Raise Me Up

Hercules and Love Affair's song 'Raise Me Up' delves into the complex emotions of love, struggle, and redemption. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a secret love that causes both joy and pain, keeping the narrator awake at night. This love is described as a 'secret fight,' suggesting that it is fraught with challenges and societal disapproval. The lines 'They put you down / They pushed your face down' indicate a sense of oppression and mistreatment, possibly hinting at a love that is marginalized or forbidden.

The chorus, 'Ooh raise me up / I forgot to dance your name,' speaks to a longing for upliftment and a return to a state of joy and freedom. The act of dancing symbolizes liberation and self-expression, which the narrator feels they have lost. The repeated plea to be raised up suggests a desire for redemption and a return to a more innocent, joyful time. The imagery of sleeping with rocks and stones further emphasizes the hardship and emotional desolation the narrator has endured.

The song also touches on themes of loss and resurrection. The line 'When my father busted you free / He also killed me' suggests a pivotal moment of liberation that came at a great personal cost. The final verses, 'To dance upon your head / To dance in the holes of your head,' evoke a haunting image of dancing in the cavities of a loved one's eyes, perhaps symbolizing a deep, almost spiritual connection that transcends physical presence. Overall, 'Raise Me Up' is a poignant exploration of love's power to both wound and heal, set against a backdrop of societal challenges and personal sacrifice.