2. Can't stop addicted to the shin dig - “Shindig” = a large lively part. “Can’t stop, addicted…” he’s addicted to doing something i.e. drugs
(revealed and confirmed in lead singer, Anthony Kieda’s autobiography). This line can connote the stereotypical rock ‘n’ roll motto “sex,
drugs & rock ‘n’ roll” as most rock stars tend to go to drug-fuelled escapades – highlighting his addiction may have started off at a party
(narrative).
Chop top he says I'm gonna win big - Someone encouraging/peer pressuring him to use; maybe the voice in his head or voice of
addiction?
Choose not a life of imitation - Suggests that a majority of rock stars behaviour centre around abusing drugs; potentially copying their
lifestyles because of the stereotype.
Distant cousin to the reservation - He’s distant from reality?
Defunkt the pistol that you pay for
This punk the feeling that you stay for - “This punk…” could be a nickname for the high/substance he is taking and he only continues to
take it because of how it makes him feel – typical behaviour/symptoms of a drug addict.
In time I want to be your best friend - The “voice of addiction” wanting him/telling him to continue and implying the high is the only
thing they will have, or want to have hence the lyric; “…I want to be your best friend”
East side love is living on the west end
Knocked out but boy you better come to - “Knock out…” highlighting the addict passing out of potentially overdosing. “Boy you better
come to” voice of addiction demanding he better come back and start using again. The use of the work “boy” suggests he is childish
and naïve to the drug’s effects and consequences – much like a young boy.
Don't die you know the truth as some do - Relates to previous analysis and reveals the consequences that the user could die.
Go write your message on the pavement - Implying the user should tell his story to spread awareness.
Burn so bright I wonder what the wave meant - “Burn so bright” phrase for recovering and being better from the addiction? “I wonder
what the wave meant” lead singer questioning why he turned to drugs?
White heat is screaming in the jungle - “White heat…” hot flushes = withdrawal symptoms he is experiencing and he is internally
screaming to relapse.
3. Don't die you know the truth as some do - Relates to previous analysis and reveals the consequences that the user could die.
Go write your message on the pavement - Implying the user should tell his story to spread awareness.
Burn so bright I wonder what the wave meant - “Burn so bright” phrase for recovering and being better from the addiction? “I
wonder what the wave meant” lead singer questioning why he turned to drugs?
White heat is screaming in the jungle - “White heat…” hot flushes = withdrawal symptoms he is experiencing and he is internally
screaming to relapse.
Complete the motion if you stumble - Never-ending, repeating cycle of addiction by relapsing and recovering constantly.
Go ask the dust for any answers - “Dust” is a common name for Class A drugs, implying that by “asking” the dust, he is taking drugs
for an answer when things get tough perhaps?
Come back strong with fifty belly dancers - After relapsing, he will recover and come back x times better.
The world I love
The tears I've dropped
To be part of - He’s grateful for living?
The way you can't stop
Ever wonder if it's all for you - He ponders what the “wave” (addiction?) was all about and why he turned to drugs.
The world I love
The trains I hopped
To be part of
The wave can't stop
Come and tell me when it's time to - Most lines are cut off to emphasise suspense for his next actions?
Sweetheart is bleeding in the snowcone - “Sweetheart is bleeding…” potentially about loss of control and may be an attempt at
gaining it back?
So smart she's leading me to ozone
Music the great communicator - – He can communicate by expressing himself through his music – telling his stories, experiences etc.
4. Sweetheart is bleeding in the snowcone - “Sweetheart is bleeding…” potentially about loss of control and may be an attempt
at gaining it back?
So smart she's leading me to ozone
Music the great communicator - – He can communicate by expressing himself through his music – telling his stories,
experiences etc.
Use two sticks to make it in the nature - “Two sticks” = creating a fire? Fire has a symbolic meaning of wisdom and
knowledge. This may imply that to “make it in the nature” (to survive through life) you need to adapt/evolve through knowledge.
I'll get you into penetration
The gender of a generation
The birth of every other nation
Worth your weight the gold of meditation
This chapter's gonna to be a close one – He is living life on the edge?
Smoke rings I know your gonna blow one – Drug reference again, hinting he knows he may relapse again.
All on a spaceship persevering – We’re all on this world facing difficulties with little success
Use my hands for everything but steering – He’s not a leader for his own life, nor anyone else’s.
Can't stop the spirits when they need you – May be talking about alcohol – “spirits” = gin etc.
Mop tops are happy when they feed you – “Mop tops” = mens hairstyle. Can mean his hairs gotten so long it reaches his
mouth – implying he is not looking after himself and is letting himself godue to his addiction/self-abuse.
J. Butterfly is in the treetop
Birds that blow the meaning into bebop
5. The world I love
The tears I've dropped
To be part of
The wave can't stop
Ever wonder if it's all for you
The world I love
The trains I hopped
To be part of
The wave can't stop
Come and tell me when it's time to
Wait a minute I'm passing out – “Wait a minute…” he has realised he has hypothetically reached the bottom and he is aware of
it.
Win or lose just like you – Relates back to previous line in verse 1; “life of imitation…” = he wants to be someone else.
Someone better?
Far more shocking
Than anything I ever knew
How about you
Ten more reasons
Why I need somebody new just like you
Far more shocking than anything I ever knew
Right on cue
6. Can't stop addicted to the shindig
Chop Top it says I'm gonna win big
Choose not a life of imitation
Distant cousin to the reservation
Defunkt the pistol that you pay for
This punk the feeling that you stay for
In time I want to be your best friend
Eastside love is living on the westend
Knocked out but boy you better come to
Don't die you know the truth as some do
Go write your message on the pavement
Burn so bright I wonder what the wave meant – Repetition of the first verse may connote he is looking back and realizing how unhealthy
his lifestyle was or/and is implying he is relapsing again?
Kick start the golden generator – Starting again with the lessons he has learnt and his new found control over life.
Sweet talk but don't intimidate her – Start recovering slowly, life is fragile, take your time.
Can't stop the gods from engineering – Can’t stop fate. The “gods” are putting together everyone’s lives like a machine.
Fear no need for any interfering – You’ve got to accept what happens, you can’t change fate.
Your image in the dictionary
This life is more than ordinary
Can I get two maybe even three of these
Comin' from a space to teach you of the Pleiades
Can't stop the spirits when they need you
This life is more than just a read through – This life is more than a script/fate. It cannot be read, it must be experienced?
