The Stairs

INXS's song 'The Stairs' delves into the shared human experience, using the metaphor of a building's stairs to illustrate the interconnectedness of our lives. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of individuals living in close proximity, yet often remaining strangers to one another. The 'room above a busy street' symbolizes the isolation that can exist even in crowded urban environments. The 'echoes of a life' and 'fragments and accidents' suggest the remnants of personal histories and experiences that linger in these shared spaces, unnoticed by others but ever-present.

The recurring imagery of 'storey to storey, building to building, street to street' emphasizes the repetitive nature of daily life and the fleeting interactions we have with others. Passing each other on the stairs becomes a metaphor for these brief, often superficial encounters. The walls listening in on our lives hint at the silent witnesses to our existence, the unnoticed details that make up our personal narratives.

The song also touches on deeper existential themes, questioning whether we lead our lives or are led by them. The 'nature of your tragedy' being 'chained around your neck' speaks to the burdens and challenges each person carries. Despite these struggles, the lyrics encourage a sense of purpose and passion, urging listeners to 'dare to hold on to our fate' and 'steal away our destiny.' The idea of 'climbing as we fall' captures the resilience and grace with which we navigate life's ups and downs, finding strength in our shared humanity.