Lyrically, “Lightning Crashes” is a meditation on the cycle of life, death, and reincarnation. Around this time, Barbara Lewis, a longtime friend of the band, was killed by a drunk driver while fleeing from the police after a robbery in York. The band dedicated the song to Lewis, who was only 19 when she died.
An unlikely single
Throwing Copper was released on April 24, 1994. The album’s first single was “Selling The Drama” followed by “I Alone.” Live’s drummer, Chad Gracey, said when “Lightning Crashes” was presented to record executives, the band was told the song would become a single “over their dead bodies”. Clocking in at about five-and-a-half minutes, the record label thought the song was too long.
Striking visuals
“While the clip is shot in a home environment, I envisioned it taking place in a hospital, where all these simultaneous deaths and births are going on, one family mourning the loss of a woman while a screaming baby emerges from a young mother in another room,” said Kowalczyk.
For the next two years, “Lightning Crashes” dominated alternative radio and MTV, peaking at No.6 on the US Mainstream Top 40 and No.1 on both the US Alternative and Mainstream rock charts.
On April 19, 1995, 168 people were killed in the Oklahoma City bombing. A remix of Live’s single, created by an Oklahoma City DJ, which included sound bites from Bill Clinton and Tom Brokaw, as well as fire-engine and ambulance sirens, became the soundtrack for tributes for the event.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- An Unlikely Single
- Striking Visuals
Now, more than two decades years later, the song is synonymous with a very specific time and place, and remains a staple of the band’s live shows, without leaving a dry eye in the house.
Full Text
“Lightning Crashes” by Live is a song that beautifully captures the cycle of life and death. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the interconnectedness of all living beings, and the inevitability of mortality. Through poetic language and emotive vocals, the song explores the idea that death is not an end, but a part of a larger process that includes rebirth and renewal.
The opening lines of the song set the tone for the rest of the track, as the singer describes a scene where “lightning crashes, a new mother cries.” This juxtaposition of life and death right from the start underscores the central theme of the song: that death is a natural part of the life cycle, and that new life emerges from the ashes of the old. The image of a newborn baby entering the world as lightning strikes in the distance is a powerful metaphor for the dual nature of existence.
As the song continues, the lyrics delve deeper into the idea of interconnectedness and transformation. The singer describes how “the angel opens her eyes,” suggesting a spiritual dimension to the cycle of life and death. The repeated references to angels and souls throughout the song hint at a belief in the continuity of life beyond the physical realm, and the idea that each life is part of a larger cosmic tapestry.
The chorus of the song drives home the message of renewal and rebirth, as the singer declares that “I feel it coming back again.” This sense of cyclical movement is reinforced by the recurring imagery of crashing waves and beating hearts, which symbolize the ebb and flow of life and death. The use of natural imagery to convey these abstract concepts adds a layer of richness and depth to the song, inviting listeners to reflect on the deeper meanings behind the lyrics.
One of the most poignant moments in the song comes towards the end, when the singer reflects on the transient nature of life. He sings, “oh now, feel it coming back again, like a rolling thunder chasing the wind.” This evocative image of a storm rolling in serves as a powerful metaphor for the inevitable passage of time and the impermanence of all things. The cyclical nature of storms mirrors the cycle of life and death, with each new beginning heralding the end of something else.
Ultimately, “Lightning Crashes” is a meditation on the impermanence of life and the interconnectedness of all living beings. Through its evocative imagery and poignant lyrics, the song encourages listeners to contemplate the deeper meaning behind the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. It invites us to consider our place in the grand scheme of things, and to appreciate the beauty and fragility of life in all its forms.
The emotional resonance of “Lightning Crashes” lies in its ability to capture the universal experience of mortality and transformation. The song speaks to the fundamental human desire to find meaning in the face of death, and to seek solace in the belief that life is an endless cycle of renewal. Its powerful message resonates with listeners of all ages and backgrounds, reminding us that in the grand scheme of things, we are all connected by the thread of life and death.
In conclusion, “Lightning Crashes” by Live is a powerful reflection on the cycle of life and the interconnectedness of all living beings. Through its poetic language and emotive vocals, the song invites listeners to contemplate the deeper meanings behind the mysteries of existence. It serves as a poignant reminder of the impermanence of life, and the beauty that can be found in the fleeting moments we have on this earth. As we listen to the haunting melody and reflective lyrics of “Lightning Crashes,” we are reminded that in the midst of death, there is also life, and in the midst of darkness, there is also light.
