Elevator To Heaven

Chris Bell's 'Elevator To Heaven' is a poignant song that seems to explore themes of longing, time, and the desire for transcendence. The lyrics convey a sense of weariness, as the speaker mentions not having seen any rain while 'draggin' round a ball and chain.' This imagery suggests a feeling of being burdened or trapped, possibly by life's challenges or personal struggles. The ball and chain could symbolize anything that weighs down the spirit, such as regret, unfulfilled dreams, or the monotony of daily life.

The repeated references to time and the angel's announcements about it being 'quarter past eleven' or 'half past seven' imply an awareness of time passing by, perhaps too quickly or without significant change. The notion of catching 'the next elevator to heaven' introduces a metaphor for escape or release from these burdens. It's as if the speaker is waiting for a moment of salvation or a transformative experience that will lift them out of their current state. The elevator is a modern, mundane object, but here it becomes a vehicle for ascension and hope.

Chris Bell, known for his work with the influential rock band Big Star, often infused his music with a sense of searching and introspection. 'Elevator To Heaven' fits within this context, as it reflects a yearning for something better, a break from the heaviness of life. The song's ethereal and contemplative mood invites listeners to reflect on their own desires for change and the things that hold them back, while also offering a glimmer of hope that there is a way out, a path to a metaphorical heaven.