Throwing Copper album cover

Live – Lightning Crashes Lyrics

Rock

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

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 rolling thunder chasing the wind
Forces pulling 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
Puts the glory out to hide, hide

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
I can feel it

Oh, why?
Oh, why?
Oh, why?

I can feel it coming back again
Like a rolling thunder chasing the wind
Forces pulling from the center of the Earth again
I can feel it

I can feel it coming back again
Like a rolling thunder chasing the wind
Forces pulling from the center of the Earth again
I can feel it

I can feel it coming back again
Like a rolling thunder chasing the wind
Forces pulling from the center of the Earth again
I can feel it
I can feel it
I can feel it

About This Song

"Lightning Crashes" is a profound meditation on the cyclical nature of life and death, using the metaphor of lightning to connect the moment of birth with the moment of death occurring simultaneously in a hospital. The song explores themes of reincarnation and spiritual continuity, suggesting that as one soul departs, another enters the world, with the "confusion" or life essence transferring between them. Musically, the track builds from quiet, contemplative verses to an explosive, emotionally charged chorus that mirrors the intensity of these life-changing moments. The song's distinctive spiritual imagery and Ed Kowalczyk's passionate vocals helped establish Live as one of the leading alternative rock bands of the 1990s. Its exploration of birth, death, and rebirth resonated deeply with audiences seeking meaning beyond traditional rock themes, making it both a commercial hit and a touchstone for the band's philosophical approach to songwriting.

Comments (4)

  • Anonymous
    Is it true this song was written about a young girl (old mother) who died whilst giving birth to her daughter (new mother)
  • Anonymous
    one of the great all-time songs. i enjoyed it when it came out in my twenties and still enjoy it in my forties
  • Anonymous
    One of the best written songs I have ever heard , and I'm 50 years old......Great music, Great singer , Great Band..thank you.!!!!
  • RP
    No it wasn’t No mother dies giving birth in this song! That is a common misconception.