let our hopes and dreams overshadow the importance of living in the here and now.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey driver, where we're going?
Asking the driver for direction and reassurance as the singer is feeling anxious and lost.
I swear my nerves are showing
Expressing a heightened state of nervousness and vulnerability.
Set your hopes up way too high
Encouraging someone to be optimistic, but warning against expecting too much or becoming disappointed.
The living's in the way we die
Suggesting that the way we live our lives determines our ultimate fate and legacy.
Comes the morning and the headlights fade away
Reflecting on the fleeting nature of time and the transience of life.
Hundred thousand people, I'm the one they blame
Feeling isolated and persecuted, shouldering the blame for something that is beyond one's control.
I've been waiting long for one of us to say
Expressing a sense of urgency and yearning for change or resolution.
Save the darkness, let it never fade away
Urging the preservation of something mysterious or hidden, and valuing its continued existence.
All right, hold on tight now
Encouraging someone to brace themselves and prepare for a challenging situation.
It's down, down to the wire
Referring to a high-pressure situation with a limited amount of time left.
Hundred thousand changes, everything's the same
Feeling stuck in a cycle of repetition or stagnation, despite external changes or developments.
Comes the morning and the headlights fade away
Echoing the idea that time marches on relentlessly, without regard for personal circumstance or emotion.
Hundred thousand people, I'm the one they frame
Feeling unfairly singled out or targeted, and powerless to defend oneself.
Set your hopes up way too high
Repeating the previous warning, emphasizing the importance of keeping one's expectations realistic.
The living's in the way we die
Reiterating the existentialist theme of the song, that our actions and decisions shape our eventual fate.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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