Lyric Interpretation: Bang the Drum

[Karen]

Wow...I don't know if I can add anything else to this interpretation that hasn't already been said. I definately agree with Barbara's interpretation and reference to the title of the song. I can also see how this whole death theme ties together with D.W. Suite, as Les pointed out.

quote:

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Bang the drum
Bang it louder

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The "Streets of Laredo" quote is very interesting. The Dead March in this passage is being played after death, but there is also a variation of this march that is played just before a soldier enters battle. There's a beginning and an end to this cycle, and it's all part of a ceremonial ritual. It's almost as if the drum is signaling the beginning of a struggle (or battle), and ultimately the outcome is the death of the relationship.

quote:

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Afraid to move
Afraid to lose
A piece of faith
A piece of heart

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I think this describes Lindsey's physical and emotional state during the breakup of his relationship with Carol Ann. Once you enter into a relationship, it's safe to say that you'll lose a piece of everything when it's all said and done. ;-) It's a sad thing, but it's also part of life.

quote:

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Surprised to find someone willing to lose
Just to keep herself from falling apart

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I totally agree with Lisa when it comes to the drug reference. This would describe Carol Ann's physical and emotional struggle. It appears that Carol Ann wasn't strong enough to change her drug habit, even though she loved him very much. This always makes me think of Victoria Principal and Andy Gibb. Victoria was deeply hurt that Andy chose drugs over her. The drug becomes a necessity and nothing else matters. Definately a "no win" situation.

quote:

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She said, "One thing, baby, I think you should know,
This world treats me oh so rough
Got this deep down sorrow that won’t let go
And I just don’t think I’m tough enough."

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I think that he has shared a similar experience in his past (maybe his own addiction), and can relate to what Carol Ann is going through. He understands and that is why he so desperately wants to help her. Unfortunately, she has to be the one to make that decision. You can't help someone who doesn't want help. You can only try to make them understand what the addiction is doing to the people around them (the ones that love them). They think that they are only hurting themselves. What they need to understand is that they are also hurting the people that they love the most. It's not just about them.

I guess that's all I could come up with. Les did an excellent job of interpreting the overall sound and relating the song to other songs he has written. I loved reading all the interpretations. You guys have broughts up some things that I never even thought of until now.


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"I keep the dream in my pocket...Never let it fade away"
Tango in the Night