
As a fan of Will Wood, I have always been captivated by the depth and complexity of his music. Each song tells a unique story, weaving together thought-provoking lyrics and intricate melodies. One of my favorite tracks from his latest album, “The Normal Album,” is “Laplace’s Angel (Hurt People? Hurt People!)”.
Table of Contents
The Lyrics:
[Verse 1]Have you ever died in a nightmare?Woke up surprised you hadn’t earned your fate?
Have you ever felt like Atlas, threw your back out on the axis
And collapsed and threw the planet away?
Everyone’s just blood in an ice tray
A vampire picking flowers out in the sun
Run your diagnostic tests, its posited nobody dies agnostic
But we still dial 9-1-1
Now we’re singing [Chorus 1]Ooh, could you take a look at me?
(It’s the norm for animals, it’s the norm for chemicals)
Am I bad, am I bad, am I bad, am I really that bad?
(It’s the norm for particles, eye for eye for tooth)
And now we’re singing
Ooh, whatever you think of me
(It’s the norm for chemicals, it’s the norm for particles)
If you were in my shoes, you’d walk the same damn miles I do
(Yes, it’s only natural) [Verse 2]We’re only tuning to the tone of the bell curve now
Ask not for whom it tolls
But with my head up in the clouds, I can see so much ground
And from up here you look like ants in a row
It doesn’t take a killer to murder
It only takes a reason to kill
We’ve all got evidence of innocence, it’s “everything’s coincidence”
The difference twixt fate and free will
Is whether you’re singing [Chorus 1]Ooh, could you take a look at me?
(It’s the norm for animals, it’s the norm for chemicals)
Am I bad, am I bad, am I bad, am I really that bad?
(It’s the norm for particles, I for I for tooth)
Ooh, whatever you think of me
(It’s the norm for chemicals, it’s the norm for particles)
If you were in my shoes, you’d walk the same damn miles I do
(Yes, it’s only natural) [Bridge]So if you wash your hands of where you’ve been until you flood the second floor
Neatly fold your skeletons but still can’t shut the closet door
The only ones in need of love are those who don’t receive enough
So evil ones should get a little more [Chorus 2]You, could you take a look at me?
(You could break an angel’s fall, and ignore the Devil’s call)
Am I bad, am I bad, am I bad, am I really that bad?
(Still forsaken shoulders fall silent now)
Now we’re singing
Ooh, whatever you think of me
(It’s no more than cultural, you and me inseparable.)
If the shoe fits would you walk that mile? You could put it on the other foot, it’s the same size
(It’s a small hell after all.) [Chorus 3]You, could you take a look at me?
(Man no more than animal is made of moral chemicals)
Am I bad, am I bad, am I bad, am I really that bad?
(Any form mechanical, thank you God)
Ooh, whatever you think of me
(From the hordes of cannibals, to psych wards of hospitals)
If you were in my shoes, you’d see I wear the same size as you
(It’s a small world after all)
Oh oh right! [Outro]La la la la la la la la, la la la
The Song’s Meaning:
“Laplace’s Angel (Hurt People? Hurt People!)” delves into questions of morality and judgment. The lyrics address the dichotomy between good and bad people and whether one’s actions define their worth. The protagonist in the song acknowledges their own flawed nature and questions if they are truly as bad as others perceive them to be.
The subtitle of the song, “Hurt People? Hurt People!”, alludes to the notion that individuals who have experienced trauma or pain often perpetuate that hurt onto others. This concept forms a cycle of suffering and evil.
The title, “Laplace’s Angel,” references Laplace’s demon, a philosophical and scientific concept proposed by Pierre-Simon de Laplace. This idea suggests that if one knew the precise position and momentum of every atom in the universe, they could predict all past and future events. The song explores the tension between determinism and free will, pondering whether one’s actions are solely dictated by their circumstances.
Personal Reflection:
Listening to “Laplace’s Angel (Hurt People? Hurt People!)” has touched me deeply on a personal level. As someone who has struggled with understanding the complexities of human behavior and the concept of morality, this song’s exploration of these themes resonates with me. It reminds me that we are all products of our circumstances and that judgment should be approached with empathy and understanding.
The unique blend of instruments and Wood’s passionate vocals create a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere, perfectly complementing the introspective nature of the lyrics. The song’s melodic twists and turns mirror the intricacies and contradictions of the human experience.
In conclusion, “Laplace’s Angel (Hurt People? Hurt People!)” by Will Wood is a thought-provoking and introspective song that delves into questions of morality, judgment, and the impact of personal experiences on one’s actions. It encourages listeners to contemplate the complexities of human nature and approach others with compassion and empathy.
ncG1vNJzZminnJnBqrnEpqysoZNjsLC5jq2fnmWdmq6vtc2gZJudmJ67pXnToZxmq5%2BjtG64wKmjmpuVqHqiusaeo2agpafBbrzEqKelnV2dwrPAjKmcqKicmnqjxYywoKWkXay8sLCMa2Y%3D