“Lightning Crashes” is a powerful exploration of life and death. It paints a graphic picture of the circle of life, showing the intimate moment of a new mother giving birth juxtaposed with the passing of an old woman. The song suggests a spiritual connection between the two events, perhaps implying that the old woman’s soul is being reborn in the baby. It’s a thought-provoking piece, highlighting the raw emotions and profound moments in the human experience. The songwriter, Ed Kowalczyk, has created an emotionally charged narrative that resonates with many, urging listeners to reflect on the transient nature of life.
Are you curious how a song can weave the mysteries of life and death into a few minutes of music? Keep reading to discover how every lyric contributes to this fascinating story.
“Lightning Crashes” Lyrics Meaning
The song opens with a striking image: “Lightning crashes, a new mother cries.” This line sets the tone for the entire song – it’s about powerful, elemental forces and deeply human experiences. The lightning is a metaphor for sudden, transformative events. The birth of a child is one such event, bringing joy, pain, and change.
As the song progresses, we encounter the line, “Her placenta falls to the floor.” This graphic detail isn’t just for shock value. It symbolizes the raw, unfiltered reality of birth – a life-giving process that’s both beautiful and brutal.
The next verse introduces a poignant contrast: “An old mother dies.” This line strikes a chord with the theme of the circle of life. It suggests that as one life begins, another ends. The mention of the angel – possibly a symbol for the soul – further reinforces this idea. The angel opens her eyes at birth and closes them at death, signifying the soul’s journey from one life to another.
The chorus, with its references to “a rolling thunder chasing the wind” and “forces pulling from the center of the Earth,” speaks to the inexorable, powerful forces of nature that drive life and death. It’s almost as if the songwriter is acknowledging that there are greater powers at work in our lives, forces beyond our understanding.
The song concludes with the repeated lines, “I can feel it coming back again.” This could be interpreted as the cycle of life continuing, the ever-present dance of birth and death that surrounds us.
The Story Behind “Lightning Crashes”
Ed Kowalczyk, the lead singer and songwriter for LIVE, has shared that the song was inspired by his own experiences and reflections on life and death. It’s a deeply personal piece, born from his contemplation of the natural cycles of existence. Kowalczyk was reportedly in a contemplative state of mind when he wrote the song. He was thinking about the fragility of life, the profound moments that define our existence, and how these moments are interconnected. The juxtaposition of birth and death in the song is a direct result of these reflections.
The song doesn’t just narrate two separate events; it connects them, suggesting a transfer of life or spirit from the old mother to the newborn child. This idea could have stemmed from Kowalczyk’s fascination with spiritual and philosophical concepts, particularly those that deal with the cycle of life.
In essence, “Lightning Crashes” is more than just a song. It’s a meditation on life, death, and the connection between them. It reflects Kowalczyk’s state of mind during its creation – a period of deep reflection and emotional exploration, resulting in a piece that resonates with listeners on a profound level.