"Corpse (These Chains Are Way Too Long)" Song Lyrics - U2 / Passengers

Corpse (These Chains Are Way Too Long) from U2's Original Soundtracks Vol 1.  delves deeply into themes of confinement and existential despair, encapsulating the emotional weight of being trapped within one’s circumstances. 

The song navigates the complexities of human connection, longing, and the often invisible constraints that bind us, evoking a profound sense of existential despair. The opening lines, “Hey, see you soon / Sail through your room,” suggest an intimate yet ephemeral encounter, reflecting a yearning for closeness that is tinged with uncertainty. 

This desire is further emphasized in the plea, “Hey, be my friend / Stay till the end / Don’t walk away,” where the speaker's vulnerability is palpable, revealing a deep fear of abandonment. The repetition of “Hey, baby” injects a personal touch, inviting the listener into an intimate conversation that simultaneously highlights the fragility of relationships.

 As the song progresses, the stark imagery of “Chains move that thing / Chains we can’t see” serves as a powerful metaphor for the emotional and psychological burdens that often go unrecognized, underscoring the idea that the most constraining chains are those we cannot perceive. 

 "Corpse (These Chains Are Way Too Long)" Song Lyrics

Hey, see you soon
Sail through your room
I'll meet you there

Hey, be my friend
Stay till the end
Don't walk away
Hey, hey, baby

Hey, take it all
Don't talk that way
Don't hear my lover say
Hey, baby

Chains move that thing
Chains we can't see
My chains way too long
Chains this
Chains move that thing
Chains we can't see
Chains are way too long
And hear my song
Hear my song

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The line “My chains way too long” encapsulates the feeling of entrapment, suggesting that these burdens feel inescapable and overwhelming. This sentiment resonates with anyone who has grappled with internal struggles or external pressures that inhibit their freedom and connection to others. The hypnotic repetition of phrases, particularly the invocation of “chains,” creates a haunting atmosphere that mirrors the cyclical nature of despair and the ongoing struggle to break free from these invisible restraints. Ultimately, the song becomes a poignant meditation on the human condition, urging listeners to confront their own chains—be they emotional, relational, or existential—while seeking connection and understanding in a world that can often feel isolating. Through this evocative exploration of longing and constraint, U2 crafts a reflective narrative that encourages introspection and the pursuit of authentic relationships amid the complexities of life.

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