Music has always been a potent vehicle for human expression, with the capacity to transmit strong feelings and unite individuals from different cultural and geographical backgrounds. The concept of signs, or symbols, signals, and omens that have cultural or personal importance, is one of the recurrent topics in music. Hence this article about signs.
The varied ways we interpret and respond to the signs we see in our daily lives are explored in songs about signs. These signals can appear in a variety of ways, from straightforward traffic signals to mystical portents, from significant life occurrences to major world events. Positive signals can provide us happiness and optimism, while negative ones might warn us of danger or approaching catastrophe.
These songs frequently reflect the sense of wonder and amazement that might accompany signs, as well as the feelings of dread and trepidation that accompany seeing them. They may speak to current worries and anxieties or draw on traditional folklore and superstitions. While some songs explore the meanings and implications of particular symbols more literally, others take a more metaphorical approach, using signs as a metaphor for the ups and downs of life.
Songs about signs frequently have different musical styles and instrumentation in addition to their lyrical subjects. These songs offer a varied spectrum of aural experiences that can be both interesting and thought-provoking, from eerie ballads to energetic anthems.
12 Best Songs About Signs – Here are our recommendations!
12: Warning Sign – Coldplay
Coldplay’s song “Warning Sign” is about looking back on a previous romance. The musician talks about how he was searching for a sign that it was time to break up with his ex when he realised he was really looking for an excuse. He now laments parting with her and hopes he could return to her. It serves as a clear warning to anyone who tries to put the blame for their actions on the universe rather than accepting responsibility.
11: Sign Of The Times – Harry Styles
The 2017 song “Sign Of The Times” by Harry Styles is surprisingly gloomy and sad. It purports to narrate horrific battle scenes and post-apocalyptic horrors while sternly warning the listener not to cry because it’s all just “a sign of the times”.
The lyrics are ambiguous, and listeners have given them many alternative interpretations. It’s interesting that Styles said that the song is actually a metaphor for a mother who passes away during childbirth and only has a brief window of time to advise her child to carry on without her.
10: Sings O’ The Times – Prince
A 1987 song titled “Sign O’ The Times” discusses social and political themes such as the AIDS crisis, the possibility of nuclear war, the war on drugs, gang violence, and the Challenger disaster. The title is inspired by doomsday cults even though the film primarily serves as a commentary on the occasionally bizarre and perplexing occurrences of the 1980s. Current events, particularly catastrophes and calamities, are seen as indicators of the end of the world by some cults.
If not because of the Second Coming, then perhaps because of the brutality and warfare described in the song, Prince’s lyrics imply that there may be truth to these beliefs and that the world is ending.
9: Signs Of Life – Arcade Fire
“Signs Of Life” is about those who are perpetually stuck in their childhood. Despite the fact that they appear to be living, they are ultimately unable to develop, alter, or even experience true happiness. The title is figurative and alludes to indicators of significance in life. As they are figuratively “dead” because they are stuck in the past, it could be referring to both the people themselves and their search for a purpose.
8: Give Me A Sign – Breaking Benjamin
A person begs the stars in the song “Give Me A Sign” to teach them what to do. They claim not to believe in a higher force, but if one does exist, they would be willing to appeal to it if they were in need.
The song’s lyrics seem to suggest that the singer recently experienced a breakup, losing the one he believed he would be with forever. But they are vague enough to be about a loved one’s passing or about something else entirely. Whatever its underlying significance, the song is a fantastic illustration of how we all seek direction when we’re at our lowest.
7: Signs – Shriekback
1992 saw the release of “Signs” by British group Shriekback. It discusses some of the things that people see as signals, or the names they give to individuals and locations. It tends to characterise things like black clothing, earrings, graffiti, haircuts, leather, and narcotics, as well as what one could consider to be “bad” neighbourhoods or “unsavoury” individuals.
The song highlights the ridiculousness of assessing individuals based on unimportant things by contrasting these with the “signs” of a rich person.
6: Tell Tale Signs – Kylie Minogue
The signs of falling in love are discussed in many songs. The song from 1989 by Kylie Minogue is about the opposite. It describes a couple that has lost their spark for one another and looks back on the warning indicators that should have made them realise it.
Forgetting about anniversaries, never exclaiming “I love you”, and ceasing to kiss or hold hands are a few examples. The song’s conclusion, however, is a little bit optimistic as the pair resolves to make an effort to rediscover their lost love.
5: The Signs – Foo Fighters
In the song “The Sign” by the Foo Fighters, being in love is compared to worship. The singer claims that although he does not practise any religion, the person he or she loves does, and they will follow them with religious fervour – provided, of course, that they are given a sign.
The song cleverly compares the indicators of interest shown by potential partners to prayers begging God for a sign of his approval. Although neither the singer nor we are aware of what the sign is, he is adamant that it will give him all the solutions he requires.
4: The Sign – Ace Of Base
When Ace Of Base released “The Sign” in 1993, they were nominated for a Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo. The song is about noticing the indications that a relationship isn’t meant to be: “I saw the sign and it opened up my eyes”. The song’s authors, however, claimed that it was intended to be open to interpretation because everyone experiences indicators in their own lives that prompt them to veer off course.
3: SIGNS – Demun Jones Featuring Struggle Jennings
The song “SIGNS” by Demun Jones uses a variety of metaphors to describe both actual street signs and signs that point you in the correct direction. The song’s lyrics further connect this image to the notion of religious faith and putting your trust in God, saying, “So boy you better pay attention when I give you signs, Now pick up the pace and show ’em all you got the spine, It’s blasphemous not to use the tools that I designed”.
His eventual conclusion is that everything will be alright as long as he keeps on following the clues on his route through life, no matter how cryptic they may be.
2: Gimme Little Sign – Brenton Wood
The 1966 song “Gimme Little Sign” is all about attempting to decipher the cues of love. The singer addresses the woman he loves directly, pleading for her to not play games with him and instead give him the correct cues if she wants his affection in return.
He enumerates the typical red flags that break up would-be lovers, such as physical contact, company, and tender remarks. He claims that he will be able to tell that they are related if she gives him these indications.
1: Signs – Five Man Electrical Band
The song “Signs” by Five Man Electrical Band, which was published in 1970, offers a tale that is still relevant today. The title mostly alludes to physical cues that describe numerous social norms. Among these are “No Trespassing” and “Membership Required”.
But as the song progresses, it becomes apparent that these literal indications are also metaphorical indications of hypocrisy and condemnation from individuals who believe themselves to be superior. Numerous artists have covered the song, some of whom have added their own lyrics.
12 Best Songs About Signs – Closing remarks and thoughts
In conclusion, songs about signs provide an intriguing window into the human psyche and our nuanced interaction with the outside world. These songs explore the various ways in which we perceive and react to the signs and symbols that surround us, ranging from the commonplace to the magical, through the force of music and lyrics.
These songs, at their finest, can speak to the pleasures and sufferings, hopes and anxieties that are a part of the human experience while also being very personal. They can provide consolation and solace during uncertain times or motivate us to act in the face of difficulty.
Additionally, songs about signs can promote cross-cultural understanding and interaction as musicians use the rich traditions and folklore of various cultures to create music that appeals to a wide audience. These songs have the ability to break down borders of language and culture, whether we are listening to a sombre ballad or a loud rock anthem.
Closing Remarks:
The ability of songs about signs to capture the mystery and wonder of the world we live in and to serve as a constant reminder that even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty, there is always a potential of meaning and hope is ultimately what gives them their enduring appeal. The world of music will always be a rich source of inspiration and artistic expression as long as we keep looking for signals and symbols in our daily lives.
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A music enthusiast who has taken his passion for music to the next level by starting his own blog. He spends most of his free time listening to new albums, attending concerts, and researching emerging artists.
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