Queensrÿche - Anybody Listening?

Artist: Queensrÿche
Album: Empire
Genre: Heavy Metal
Year: 1990

Lyrics:

You and I
long to live like the wind upon the water.
If we close our eyes, we'll maybe realize
there's more to life than what we have known.
And I can't believe I've spent so long
living lies I know were wrong inside,
I've just begun to see the light.

Long ago there was a dream,
had to make a choice or two.
Leaving all I loved behind,
for what nobody knew.
Stepped out on the stage, a life
under lights and judging eyes.
Now the applause has died and I
can dream again...

Is there anybody listening?
Is there anyone that sees what's going on?
Read between the lines,
criticize the words they're selling.
Think for yourself and feel the walls
become sand beneath your feet

Feel the breeze?
Time's so near you can almost taste the freedom.
There's a warm wind from the south.
Hoist the sail and we'll be gone,
by morning this will all seem like a dream.
And if you don't return to sing the song,
maybe just as well.
I've seen the news and there's
not much I can do...alone

Is there anybody listening?
Is there anyone who smiles without a mask?
What's behind the words--images
they know will please us?
I'll take what's real. Bring up the lights.

Is there anybody listening?
Is there anyone that sees what's going on?
Read between the lines,
criticize the words they're selling.
Think for yourself and feel the walls...
become sand beneath your feet.

[patrickr.]

This song is about stepping out on your own, taking that first step to doing what you feel like you should be doing. Under lights and judging eyes....think for yourself and feel the walls become sand beneath your feet!

[alphacause]

"Anybody Listening?" was one of many songs that Queensryche composed that deserved more exposure on the radio in the early 90s, but did not receive it. While songs like "Empire" and "Silent Lucidity" were chart topping, "Anybody Listening?" was a song that most radio listeners in the 90s were never exposed to unless they purchased the Empire album. In the great pantheon of Queensryche songs, which challenged the listener to be more socially aware, "Anybody Listening?" was arguably the one that did this the best. It really captured the iconoclastic nature of Queensryche. It truly embodied the spirit of skepticism, independent thought, and going against the mainstream that was the hallmark of this band.

[HadOneTooMany]

This is ridiculously powerful. There's no pocket on Earth big enough to fit those bass and drums into.

[BPEngr]

It’s amazing how music can touch us all differently. To me, Anybody listening is the end of the story, a story that started with The Warning.
The message here is simple, yet speaks volumes. I am finally free. You can be free too.

[casecracka]

My God, what a song. Nothing like this.

[uuuuu]

This song always evokes a misty, oceanic fantasy setting to me, like Earthsea. Basically the imagery of the music video, which is totally on point.

[BloodyChamp]

This is probably the best serious heavy metal ballad many people have never heard. It’s right up there with Fade to Black, One, and Cemetery Gates. It came on the radio for a minute when it was new and it comes on Sirius Hair Nation now. Those are the only 2 places I’ve ever heard it ever. I don’t even think it was on Queensryche’s first Greatest Hits album.

[vampylass]

This is more relevant than it was back then, The lyrics speak fine and true in 2021!

[CerebralAssassin]

Very underrated band. Love these guys.

[freedomfighter]

The 90s had so much good music back then it was my favorite and best decade

[djay]

You and I
Long to live like the wind upon the water
If we close our eyes, we'll maybe realize
There's more to life than what we have known
And I can't believe I've spent so long
Living lies I know were wrong inside
I've just begun to see the light
Long ago there was a dream
Had to make a choice or two
Leaving all I loved behind
For what nobody knew
Stepped out on the stage, a life
Under lights and judging eyes
Now the applause has died and I
Can dream again...
Is there anybody listening?
Is there anyone that sees what's going on?
Read between the lines
Criticize the words they're selling
Think for yourself and feel the walls
Become sand beneath your feet
Feel the breeze?
Time's so near you can almost taste the freedom
There's a warm wind from the south
Hoist the sail and we'll be gone
By morning this will all seem like a dream
And if I don't return to sing the song
Maybe just as well
I've seen the news and there's
Not much I can do... alone
Is there anybody listening?
Is there anyone who smiles without a mask?
What's behind the words--images
They know will please us?
I'll take what's real
Bring up the lights
Is there anybody listening?
Is there anyone that sees what's going on?
Read between the lines
Criticize the words they're selling
Think for yourself and feel the walls...
Become sand beneath your feet

[pavelclaudiopatino]

Majestic! Perfect! Bass lines are groovy. Guitars are sonic. Drummer Solid precise. The voice on point. Lyrics are inspiring. I absolutely love this song. This one and Best I can are anthems. I listen to them while I do my 8 Km running daily and I fly, just fly! #Think for #Yourself and feel the #Walls become sand #Beneath your feet ✊✊✊✊🇲🇽🔥🔥🔥

[LeonWick]

This song is relevant today in the era of fake news and echo chambers.

[adkatadkut]

So much truth in this song.. Are you listening?

[hollyho]

I've been dancing this song for about 30 years. it means everything.

[dsalbert]

Beautiful, deep, and powerful. Incredible performance by an incredible band.

[davidharrell]

“…by morning this will all seem like a dream…”
How many times has that line got me through some long nites….

[problemchild]

This song has been with me since 92 great song

[dvduadotcom]

You and I
Long to live like the wind upon the water
If we close our eyes, we'll maybe realize
There's more to life than what we have known
And I can't believe I've spent so long
Living lies I know were wrong inside
I've just begun to see the light

[rosemariepatin]

This song is an inspiration ony life my husband pass away it got me though the moment Geoff thank you