Lyrics
Prayed in the ghetto with my face in the cement
Expressing a desperate situation, having prayed in a difficult environment, possibly a metaphorical 'ghetto.'
Heard the last moan of a boxer, seen the massacre of the innocent
Witnessing the tragic end of a boxer and the senseless killing of innocent people.
Felt around for the light switch, felt around for her face
Searching for illumination and emotional connection, feeling lost and in the dark.
Been treated like a farm animal on a wild goose chase
Experiencing dehumanization and being led on a futile and frustrating quest.
West of Jordan, east of the Rock of Gibraltar
Geographical references, indicating a broad and diverse range of experiences.
I see the turning of the page
A metaphor for the passage of time or a change in circumstances.
Curtain rising on a new age
Symbolizing the beginning of a new era or phase.
See the groom still waiting at the altar
Highlighting unfulfilled expectations, someone waiting for a commitment that hasn't materialized.
Try to be pure at heart, they arrest you for robbery
Commenting on the irony of being punished for attempting to be morally upright.
Mistake your shyness for aloofness, your shyness for snobbery
Describing the misinterpretation of personality traits, leading to undeserved consequences.
Got the message this morning, the one that was sent to me
Receiving a profound message about the consequences of deviating from one's true self.
About the madness of becoming what one was never meant to be
Reflecting on the madness of becoming something one was not meant to be.
West of Jordan, east of the Rock of Gibraltar
Continuation of geographical references, emphasizing the vastness of experiences.
I see the turning of the page
Continuing the metaphorical turning of the page, suggesting a significant shift in circumstances.
Curtain rising on a new age
Symbolizing the beginning of a new chapter or era.
See the groom still waiting at the altar
Reiterating the theme of unfulfilled expectations, with the groom still waiting for commitment.
Don't know what I can say about Claudette wouldn't come back to haunt me
Expressing difficulty in speaking about Claudette without facing repercussions.
Finally had to give her up about the time she began to want me
Reluctantly letting go of a relationship when it becomes demanding.
But I know God has mercy on them who are slandered and humiliated
Believing in divine mercy for those unfairly criticized and disgraced.
I'd a-done anything for that woman if she'd only make me feel obligated
Expressing a willingness to do anything for a woman if she reciprocates with emotional commitment.
West of Jordan, east of the Rock of Gibraltar
Geographical references continuing to depict a wide range of experiences.
I see the turning of the page
Continuing the metaphorical turning of the page, signaling ongoing change.
Curtain rising on a new age
Symbolizing the emergence of a new era or phase in life.
See the groom still waiting at the altar
Repeating the theme of unfulfilled commitment, with the groom still waiting.
Put your hand on my head, baby, do I have a temperature?
Possibly questioning one's well-being and seeking reassurance from a partner.
I see people who are supposed to know better standing around like furniture
Criticizing those who should know better but act as passive observers in life.
There's a wall between you and what you want and you got to leap it
Describing the challenges and barriers between desires and their realization.
Tonight you got the power to take it, tomorrow you won't have the power to keep it
Emphasizing the fleeting nature of power and the transience of control over one's circumstances.
West of Jordan, east of the Rock of Gibraltar
Continuation of geographical references, reinforcing a diverse range of experiences.
I see the turning of the page
Continuing the metaphorical turning of the page, indicating ongoing change.
Curtain rising on a new age
Symbolizing the commencement of a new age or phase.
See the groom still waiting at the altar
Reiterating the theme of the groom waiting for commitment that hasn't materialized.
Cities on fire, phones out of order
Painting a chaotic picture of societal unrest and violence.
They're killing nuns and soldiers, there's fighting on the border
Describing a grim situation involving the killing of nuns and soldiers.
What can I say about Claudette?
Returning to the theme of Claudette, uncertain about her current status.
Ain't seen her since January
Indicating a significant gap in time since last encountering Claudette.
She could be respectfully married or running a whorehouse in Buenos Aires
Speculating about Claudette's current life, considering contrasting possibilities.
West of Jordan, east of the Rock of Gibraltar
Continuation of geographical references, reinforcing diverse experiences.
I see the turning of the page
Continuing the metaphorical turning of the page, suggesting ongoing transformation.
Curtain rising on a new age
Symbolizing the emergence of a new age or phase in life.
See the groom still waiting at the altar
Reiterating the theme of the groom waiting for commitment that remains elusive.
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