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Okay, I'll admit that I am not always the first to catch metaphors. . .could someone explain these lyrics to me? please? :-] The earthly power sucks shadowed milk from sleepy tears undone From nippled skin as smooth as silk the bugles blown as one PG is a master of subtlty and I am a blunt bull in a china shop.

Elliotte, I'll probably make matters worse but here goes. . . I think it is a metaphor about the fact that confusion or negativity(earthly power) gets sustenance (milk) from sadness/depression (sleepy tears undone)that is not expressed/shared.(the shadowed part). Bugles are usually associated with the military and they don't seem to fit in with the other bit. They usually announce charges or retreats. The fact that there are several bugles all blown together (as one) may mean there are several issues/problems to deal with. The first bit has always felt to me about hidden emotions - muffled and somehow draining the strength. The bugles part is like an explosion, a crescendo, and so is meaningful as another emotional simile. If this all sounds pretentious then blame me not PG! He may have forgotten the precise allusions himself!

Good question, Elliotte - and an excellent answer, Duddy! I've casually pondered the meaning of these lines myself. I wonder if the reference to nippled skin and the bugles, is a reference to the comfort and nourishment of a mother's breast? This comfort enables the emotional release - the blowing of the bugles, in celebration and relief of this. . . ?

Yes Mr B, that does fit in well doesn't it? Often I find that PG's lyrics are even more effective because of the sounds the words make. You know - harsh, soft, repeated,contrasted, alliterative etc. Also the visual language is so imaginative and evocative: 'see birds breaking surface on a silent lake' one of my favourites. Off topic again!

Duddy, thank you so much! and Mr. Beef! It's still gonna take me a while to get that fit into the story line I have in my head. My brain is goofy like that, tries to fit pieces of puzzles just so before the realization dawns. I believe asking questions and searching for answers are more important than finding answers. . .probably because answers elude me so often! :-]

That's not goofy Elliotte, I guess we all understand and learn in our own individual ways. As someone who is often more interested in processes than the finished product I can empathize with you. I know this will make you laugh but I was watching 'Batman Begins' the other day, when Batman's Dad says to him as a small boy:'Why do we fall? To pick ourselves up' (or words to that effect). I know it is cliched but it struck me as a wonderful encouragement at that moment. Off topic again.

I often find that reading lyrics like this, or hearing a cover version of a song offers a new perspective and opportunity to interpret and reflect on what has become almost invisible through over familiarity. Thanks Duddy & Elliotte!

. . . . .And imagine, english is not your native language ! Thanks for giving us some light, everything can help. . . . Even if all is not clear for me, the essential for ears and eyes is here : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4J1gWMLbV70 (not the first time I put that video on the forum, but so good at the end. . .) "Come Talk To Me" The wretched desert takes its form, the jackal proud and tight In search of you, I feel my way, though the slowest heaving night Whatever fear invents, I swear it make no sense I reach through the border fence Come down, come talk to me In the swirling, curling storm of desire unuttered words hold fast With reptile tongue, the lightning lashes towers built to last Darkness creeps in like a thief and offers no relief Why are you shaking like a leaf Come on, come talk to me Ah please talk to me Won't you please talk to me We can unlock this misery Come on, come talk to me [Chorus 1:] I did not come to steal This all is so unreal Can't you show me how you feel now Come on, come talk to me Come talk to me [x2] The earthly power sucks shadowed milk from sleepy tears undone From nippled skin as smooth as silk the bugles blown as one You lie there with your eyes half closed like there's no-one there at all There's a tension pulling on your face Come on, come talk to me Won't you please talk to me If you'd just talk to me Unblock this misery If you'd only talk to me [Chorus 2:] Don't you ever change your mind Now your future's so defined And you act so deaf and blind (And you act so deaf so blind) Come on, come talk to me Come talk to me [x2] I can imagine the moment Breaking out through the silence All the things that we both might say And the heart it will not be denied 'Til we're both on the same damn side All the barriers blown away I said please talk to me Won't you please come talk to me Just like it used to be Come on, come talk to me I did not come to steal This all is so unreal Can you show me how you feel now Come on, come talk to me Come talk to me [x2] I said please talk to me If you'd just talk to me Unblock this misery If you'd only talk to me [Chorus 2]

I agree. Wonderful thread! . . . .great answers,there is always to learn thank you all!

Great version there Raelovo, thanks. Peter's voice so clearly heard. The image of unspoken words making an impenetrable tower/barrier, rings so true. I've certainly had my share of struggling to communicate. The heart and brain pound away longing to express something and yet somehow the mouth refuses to co-operate.

Oh, yes. "unuttered words hold fast" The unsaid can speak volumes. Communication beyond words. Language can be so cumbersome.

Wouldn't it be lovely if you could ask him yourself. Sigh.