Lightning Crashes by Live

Album: Throwing Copper (1994)

Charted: 33 12

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Songfacts®:

The band dedicated this song to Barbara Lewis, one of their high school friends who was killed by a drunk driver around the time it was written. Her brother-in-law Cory told Songfacts the story:

"The song's lyrics are mostly an analogy. Barb donated several organs, including her heart. She was close with Ed [lead singer Ed Kowalczyk] and the guys and died in a car collision with a fleeing armed robber. These lyrics are constantly misunderstood! Yes, Ed is speaking to the circle of life, but specifically to how Barb's life gave new life to many. The angel, the baby down the hall, the pale blue eyes (of Barb), the pain ("confusion")... the lyrics are wholly Ed's interpretation of his experience and perception of Barb's impact. Our family has become close with the most genuine and caring man who is still alive today (over 10 years later), who has Barb's heart beating in his chest! 'Lightning Crashes' literally lives on."
Ed Kowalczyk doesn't like to talk about the meaning of this song, but he did explain its creation. "I wrote 'Lightning Crashes' on an acoustic guitar in my brother's bedroom shortly before I had moved out of my parents' house and gotten my first place of my own," he recalled to Spin magazine.
There was a very long lag between when this lighting crashed and when we finally heard the thunder. The Throwing Copper album was released in May 1994, with "Selling The Drama" issued as the first single. In July, it peaked at #43 on the Hot 100 and the band started to build a buzz. They played Woodstock '94 in August, winning over a bevy of new fans. For marketing purposes, they stopped selling singles, a strategy designed to boost album sales. Live released four more singles from the album, but you couldn't buy them: they were sent as promo copies to radio stations and most got music videos that were pushed to MTV. "I Alone" was the next single, garnering most of its airplay at the end of 1994. "Lightning Crashes" came next, and it was huge, making inroads on pop radio as well as rock. It ended up being Live's most popular song and helped the album sell over 8 million copies.
At their concerts in the late 1990s, Live dedicated this song to the victims of the tragedy at Columbine High School.
The music video, which depicts one woman dying while another gives birth, has caused some confusion among fans. Kowalczyk explained: "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. Nobody's dying in the act of childbirth, as some viewers think. What you're seeing is actually a happy ending based on a kind of transference of life."
Live's Woodstock '94 set embodied the best of the festival, with an electrifying performance that helped them break through to the next level. They played Day 1 on an eclectic bill with Violent Femmes, Sheryl Crow and Collective Soul. Over the next year, they were on the road constantly as the songs from Throwing Copper permeated the airwaves. That Woodstock set was released in 2019 as part of the 25th anniversary edition of the album.

Live returned to play Woodstock '99, where they closed out their set with "Lightning Crashes." It was a very different vibe in very different musical era. Sheryl Crow was again on the bill, but the big names were very aggressive acts like Korn and Limp Bizkit. Live guitarist Chad Taylor told Greg Prato: "'94 was really cool, and then we did the later one, and that was horrible."
In 2019, Live lent their name to a craft beer called "Throwing Copper Ale," which is described as "a union of the caramel toffee-like sweetness of English barley and the bitterness of Nobel hops."
This was used in the 2017 movie Kodachrome, starring Elizabeth Olsen and Jason Sudeikis. It was also featured in these TV shows:

Yellowjackets ("Burial" - 2023)
The OA ("The Medium & The Engineer" - 2019)
Twisted ("A Tale Of Two Confessions" - 2014)
One Tree Hill ("All Of A Sudden I Miss Everyone" - 2007)
On April 19, 1995, domestic terrorists bombed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City and killed 168 people. In response to the tragedy, a local DJ remixed "Lightning Crashes," incorporating sound bites from President Bill Clinton and news anchor Tom Brokaw, as well sirens from ambulances and fire engines. This version was used in several tributes to honor the victims.

"It sort of became the de facto song [for the bombing]," Live drummer Chad Gracey told PennLive in 2015. "It was definitely very bittersweet and surreal and strange to see this impactful event in our country and then have a song that we wrote be associated with it."

Comments: 85

Centralpaart from York, PaI knew her. They knew her. Good on them for honoring her.
Hillary Shaffer from York PaRIP Barb you were such a beautiful soul
James from United States Of America This song when I first heard it played over a local F.M. Station not kind after its release, was to me a song on the fast track to a celebrated success story. My prediction was realized in spectacular fashion.
-J
923mikey from North CarolinaThis is a beautiful song and one of my favorites for years. In 2020 it touches my heart in a new way. In 1960 my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was pregnant with me at the time. An abortion was recommended and confusion set in. She chose to keep me. She had a radical mastectomy and (we) radiation treatment. I was born healthy with only a few red marks on my forehead that show brighter from time to time. Angel Kisses. Mom died in 2000. In July 2020 the angel closed her eyes and I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Small tumor, caught early through mammogram, but an aggressive type. The confusion set in and multiple treatments recommended. I had a lumpectomy in August and now going through chemotherapy. I start radiation treatment in about 4 weeks and continue chemo and hormone treatment until the fall of 2021. Genetic testing was performed and ironically it was negative. The rolling thunder is chasing the wind. I can feel it. I miss my momma, but I know some how she is still with me on this journey. I love this song.
Boneskaar from ShowmeI'm a boomer. Lot's of my generation disparage this type of music. Any song that can move me to tears is great music. Upon learning the story behind it's writing I can assure you I will take steps to donate my organs if the circumstances of my demise make their harvesting possible.
Amanda from FlMichelle from Douglasville GA u probably know my sister
Lori from FloridaIt's so interesting reading all the theories of the lyrics. My interpretation of the song was that a very special birth happened once again, Lightning crashes. Forces pull on the earth, (Creation)and when the Doctor saw two faces on the baby, one of an angel and the other as Jesus. Confusion sets in. Doctors close the door. The Mother's intentions fall to the floor means although she has good intentions, she will not be able to stop the order of her newborn, her life, as the lamb. The old mother dies is that she no longer is the lamb herself, it's now her daughters. The woman with no iris's is deceased and is now her (baby's) guardian angel. Put the Glory out to hide is that she now will need protection until the end of life's cycle.
Rhonda from Dexter Georgia This song has so much meaning for me. My fiancé was killed in 1997 by a drunk driver. Live was his favorite band and as singer/musicians we constantly sang their songs. My fiancé had an amazing voice and as I listen to “Lighting Crashes” and “Turn My Head” a flood of beautiful memories come rushing in. I sw at I can still hear his voice.
Rachel from NapaCorrection—MARK Wells—I wrote your name incorrectly—I know a James Wells in the education community and my brain automatically deferred to the familiar. Please accept my apologies!
Rachel from NapaJames Wells I registered specifically to respond to you. Your story touched me, tremendously. I cannot imagine walking the good road you have walked. I am sure it has given you a special appreciation for your mom and motherhood. It makes you a special man of compassion walked through fire. I was born 4/2/1970 so you got my attention. My life has been very bittersweet and we are gen-x kind of a unique bird we are. What I’m trying to say is I understand a bit of loss—I lost my husband young, but I cannot possibly know what you have felt. I am so sorry and grateful you have worked hard to heal and be a light. May your most dear wishes come to fruition.

This song is extraordinarily powerful and in my older-age at 47 it startled me to listen to it again and hear “placenta” because these days my kids are of childbearing age and I just don’t use the term anymore. Not a hang-up—it just grabbed me and made me realize it’s a powerful statement piece in the song. I always marvel at youth and what they can do and how astute (and incisive) they are.

This song was written by a young and clearly sensitive soul visiting as a “male” in a rather harsh society. Clearly the spirit was in this soul, like most geniuses will recognize—they step aside—let spirit guide. Beautiful song.

I’ll probably not be able to get the heartbreaking story of Mark Wells and his lovely mom out of my heart two weeks before I was born. Wherever you are Mark Wells—peace and abundance of joy and love to you.
Maris from AdelaiodeSeems I had no idea also of true meaning but to me it's means this, Verse 1 - My young mum gives birth to me/ she opens her eyes but I am already being taken away. Verse 2 still refers to my young mum but now an "old" mother as she will never seem me or I her again. The confusion that was hers is now mine, The confusion is adoption.
Mark Wells from Atlanta, GaI have just learned what the song lyrics intended by the composer mean. However, I would like to post this comment. I hope all that read it will appreciate and understand why this song has such significant meaning to me...although until now I misunderstood the songs meaning. My mother was pregnant with me in 1970...she was 28 weeks pregnant and 28 years old. Long story short...she developed pre-eclampsia...aka...toxemia due to the pregnancy. She was suffering from an intense headache one night...March 14, 1970 while at a concert with my father. Eventually she told him...I can't take this headache pain anymore. He took her to a hospital in Atlanta where upon entering the hospital my mother began to seize and became unconscious. She never regained consciousness. She was placed on a ventilator to make her breathe. She was soon pronounced brain dead by her attending neurosurgeon. The ventilator allowed her to continue to have blood flow which kept me alive in her womb. Surgeons did an immediate c-section and I was born...alive...weighing 2.7 pounds and 28 weeks gestation. She was officially pronounced brain dead on March 15, 1970 just a couple of hours after my birth at 630 a.m. that day. This song has given me immense comfort over the years as I have played it over and over, watched the video over and over. My birthday is coming up...I will be 46 years old. It's get's harder and harder every the older I get to know that she died for me. I am at peace. I have had plenty of therapy. Overall I am a successful and complete healthy man. However, this time of year is a little difficult for me and those close to me...they want to understand my pain. I will conclude with this...Thank you for ever writing this song. Thank you "Live" for giving me this music that blesses me and calms my soul every time I hear it. It changed my life in ways that words can't describe. So, please know, I do not discount and/or disrespect the song's initial intent or meaning. You gave me something to identify with that changed my life forever and for the better...Peace! Mark Wells...My mother's name was Lynda Jane Wells!
Aynge from Long Beach, CaThis is one of the few songs that can actually make me sob like Susan Lucci. Who would have thought that a song with the word "placenta" could do that? Great album.
Ian from Gold Coast, AustraliaThis song has probably been my favorite song of all time. It is interesting to read so many interpretations. It seems that a hospital is the likely setting (that was Ed Kowalczyk's idea anyway). As a doctor I expect that the only reason a placenta would fall to the floor in a hospital would be that the birth was so fast that there wasn't time for a midwife or doctor to manage the birth. ie it happened really quickly... like lightning flashing. The confusion sets in because the baby is born unexpectedly quickly, the new mother is crying (?in pain ?for joy)... before the doctor can even close the door. An old mother dies... her intentions (unfulfilled plans, hopes and expectations) fall to the floor metaphorically (she can't carry out any more intentions). Her confusion, like the baby's, is due to the unfamiliarity of what is happening to each of them (being born, dying).
The reference to the blue eyes: firstly, can anyone explain where it says anything about the baby having blue eyes? It clearly refers to the angel as having blue eyes. The angel, in my interpretation of the lyrics, is that spiritual part of us that makes us 'alive'. Ed Kowalczyk is a Christian and he may be referring to the God given spirit of life incarnated as a angel with blue eyes. A child is born, the spirit comes to life in that child, signified by opening the angel's eyes. The old mother dies, death signified by closing of the angel's eyes. Ed Kowalczyk refers to seeing beauty as evidence for God's existence in other songs (eg "Heaven" - I look at my daughter(s) and I believe... I can see the sunset and I perceive). Presents the circle most people agrees to the circle of life and death. "And puts the Glory out to hide" probably refers to Proverbs 25:2 where it says "It is the glory of God to hide a matter...." This reference refers to the miracles of birth, death and existence which are usually taken for granted and overlooked. Look at the sunset sometime and perceive....
Valyrie from Detroit, MiMy mother was dying and I was on my way to her. It was at night and the dark sky was filled with lightning. No rain. This song was on the radio of my car. Before she died, my mother looked at me with a glowing, peaceful smile. Her sparkling eyes were filled with the wisdom of a prophet and the innocence of a lamb. She went Home. Peace...John 14:27
Michelle from Douglasville, GaI only seen one person who answered this right. This was for Barb Lewis, who died in a car crash in York, PA. Cops were cashing a robber and he ran a red light and hit her head on. She went on to donate all of her organs. Barb was in my graduating class , we were both actually at a party on Jackson Street that night right before this accident. We went to school with the members of Live. We all went to william penn sr high. Back then live was called public affection. As a matter of fact barb's mom just posted a letter from the parole board today, and the guy who killed barb, his name is Robert Leroy Goodrich. He was 24 at the time and has served 20 years out of his 40 year sentence and was denied parole on Oct 12th, 2012 and wont be eligible again until sept of 2014. I realize music is personal and can be interpreted to mean something different to each person who hears it. But it was written and dedicated to Barb Lewis as someone above had posted.
Thomas from Mannum, AustraliaAmen, Shannon.

You are spot on.
Shannon from Prineville, OrI have read ALL of the comments as well as Ed's comment about how it was created and what it means to him.
THAT IS THE POINT!! Music should instill DIFFERENT meanings and emotions in EVERYONE! That is what music is all about!
Who care whether it is a girl questioning the color of her babies eyes or about the circle of life and death. Ying and Yang,
The point I'm making is the beauty of this songs like ALL GREAT SONGS, create thought, emotion, love, anger, joy, anger..... someone thinks of his son that passed over, someone lost a brother who received this CD, someone thinks of the trials and tribulations his mother went
through. That is why people become artist. Evoking emotions and making people think and interpret things for themselves. I just hope the music NEVER DIES!
Cher from Tampa, FlALL BABIES ARE BORN WITH BLUE EYES! It's a scientific fact...
they change over time while they are infants...
- Hannah, Spring, TX

Well, then...both my children defy science. They were born with pitch black/brown eyes that they still have to this day.
Just so you are aware, Hannah...no, not all babies are born with blue eyes. Not at all. It depends on the amount of melanin they have in their eyes at birth. Nothing more.

I know this song was written for Ed's friend...but this song got me through a personal crisis during the death of my son. Everytime I hear it, it brings me back to that moment when Lightning Crashed for me, in 1995. Whenever I hear it now..I pretend it is my son, sending me a kiss from beyond.
Hannah from Spring, TxDear person that commented with this:
"I think it is referring to the circle of life...BUT i believe the part about the new mother cries, her placents falls to the floor, the angel opens her eyes....refers to the baby opening her eyes, and the confusion sets in because she has blue eyes. The confusion could be because her parents or her "thought to be dad" has brown eyes and so does the mother, so the baby couldn't have blue eyes. Therefore, the mother cheated and didn't realize the baby was not her boyfriends, but the eyes gave it away and set in confusion. Thats the only reason I could think of for the to be such a significance about the blue eyes. Its also talking about an old mother dying and now the confusion that she had in her life is passed on to the baby because the baby will always be confused and not know who its real father may be.- Amanda, Dearborn, MI"

...

ALL BABIES ARE BORN WITH BLUE EYES! It's a scientific fact...
they change over time while they are infants...
Penny from Falls City, Nelove this song, music, lyrics, vocals.
Lisa from Bovill, IdMy oldest daughter bought this CD for her brother as a gift. Little did she know not that long after she would loose him. While going through his things she found the CD and used this song in a video she made for his memorial service. It adds new meaning for me now that I have read a bit about the song. We were not able to donate his organs but were able to donate his corneas as well as tissue and bone. It does help a bit to know that there is a little of him still out there still living.
B from Perth, AustraliaEd Kowalczyk said, "I wrote 'Lightning Crashes' on an acoustic guitar in my brother's bedroom shortly before I had moved out of my parents' house and gotten my first place of my own." Kowalczyk says that the video for "Lightning Crashes" lends itself to many misinterpretations of the song's intent. "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. Nobody's dying in the act of childbirth, as some viewers think. What you're seeing is actually a happy ending based on a kind of transference of life. The dedication to Barbara Lewis came after the song was written. But it was something that we hoped would honor the memory of a girl we grew up with and help her family cope with sorrow -- which it seems to have accomplished -- in a fashion in keeping with the theme of the song."
Jakethreesixty from Corinth, Nyaccording to my dad i was born on oct. 10 1994 while this song came on the radio, whether or not this is true i don't care, its a good song though.
Christopher from Lake City, Sc, ScI may be a guy bt that has nothin to do with emotions every1 has them. When I feel doubtful about my life I give my mother a call because She understands every aspect and problem of my life. She's the 1 any1 can ever turn 2 (ur mothers) the 1 nd only, I look at, love, and respect her more than people do Mother Mary. I've been going through a big giant ordeal in life the past few mnths nd feel I cnt handle it at nd I have a child on the way nd she constantly tells me "dnt give up u r going 2 make it I raised 4 (2 girls 2 boys) kids all grown now nd made it". I know that there is nothing I can do 2 pay her back besides do right and appropriate the things I am givin do not dwell on what I don't have. I look at this song as my mother going through every ordeal nd struggle of life fighting the courts nd my father just 2 keep the 4 of us together throughout so we would never b separated, she has made so many sacrifices and put her life in jeopardy just 4 us 2 survive nd live happy. When I think about the bad nd where I could have changed things I play this song then as I start 2 feel better I look how far I've came nd cnt turn around now, I cry because of all the grace I am givin nd think of her because she is the 1 that gave me the life nd air I breath in my lungs 2day ........ I just want her to understand and know how much she is loved and appreciated by me. I will become the legacy that my father never could be as a man and carry our name out, and never will I put a female through what he put you through, I promise. And thank you Mom, I love you.
Jim from Long Beach, CaThis is one of the few songs that makes me cry. I don't cry. Very powerful and sad. One of my favorite songs of all-time.
Emily from Baltimore, Mdi love this song its so beautiful.... i never realized what it was about until now.
Landry from Asheville, NcThis song is so beautiful, and is very well done. I have always wondered the meaning or inspiration behind the lyrics. I often thought it might be about reincarnation. (someone dies...down the hall someone breathes their first breath...). I guess no matter what direction you take it in, it is about the joy of life and sorrow of death; these two things thrown together in a haunting, emotional song. Well done. Thank you LIVE.
Lisa from Milwaukee, Wi, WiWOW! amazing how someone can totally miss the meaning. Amanda - most babies have blue eyes when they are born - of Caucasian descent anyway.
The confusion is not about who is the father, but confusion of dealing with the world and its problems that we face.
Pale blue colored eyes is a reference to the fact that the baby was just born. What does everyone else think?
Henry from Bedrock, InSuzie (from Langfang City): Easy for you to say.
Ryan from Abingdon, Vai always thought that the song was about a mother who was faced with a decision to either live and abort her baby, or have the baby and die herself. She has the baby of course, so then she dies. that was my interpretation
Amanda from Dearborn, MiI think it is referring to the circle of life...BUT i believe the part about the new mother cries, her placents falls to the floor, the angel opens her eyes....refers to the baby opening her eyes, and the confusion sets in because she has blue eyes. The confusion could be because her parents or her "thought to be dad" has brown eyes and so does the mother, so the baby couldn't have blue eyes. Therefore, the mother cheated and didn't realize the baby was not her boyfriends, but the eyes gave it away and set in confusion. Thats the only reason I could think of for the to be such a significance about the blue eyes. Its also talking about an old mother dying and now the confusion that she had in her life is passed on to the baby because the baby will always be confused and not know who its real father may be.
Erobi from Buderim, AustraliaTo me "Lightning Crashes" refers to how things can happen in an instant, unexpected and unpredictable. All and all a great song, definitely one of my faves.
Michele from Rutland, , VtJust plain & simple it is beautiful,spirutial & haunting. At the same time it makes me calm. I am a single mother of a beautiful daughter. It really makes me realize how truly blessed I am.
I want to say to Live thank you. It is awesome to have a song really touch your heart. Michele Rutland, Vermont
Jennifer from Oneonta, AlTis is off subject. But this song really helped me get over the death of my daughter that was still born. It ment a lot to me....THank you..
Steven from Everett, Wai got the answer directly from ed himself found it in an interview in spin
From Spin Magazine:
(Ed Kowalczyk) He smiles, exhales, and begins. "I wrote 'Lightning Crashes' on an acoustic guitar in my brother's bedroom shortly before I had moved out of my parents' house and gotten my first place of my own." Kowalczyk says that the video for "Lightning Crashes" lends itself to many misinterpretations of the song's intent. "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. Nobody's dying in the act of childbirth, as some viewers think. What you're seeing is actually a happy ending based on a kind of transference of life. The dedication to Barbara Lewis came after the song was written. But it was something that we hoped would honor the memory of a girl we grew up with and help her family cope with sorrow -- which it seems to have accomplished -- in a fashion in keeping with the theme of the song."
Musicmama from New York, NyI love the way the guitar seems to start off in a haze and becomes more focused, and driving, as the song progresses. It's like a drizzle devolving into a deluge.

Also, the lyrics are very well-written. Yes, they do recount a "cycle of life." But they're not that simple, even though they are accessible.

In a way, though, this song--as much as I like it--is bittersweet for me. Ironically enough, the part that is the most hopeful is also the most tragic. I'm talking about the second stanza--the old mother (not the one giving birth) dies and "the confusion that was hers belongs now to the baby down the hall." On one hand, yes, it does reaffirm the cycle of life--and hope. But, on the other, it confirms that the baby is inheriting the same mess the old mother is leaving behind. That expresses, very nicely, the reasons why I've never had children: I never felt right about passing my confusion and my conflicts--or even the merest capacity for inheriting them--on to anyone else. All I hope is that during the time I taught, I didn't pass too much confusion on to my students!
Sam from Lincoln, NeStorm, have you actually read the lyrics to this song? It has absolutely nothing to do with rape victims or about a mother being killed in childbirth by her baby. The song refers to the circle of life. While one person is leaving the world, another is entering it.
Storm from Oak Ridge, LaThis is a great song. But i believe the song has a little deeper meaning that is touchy with our country. Lightning Crashes is about a girl who is a rape victim, and because of the crime the girl becomes pregnant. It seems like her friends and family try to talk her into having an abortion, but she doesnt want to kill life. She goes through with it and during birth the baby kills the girl. This thought poped in my mind when i heard the song and i listened to the song and watched the video and got my opinion of this awesome song.
Chris Gibb from High Wycombe, EnglandI first heard this song on youtube. It was soundtrack to tribute to racing drivers who have lost their lives over the years. Every time i hear it i always get a lump in my throat. Have a look at the video (its not mine)it's very touching http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oP5lTJC2YZU
Emi from Dallas, Txlife is a never ending circle.
they played it at my friends
funeral.
it was very touching.
Tonya from Newburgh, NyTo me this song means that a mother dies during child birth, her child lives and another woman becomes a mother to that child. It is a very touching song and for any mother I know it this songs means a little something more to us!!
Robert from Sunnyvale, CaIt's really important I think to understand the song by listening to its writer to understand it. Lot's of analogies can be misinterpreted. Btw, Aniridia is the disease where a person is born without an iris, and it will not cause blindness in the least. Further, they would not preform a transplant from an adult to a baby. Everyone keep writing though, it is very uplifting to hear everyone's stories. This is a very emotional song.
Will from Burton On Trent, EnglandThis is one of the few songs that can leave a lump in my throat. I listerned to it more since I had the wonderful experience of witnessing my son coming into the world over a year ago whcih I guess make the songs theme of child birth all the more important. Just so you know, mother and baby are doing fine.
Robert from Colorado Springs, Co 80918, CoThis song is about a woman (the old mother) who dies and donates her organs and a baby that is born blind (without irises). The baby receives the woman?s irises and is able to see.

Here is my reasoning:

Lightning crashes a new mother cries
Her placenta falls to the floor
The angel opens her eyes
The confusion sets in
Before the doctor can even close the door

As soon as ?the angel opens her eyes - The confusion sets in?? As soon as the angle opens her eyes there is a problem, because it is blind.

Lightning crashes an old mother dies
Her intentions fall to the floor
The angel closes her eyes
The confusion that was hers
Belongs now to the baby down the hall

The woman dies ? This was the key in the video it shows the woman dieing and her ghost walks out of the room. Later it shows that ghost in a room alone standing over a newborn baby. They show a two second shot of the ghost?s face; the eyes are all white - they are missing their irises.

1-Oh now feel it, comin' back again
Like a rollin', thunder chasing the wind
Forces pullin' from
The center of the earth again
I can feel it.

This verse is about the transplant operation.

Lightning crashes a new mother cries
This moment she's been waiting for
The angel opens her eyes
Pale blue colored iris
Presents the circle
And puts the glory out to hide, hide

This is the moment the new mother has been waiting for ? The moment her baby can see for the first time. The glory is that the operation worked.
Loen from Boston, MaThis song is just amazing. The feel and sadness and power in it. I remember when this came out it was my forever all-time favorite, and whenever it was on the radio, I was so excited, turned off the lights, turned it up so high and closed my eyes. Only I would be so sad when it was over, and the shortest song made, I had ever ehard. I hope there will eb more like this style and feel in it in the future. seems hopeless to though.

Boston, MA
Lindsey from Mccomb, MsI've heard many songs in my life but this song is probably the most emotionally intense one that I've ever heard. Whatever it's about, it makes me want to bawl each time I hear it. But that's why I love it.
Theo from Johannesburg, South Africai've had the privilege of seeing live in concert twice(no mean feat in South Africa!!!) ,and to me there is nothing more moving and goosebump-inducing than listening to a stadium of 50000 people singing this song.awesome!!!
Brandon from Sterling, Vaits about a woman who dies while giving childbirth the music video clearly shows this and its about the transfer of life from the mother to her child
Brandon from Sterling, VaEd kowalchzyk was 21 years old, just having finished touring for his bands first album, he was still living at home. "I remember I had my accoustic guitar and i was sitting on the edge of my brothers bed and i just started to play, just out of nothing, no thought, and just allowed some story to emerge. And what came out was lighting crashes."

..."it was my take on the cycle of life and death, and this transfer of energy that never really begins or ends. No death. Just a cycle."
Brandy from Atlanta, GaThat is not what the song is suppose to be about!! If you would read the insert on the Throwing Copper album you would see where they explain the songs meaning. It is about a friend of theirs who dies giving birth to her child. I acutally have the insert in front of me and I am reading it at the moment!
Chris from Loves Park, Ilone of the best live songs ever! How can this not stir emotions? Every concert that i have seen(15 at last count) the audience sings it the loudest! The last concert i went the song went on for 15 minutes--crowd just kept singing it!
Stacy from Evansville, InMy mom died the summer of 1995 when I was 18, this song was popular then and even before she passed something about the haunting lyrics always made me think of her.
Carl from Carrum Downs, AustraliaThis is a song that takes you by the hands and waltzes with you through one of the most important aspects of life.
The ability to be able to overcome the loss of a close loved one.
Tim from Spokane, Wvlightning crashes, a new mother cries
her placenta falls to the floor
the angel opens her eyes
the confusion sets in
before the doctor can even close the door

lightning crashes, an old mother dies
her intentions fall to the floor
the angel closes her eyes
the confusion that was hers
belongs now, to the baby down the hall

oh now feel it comin' back again
like a rollin' thunder chasing the wind
forces pullin' from the center of the earth again
I can feel it.

lightning crashes, a new mother cries
this moment she's been waiting for
the angel opens her eyes
pale blue colored iris,
presents the circle
and puts the glory out to hide, hide
Tim from Spokane, WvThis song grabbed me and raised the hair on the back of my neck.Just know the song is awesome and it could mean something different to each person when they hear it when you compare your trials of life as an analogy.......Whatever the true meaning from the band.. This song is something I can listen to over and over and I love to drum and sing it. Excellent!!!!!
Mortrata from Utica, Nyin my opinion the song says very clearly Verse 1: A woman loses her baby...Verse 2:Another mother dies during child birth leaving the baby alone "confused"...Verse 3:The woman in verse 1 adopts baby in verse 2 and they both get what they wouldn't have had otherwise...it's a very sad, but very uplifting song about the strange things that happen for a reason...it's beautiful..."Forces pulling from the center of the Earth... I can feel it." no matter what happens in your life there is a reason...it is what life is all about I can see why they would dedicate this song to "barbara" because it talks about the fact that even a tragic death brings hope to somebody else like in organ donation...11 years ago, my mother lost a baby, my brother, after 8 and a half months of pregnancy and has just last year adopted a beautiful baby girl...the baby she adopted was born with an addiction to crack and now at age 3 has displayed some signs of a learning disability...my mother had been depressed for 8 years...they obviously NEEDED one another...my father died of a heart attack at age 39 and is an organ donor...i find all aspects of this song to be beautiful and incredibly spiritual...everyone on this earth is connected, but so few of us take time to see that...were in too much of a hurry to live our lives...maybe we should stop and think about our fellow man or woman a little more often...
Adam from Greenfield, InGreat song, and Stephanie from Thurmont MD, Radio stations cut this song off because, if we like to admit or not, radio editing happens. Not just with songs with crude lyrics but sometimes songs that are too long and trust me the full version of this song is almost 6 minutes long and getting a radio station to play that is near impossible. So they edit it and most people will never know that they listened to an edited version.
Conman from Winnipeg, Canadathis song is very emotional it makes me sad every time i hear it i love this song it touches my heart from the bands to mine
April from Philippines, United Stateswhen i first heard this song...it did struck my heart...life is so precious for you to take for granted so live as if you never lived before and breath as if it were your last!!!this song is adaptable to all mankind i hope they would feel how i felt when i first heard it.
Ekristheh from Halath, United StatesI confess myself amazed at some of the comments below (abortion, etc.) -- any minute now I expect someone to add "Totally a heroin song."

When I first heard this, I thought of transmigration of souls; the old lady dies but her soul is passed along to the baby. Ms. Lewis lives on in a sense through the people using her organs now. I am highly in favor of organ donation. You can do this at the DMV the next time you get your driver's license renewed), no matter what you think this song is about.
Terri from Shoreline, WaI have heard "Lightning Crashes" so many times but never took the time to research it until today. It is so hauntingly beautiful ....and now I know why. My heart goes out to Barbara Lewis' family and friends. She was surrounded by exceptional people. I tracked the song down more when I saw the tribute to barbara at the end of the page showing birth to death. I felt that was odd, so researched "Barbara Lewis". I found a songwriter with the same name! How bizarre! Keep up the great work!
Ashley from Moncton, CanadaFavourite song ever. It was my favourite song when I first heard it when I was 6 in 1996, and it was my favourite song in 2000, and It's my favourite song now. Who cares exactly what it means- there's life and death- that's all you need to know.
Dave from Jakarta, IndonesiaI've just had a wonderful baby boy. And here at the office I got one of those forwarded emails showing pictures of cute babies and everything. As I view the pictures, my mp3 player plays the song lightning crashes telling about mothers, babies, and all. Out of curiosity I checked the lyrics and stumbled upon this. And all I can think about now is how blessed I am to be able to come home carrying my baby in my arms.
Kurt from Millmerran, AustraliaI don't really like Live but this song is awesome.
James from Wollongong, AustraliaOne of my favourite songs of all time. Never get sick of listening to it and i rate it as one of the best songs ever written
Adam from Spokane, WaThe only person who knows what the song means is the person who wrote it, but you can all keep thinking you know what it means.
Shirley from Ocean, NjRight on, Aaron, it's as simple as that. Beautifully, and well said.
Mike from Anaheim, CaOh god i love this song, and yes it is obvious its about what you all said it was about, but i am only 13, and listnen to live and pearl jam religiously and it reminds me of when i was a baby, but this song, makes me crie even when i dont think about the lyrics
Aaron from Christchurch, New ZealandListening to the lyrics I think it's pretty obvious the song is about the birth of a new child, while an old woman dies down the hall. The woman dying is not the new mother - she's an OLD mother.
The confusion setting in is a reference to the baby being confused by all the new sensations and experience it hasn't known in the womb (the angel has just opened eyes).
As the old mother dies her confusions fade, and are metaphorically (not literally) passed onto the new baby who is coming into life as the old mother fades from it.
Chase Candler from Peoria, AzThis song is about A woman giving birth and dieing in the process. Didn't you guys see the video?
- Addum, Williamsport, MD

no its not its anology of the circle of life, basically for every life that is lost one is gained
Stephanie from Thurmont, MdWhen I was younger, I always associated the song with change, with one person dying and another being born to take her place. One problem I have always had with this song, though, and it's nothing to do with the song itself--why is it that, 99% of the time this song comes on the radio, the station slices off the first stanza? It ruins the entire continuity of the song to not include the birth!
Caitlyn from Brooklyn And Long Island Ny, United StatesI've listened to this song since i was a little girl. I think it is about a child being born the second an old woman dies. The guardian angel closes the woman's eyes and opens the babys eyes. The old woman had her own kids and her intentions are dropped to the floor, while the child is full of promise. Its the moment that both the old woman and baby have been waiting for, death and life.

Also, since Live is very Christian, i would assume this is a means to make you think about angels and the miracle of birth, as well as afterlife in Heaven.

The lyrics are sooo moving. Even as a little girl i felt so in tune with the idea of birth where is one finding their place, and death where one loses their place thru this song.

Whatever previously held the baby/woman from moving on (be it placenta or intentions) the angels throw it away.
Chris from Collingswood, NjListen to the song better a baby is born as an old woman dies down the hall.
Marian from Minnetonka, Mn I think this song is about a friend of his dying in childbirth. A new mother cries her placenta falls to the floor. This is when the baby is born and she (the baby) is crying, as babies do when they are born. He refers to her as a new mother because she is a female.
The angel opens her eyes The baby opens her eyes. Then things go wrong for the mother& The confusion sets in before the doctor can even close the door.
An old mother dies her intentions fall to the floor&meaning that the old mother being the person giving birth and all the intentions she had for her new child are now gone forever.
The angel closes her eyes the confusion that was hers belongs now, to the baby down the hall&meaning that as she dies she closes her eyes and since the people trying to help can no longer help her, they go to try to save the child.
Lightning crashes, a new mother cries this moment she's been waiting for the angel opens her eyes pale blue colored iris, presents the circle&meaning that the moment that that the child has been waiting for is to be born. And her eyes are pale blue and they present a circle, which is referring to lifes circle because she will become a mother someday.
Well thats just what I think
Melissa from Souderton, Pai always thought this song was about abortion and the hopes and dreams of a child but loosing it to abortion.
Asha from Vacaville, CaLife is a constant circle between birth and death. "Forces pulling from the center of the Earth... I can feel it." The passion in which this lyric is expressed leads me to believe that whatever experience he went through helped him to be grounded in life and use it to learn and live.
Luke from Manchester, EnglandLive played this song once, Ed forgot the lyrics - when he looked up, every single member of the audience was singing with him... That's how good this song is
Anna from Nyc, Nythe first time i heard this song was the day of the oklahoma city bombings they even mixed the song with the sounds of victims screaming things like "my babys in there !!" and "my husbands there!!" it was very emotional and moving and ive never forgotten that song to ths day every time i hear it i think back on the tradgeides in this country
Addum from Williamsport, MdThis song is about A woman giving birth and dieing in the process. Didn't you guys see the video?
Brian from Kapolei, HiThis is a very good example of putting good outcome of bad things and how a horrible tragedy can always be overcome and may overcome you as a whole or in part due to .........
Heather from Mead, Ne" the angel opens her eyes
pale blue colored iris." is my favorite part.
Mary from Moulton, AlThis song is awesome. I love the music, and the lyrics get to me every time I hear them. I agree with the guy that said that this song has different meanings...so--like he siad--find the one that suits u the best.
Matt from Necedah, WiThis song represents all those people that have gone through problems with giving birth.Miscarriages.It then expresses the joy of a woman when she gives birth
Chris from Hamilton, New ZealandI compare this song to Stairway to Heaven. its sound is technically very good. there is more than one message here. find the one that suits you best

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