☝️ Key Points
- The song emphasizes the importance of self-confidence and knowing one's roots.
- The song addresses the pursuit of success and the danger of self-exploitation.
- It is warned that one will never fully understand the game of life, but always gets a second chance.
- The lyrics underline the significance of authenticity and staying true to oneself.
- There is a reference to ubiquitous support and the possibility of keeping one's own dreams alive and preventing one's own downfall.
Interpretation
The lyrics of the song 'When You Know (Where You Come From)' by
Scorpions are about self-confidence and the importance of knowing one's roots.
The first verse 'With your head up in the clouds / You try to win the race / You're the leader of the pack / Always' depicts someone who wants to reach great heights and takes the risk of burning out ('The candle keeps burning from both ends / Until it's blowing out with a bang').
In the second verse, it is warned that even if you think you know the game, you actually know nothing at all ('When you think you know the game / You don't know anything at all'). But it is also comforted by the fact that there will always be a second chance ('Cause there will always be a second chance').
The chorus 'When you know where you come from / You know where you're going / Just because you're a child of your time / When you know where you come from / You back down for no one / Just be true to yourself, it's your life' is at the core of the song and emphasizes the importance of knowing one's roots and heritage. If you know where you come from, you also know where you're going. The line 'Just be true to yourself, it's your life' underscores the significance of authenticity and self-confidence.
The third verse reminds that one always has support ('Your angels by your side') and that someone (or something higher) keeps one's dreams alive ('Someone up there keeps your dreams / Alive').
The last verse warns about the dangers of life ('There is a warning light that's flashing all the time') and emphasizes that only the individual can prevent their own downfall ('And only you can stop your downfall').
Overall, the song is an encouragement to be self-aware, know one's identity and heritage, and stay true while navigating the challenges of life.