Every Teardrop is a Waterfall Meaning

Hartroc · 07-06-2011, 02:22 AM

So I was thinking about it, and I now feel that this song is more than a sappy "i luv mah muzics zo im gonna dance" song. Some of the lyrics seem trite, but there seems to be a deeper meaning (to me).

I feel that this song has something to do with the joy of protesting something and finally being recognized, even in a negative way. Many people would gladly spend a night in jail if it means getting their beliefs across. This song brings to mind protests against racism/war/for educational reform in the 60's. People would get beaten up, humiliated, and degraded by authorities, but they wouldn't have it any other way. I think this song says that in the joy of that moment, everything seems larger than life. Every (police) siren is a symphony, and every teardrop (of physical pain, perhaps caused by a beating from security?) is a beautiful waterfall.

"You can hurt me bad, but still I'll raise the flag."

...

I don't know. My head is a messy place, make of this what you will.

Destrokk · 07-06-2011, 02:27 AM

Maybe they just needed a radio friendly song and there is no meaning.

Hartroc · 07-06-2011, 02:31 AM

Quote:
Originally Posted by Destrokk;4817499
Maybe they just needed a radio friendly song and there is no meaning.

Perhaps. But I'm thinking no. This song seems to fit with the White Rose/protest theme of LP5.

howyousawtheworld · 07-06-2011, 02:45 AM

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hartroc;4817489
So I was thinking about it, and I now feel that this song is more than a sappy "i luv mah muzics zo im gonna dance" song. Some of the lyrics seem trite, but there seems to be a deeper meaning (to me).

I feel that this song has something to do with the joy of protesting something and finally being recognized, even in a negative way. Many people would gladly spend a night in jail if it means getting their beliefs across. This song brings to mind protests against racism/war/for educational reform in the 60's. People would get beaten up, humiliated, and degraded by authorities, but they wouldn't have it any other way. I think this song says that in the joy of that moment, everything seems larger than life. Every (police) siren is a symphony, and every teardrop (of physical pain, perhaps caused by a beating from security?) is a beautiful waterfall.

"You can hurt me bad, but still I'll raise the flag."

...

I don't know. My head is a messy place, make of this what you will.

The lyrics (the first half anyway) aren't as bad as people make out as it does seem to be about someone enjoying themselves amidst social trouble. I don't get the wa wa wa waterfall bit though and the 'you can hurt me bad' is just not good. The way the song is sung in this contemporary club beat though makes it sound a bit ridiculous though.

Hartroc · 07-06-2011, 03:36 AM

I now have a full interpretation of the song (a story, based on the song and building on the other songs we've heard so far), but I won't be bothered to type it out. It's too darn long.

At least, in my head, the song is something more than I originally though. :3

Major_Love · 07-06-2011, 09:54 AM

For me it is just a motivation to see the bright sides of life, no matter in which situation you are. You should always be optimistic because life is beautiful and every bad thing (a tear) is also a beautiful thing (a waterfall), every vale in your life is also a chance for something good.

Just my comment.

erik_avilez · 08-06-2011, 07:11 PM

I think the music, as a single, is commercial, so they tried to be as energetic and modern as they could sound without losing their Coldgrip (ha!). But I honestly REFUSE to believe that Coldplay would release a totally "let's make remixes of this, dude!" song without any content in the lyrics. If they did it, they'd lose one of the few things that make them this beautiful band I like so much.

Now, about the meaning, I haven't thought of that yet, but your theory, Hartroc, is very good. I'll give a thought about it and I'll come with something later.

PS: I'd like to know the story you imagined, btw

the_escapist · 08-06-2011, 08:00 PM

The only parts of the lyrics that can have a deeper meaning are the following:

UNTIL MONDAY MORNING FEELS ANOTHER LIFE

DON'T WANT TO SEE ANOTHER GENERATION DROP
I'D RATHER BE A COMMA THAN A FULL STOP

AND WE SAW OH THIS LIGHT I SWEAR YOU, EMERGE BLINKING INTO
TO TELL ME IT'S ALRIGHT
AS WE SOAR WALLS, EVERY SIREN IS A SYMPHONY
AND EVERY TEAR'S A WATERFALL

SO YOU CAN HURT, HURT ME BAD
BUT STILL I'LL RAISE THE FLAG

ColdplayingfromKansas · 08-06-2011, 09:08 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hartroc;4817489
So I was thinking about it, and I now feel that this song is more than a sappy "i luv mah muzics zo im gonna dance" song. Some of the lyrics seem trite, but there seems to be a deeper meaning (to me).

I feel that this song has something to do with the joy of protesting something and finally being recognized, even in a negative way. Many people would gladly spend a night in jail if it means getting their beliefs across. This song brings to mind protests against racism/war/for educational reform in the 60's. People would get beaten up, humiliated, and degraded by authorities, but they wouldn't have it any other way. I think this song says that in the joy of that moment, everything seems larger than life. Every (police) siren is a symphony, and every teardrop (of physical pain, perhaps caused by a beating from security?) is a beautiful waterfall.

"You can hurt me bad, but still I'll raise the flag."

...

I don't know. My head is a messy place, make of this what you will.

I've been listening to the song over and over trying to figure out a meaning that seems plausible, and I think yours is the best so far! It makes sense and it fits the lyrics and the album theme. Maybe this is also the reason why the song is so upbeat--these people might be getting prosecuted/abused/what not but they're happy about it!

Some of these people that think the song is just a blind dance track need to come read your post and then listen to ETiaW again

PolarMonkey · 08-06-2011, 10:33 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by howyousawtheworld;4817522
The lyrics (the first half anyway) aren't as bad as people make out as it does seem to be about someone enjoying themselves amidst social trouble. I don't get the wa wa wa waterfall bit though and the 'you can hurt me bad' is just not good. The way the song is sung in this contemporary club beat though makes it sound a bit ridiculous though.

this!!!

ppl need to have a proper listen to (or understanding of) the lyrics before complaining that it's ridiculous. fairly sure there's a message in the song title too, tho that'll take a better understanding of the song's message to interpret.

& Calvin Harris-ish club beats (which is where Coldplay are the most guilty of trying too hard to be "in", imo) aside, what about Jonny's guitar riffs in that song, eh?

ARushOfLove · 08-06-2011, 10:48 PM

I think its about turning negative things into something positive. Holding your head high.
Teardrop > Waterfall
Siren > Symphony
"You can hurt, hurt me bad / but I'll still raise the flag"
And I feel like the maybes is like saying "I don't care about it".

Does that make sense?

Major_Love · 09-06-2011, 03:37 AM

Quote:
Originally Posted by ARushOfLove;4819630
I think its about turning negative things into something positive. Holding your head high.
Teardrop > Waterfall
Siren > Symphony
"You can hurt, hurt me bad / but I'll still raise the flag"
And I feel like the maybes is like saying "I don't care about it".

Does that make sense?

Yeah I thought exactly the same...and I posted something close to yours above.

Tnspieler1012 · 09-06-2011, 03:41 AM

threads like this reminds me of why I want to punch everyone at songmeanings.net in the face.

Hartroc · 09-06-2011, 04:06 AM

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tnspieler1012;4819797
threads like this reminds me of why I want to punch everyone at songmeanings.net in the face.

You dare insult me?

Actually, I now have a full novel-like story based on the new songs we have so far (when I hear that something is a concept album, I immediately and automatically build my own stories for it...even if I haven't heard the entire album!

). Every Teardrop is the final chapter. I may someday type out my story/theory, but for now...I'm too lazy.

I will tell you though, that in my ideal version of LP5, the songs (so far) would go in this order.

1. Cartoon Heart
2. Hurts Like Heaven
3. Us Against the World
4. Major Minus
5. Every Teardrop is a Waterfall

ARushOfLove · 09-06-2011, 10:44 AM

Quote:
Originally Posted by COLDPLAYfanforever01;4819795
Yeah I thought exactly the same...and I posted something close to yours above.

Oops, I was too lazy to read through the tread before i posted...

Great minds think alike!

07-06-2011, 02:22 AM	#1
Hartroc Dancing Politik Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 891 My Mood: Location: In a Separate Sky Gender: Chat posts: 0 Thanks given: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Every Teardrop is a Waterfall Meaning So I was thinking about it, and I now feel that this song is more than a sappy "i luv mah muzics zo im gonna dance" song. Some of the lyrics seem trite, but there seems to be a deeper meaning (to me). I feel that this song has something to do with the joy of protesting something and finally being recognized, even in a negative way. Many people would gladly spend a night in jail if it means getting their beliefs across. This song brings to mind protests against racism/war/for educational reform in the 60's. People would get beaten up, humiliated, and degraded by authorities, but they wouldn't have it any other way. I think this song says that in the joy of that moment, everything seems larger than life. Every (police) siren is a symphony, and every teardrop (of physical pain, perhaps caused by a beating from security?) is a beautiful waterfall. "You can hurt me bad, but still I'll raise the flag." ... I don't know. My head is a messy place, make of this what you will. __________________

07-06-2011, 02:27 AM	#2
Destrokk jef jefpoop Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 18,851 Location: Behind you. Gender: Country: Chat posts: 0 Thanks given: 179 Thanked 406 Times in 221 Posts	Maybe they just needed a radio friendly song and there is no meaning. __________________ no this is real

07-06-2011, 02:31 AM	#3
Hartroc Dancing Politik Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 891 My Mood: Location: In a Separate Sky Gender: Chat posts: 0 Thanks given: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Quote: Originally Posted by Destrokk;4817499 Maybe they just needed a radio friendly song and there is no meaning. Perhaps. But I'm thinking no. This song seems to fit with the White Rose/protest theme of LP5. __________________

07-06-2011, 02:45 AM	#4
howyousawtheworld Coldplayer Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 6,753 Location: Scotland Gender: Country: Chat posts: 0 Thanks given: 13 Thanked 52 Times in 31 Posts	Quote: Originally Posted by Hartroc;4817489 So I was thinking about it, and I now feel that this song is more than a sappy "i luv mah muzics zo im gonna dance" song. Some of the lyrics seem trite, but there seems to be a deeper meaning (to me). I feel that this song has something to do with the joy of protesting something and finally being recognized, even in a negative way. Many people would gladly spend a night in jail if it means getting their beliefs across. This song brings to mind protests against racism/war/for educational reform in the 60's. People would get beaten up, humiliated, and degraded by authorities, but they wouldn't have it any other way. I think this song says that in the joy of that moment, everything seems larger than life. Every (police) siren is a symphony, and every teardrop (of physical pain, perhaps caused by a beating from security?) is a beautiful waterfall. "You can hurt me bad, but still I'll raise the flag." ... I don't know. My head is a messy place, make of this what you will. The lyrics (the first half anyway) aren't as bad as people make out as it does seem to be about someone enjoying themselves amidst social trouble. I don't get the wa wa wa waterfall bit though and the 'you can hurt me bad' is just not good. The way the song is sung in this contemporary club beat though makes it sound a bit ridiculous though.

07-06-2011, 03:36 AM	#5
Hartroc Dancing Politik Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 891 My Mood: Location: In a Separate Sky Gender: Chat posts: 0 Thanks given: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I now have a full interpretation of the song (a story, based on the song and building on the other songs we've heard so far), but I won't be bothered to type it out. It's too darn long. At least, in my head, the song is something more than I originally though. :3 __________________

07-06-2011, 09:54 AM	#6
Major_Love A Prospekt Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 1,136 Location: Dresden, Germany Gender: Country: Chat posts: 0 Thanks given: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	For me it is just a motivation to see the bright sides of life, no matter in which situation you are. You should always be optimistic because life is beautiful and every bad thing (a tear) is also a beautiful thing (a waterfall), every vale in your life is also a chance for something good. Just my comment.

08-06-2011, 07:11 PM	#7
erik_avilez Coldplayer Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 32 My Mood: Chat posts: 0 Thanks given: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I think the music, as a single, is commercial, so they tried to be as energetic and modern as they could sound without losing their Coldgrip (ha!). But I honestly REFUSE to believe that Coldplay would release a totally "let's make remixes of this, dude!" song without any content in the lyrics. If they did it, they'd lose one of the few things that make them this beautiful band I like so much. Now, about the meaning, I haven't thought of that yet, but your theory, Hartroc, is very good. I'll give a thought about it and I'll come with something later. PS: I'd like to know the story you imagined, btw

08-06-2011, 08:00 PM	#8
the_escapist I'd rather be a comma Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 4,028 My Mood: Location: In My Place! Gender: Country: Chat posts: 0 Thanks given: 9 Thanked 77 Times in 27 Posts	The only parts of the lyrics that can have a deeper meaning are the following: UNTIL MONDAY MORNING FEELS ANOTHER LIFE DON'T WANT TO SEE ANOTHER GENERATION DROP I'D RATHER BE A COMMA THAN A FULL STOP AND WE SAW OH THIS LIGHT I SWEAR YOU, EMERGE BLINKING INTO TO TELL ME IT'S ALRIGHT AS WE SOAR WALLS, EVERY SIREN IS A SYMPHONY AND EVERY TEAR'S A WATERFALL SO YOU CAN HURT, HURT ME BAD BUT STILL I'LL RAISE THE FLAG __________________

08-06-2011, 09:08 PM	#9
ColdplayingfromKansas All those clumsy things Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 8,860 Location: Kansas Gender: Country: Chat posts: 0 Thanks given: 2 Thanked 14 Times in 9 Posts	Quote: Originally Posted by Hartroc;4817489 So I was thinking about it, and I now feel that this song is more than a sappy "i luv mah muzics zo im gonna dance" song. Some of the lyrics seem trite, but there seems to be a deeper meaning (to me). I feel that this song has something to do with the joy of protesting something and finally being recognized, even in a negative way. Many people would gladly spend a night in jail if it means getting their beliefs across. This song brings to mind protests against racism/war/for educational reform in the 60's. People would get beaten up, humiliated, and degraded by authorities, but they wouldn't have it any other way. I think this song says that in the joy of that moment, everything seems larger than life. Every (police) siren is a symphony, and every teardrop (of physical pain, perhaps caused by a beating from security?) is a beautiful waterfall. "You can hurt me bad, but still I'll raise the flag." ... I don't know. My head is a messy place, make of this what you will. I've been listening to the song over and over trying to figure out a meaning that seems plausible, and I think yours is the best so far! It makes sense and it fits the lyrics and the album theme. Maybe this is also the reason why the song is so upbeat--these people might be getting prosecuted/abused/what not but they're happy about it! Some of these people that think the song is just a blind dance track need to come read your post and then listen to ETiaW again __________________ Quote: Originally Posted by editor42;5233602 now I just do weird things in the middle of the street

08-06-2011, 10:33 PM	#10
PolarMonkey Coldplayer Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 1,728 My Mood: Location: The Theatre of Dreams / The Fallen Empire Gender: Country: Chat posts: 0 Thanks given: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Quote: Originally Posted by howyousawtheworld;4817522 The lyrics (the first half anyway) aren't as bad as people make out as it does seem to be about someone enjoying themselves amidst social trouble. I don't get the wa wa wa waterfall bit though and the 'you can hurt me bad' is just not good. The way the song is sung in this contemporary club beat though makes it sound a bit ridiculous though. this!!! ppl need to have a proper listen to (or understanding of) the lyrics before complaining that it's ridiculous. fairly sure there's a message in the song title too, tho that'll take a better understanding of the song's message to interpret. & Calvin Harris-ish club beats (which is where Coldplay are the most guilty of trying too hard to be "in", imo) aside, what about Jonny's guitar riffs in that song, eh? __________________ Awww....it's orrite Edge-y. We all suck at Guitar Hero.......well, me anyway. >,< ~.~ "The Captain is about staying strong in the face of adversity, but it can also be played anytime you're out in the high seas" ~ Simon Neill, Biffy Clyro ~.~ My Online Home

08-06-2011, 10:48 PM	#11
ARushOfLove Coldplayer Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 207 My Mood: Gender: Country: Chat posts: 0 Thanks given: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I think its about turning negative things into something positive. Holding your head high. Teardrop > Waterfall Siren > Symphony "You can hurt, hurt me bad / but I'll still raise the flag" And I feel like the maybes is like saying "I don't care about it". Does that make sense? __________________ I Coldplay

09-06-2011, 03:37 AM	#12
Major_Love A Prospekt Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 1,136 Location: Dresden, Germany Gender: Country: Chat posts: 0 Thanks given: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Quote: Originally Posted by ARushOfLove;4819630 I think its about turning negative things into something positive. Holding your head high. Teardrop > Waterfall Siren > Symphony "You can hurt, hurt me bad / but I'll still raise the flag" And I feel like the maybes is like saying "I don't care about it". Does that make sense? Yeah I thought exactly the same...and I posted something close to yours above.

09-06-2011, 03:41 AM	#13
Tnspieler1012 Come On, Let's Go Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 12,238 My Mood: Location: Prague, Czech Republic Gender: Country: Chat posts: 1 Thanks given: 59 Thanked 131 Times in 80 Posts	threads like this reminds me of why I want to punch everyone at songmeanings.net in the face. __________________ "So I wanna live in a wooden house, where making more friends would be easy, I wanna live where the sun comes out..." Quote: Originally Posted by Karencorpse;4818717 Tnspieler1012 seams like a very interesting guy who has lots of interesting things to talk about and great things to do with her. Quote: Originally Posted by eff-exx;5237716 You're like the ultimate post-rocker in this forum. Quote: Originally Posted by Til_Kingdom_Come;5509315 Ha Ha!!! I guess you suck at geography as well as Rock music!!

09-06-2011, 04:06 AM	#14
Hartroc Dancing Politik Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 891 My Mood: Location: In a Separate Sky Gender: Chat posts: 0 Thanks given: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Quote: Originally Posted by Tnspieler1012;4819797 threads like this reminds me of why I want to punch everyone at songmeanings.net in the face. You dare insult me? Actually, I now have a full novel-like story based on the new songs we have so far (when I hear that something is a concept album, I immediately and automatically build my own stories for it...even if I haven't heard the entire album! ). Every Teardrop is the final chapter. I may someday type out my story/theory, but for now...I'm too lazy. I will tell you though, that in my ideal version of LP5, the songs (so far) would go in this order. 1. Cartoon Heart 2. Hurts Like Heaven 3. Us Against the World 4. Major Minus 5. Every Teardrop is a Waterfall __________________

09-06-2011, 10:44 AM	#15
ARushOfLove Coldplayer Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 207 My Mood: Gender: Country: Chat posts: 0 Thanks given: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Quote: Originally Posted by COLDPLAYfanforever01;4819795 Yeah I thought exactly the same...and I posted something close to yours above. Oops, I was too lazy to read through the tread before i posted... Great minds think alike! __________________ I Coldplay