Gloria by Laura Branigan – Lyrics Meaning – The Haunting Chase of Desire and Identity
Lyrics
Running after somebody, you gotta get him somehow
I think you’ve got to slow down before you start to blow it
I think you’re headed for a breakdown, so be careful not to show it
You really don’t remember, was it something that he said?
Are the voices in your head calling, Gloria?
Gloria, don’t you think you’re fallin’?
If everybody wants you, why isn’t anybody callin’?
You don’t have to answer
Leave them hangin’ on the line, oh oh oh, calling Gloria
Gloria (Gloria), I think they got your number (Gloria)
I think they got the alias (Gloria) that you’ve been living under (Gloria)
But you really don’t remember, was it something that they said?
Are the voices in your head calling, Gloria?
A ha ha, a ha ha, Gloria, how’s it gonna go down?
Will you meet him on the main line, or will you catch him on the rebound?
Will you marry for the money, take a lover in the afternoon?
Feel your innocence slipping away, don’t believe it’s comin’ back soon
And you really don’t remember, was it something that he said?
Are the voices in your head calling, Gloria?
Gloria, don’t you think you’re fallin’?
If everybody wants you, why isn’t anybody callin’?
You don’t have to answer
Leave them hangin’ on the line, oh-oh-oh, calling Gloria
Gloria (Gloria), I think they got your number (Gloria)
I think they got the alias (Gloria) that you’ve been living under (Gloria)
But you really don’t remember, was it something that they said?
Are the voices in your head calling, Gloria?
(Gloria, Gloria, Gloria, Gloria, Gloria)
(Gloria, Gloria, Gloria, Gloria, Gloria)
In the midst of the roaring 80s, a song emerged that would become an anthem for the era’s tangled web of desire and identity: Laura Branigan’s ‘Gloria’. The track is marked by Branigan’s powerful vocals and an infectious beat that drove it to the top of the charts, but the song’s true depth lies in its rich lyrical content.
Beyond the glam and pulsing beats, ‘Gloria’ is a narrative of internal conflict, societal pressures, and the haunting pursuit of self-fulfillment. As we dive into the meaning behind the lyrics, we unravel a story that is as relevant today as it was decades ago—a testimony to Branigan’s timeless portrayal of human complexity.
Unraveling Gloria’s Relentless Pursuit
The protagonist, Gloria, is depicted in a relentless chase—’always on the run,’ after someone, or perhaps something more abstract like love or validation. The urgency of her pursuit is palpable, but there’s a warning that echoes through the melody, urging her to slow down. The song speaks to the human tendency to seek external fulfillment, often to the point of jeopardizing one’s own mental health.
In the race against herself, Gloria embodies the frantic energy of someone desperate not to confront the impending breakdown that lies just beneath the surface. The track resonates with listeners who’ve felt the seductive pull of distractions that promise to silence the dissonance within, but only offer a temporary reprieve.
Echoes of Gloria: The Voices That Resonate Within Us All
‘Are the voices in your head calling, Gloria?’ The penetrating metaphor of internal voices alludes to the self-doubt and introspection that haunt each of us. It’s a stark reminder that while we might chase after the ephemeral, the real struggle unfolds in the seclusion of our thoughts.
These voices are perhaps the critics, the fears, and the longings that echo in Gloria’s mind, mirroring our own internal battles. Branigan’s portrayal of Gloria strikes a chord by poignantly reminding us of the ever-present internal dialogue that can both propel and paralyze.
The Mystery of Gloria’s Alias: A Fight for Authenticity
Branigan sings of an alias—an identity that Gloria has assumed, or perhaps been forced into by the world around her. This façade raises questions about the genuineness of her external presentation. The era’s fascination with image and status is called into question as the song captures the conflict between true self and the personas we adopt.
It’s a powerful commentary on the duality of our social existence and the internal clash that comes from juggling different identities. Whether Gloria’s alias is a form of protection or a betrayal of her true self is a puzzle Branigan leaves us to ponder.
The Lure of the Limelight: Gloria’s Dance with Desirability
If everybody wants you, the song surmises, then why isn’t anybody calling? It’s the paradox of popularity—being craved by the masses, yet feeling profoundly alone. Gloria’s allure becomes a double-edged sword, showcasing the fickleness of adoration and the loneliness that often accompanies being in the spotlight.
The attention Gloria receives is tinged with irony; it’s as though her desirability is scrutinized and dissected, leaving her to wonder about the authenticity of the connections she’s made. Branigan crafts a scenario that is emblematic of the human yearning to be desired while also seeking genuine connection.
The Lingering Lines: Gloria’s Story Embodied in Memorable Verses
‘Will you meet him on the main line, or will you catch him on the rebound?’ These lyrics paint a picture of Gloria’s turbulent romantic endeavors, a microcosm of the volatility of her life. The song suggests her innocence is ‘slipping away,’ symbolizing the loss of naivety as one faces the harrowing complexities of adulthood.
These verses are more than just catchy phrases; they’re the embodiment of Gloria’s—and by extension, every listener’s—narrative. Each word cements the song’s place in a musical era, yet transcends time with its universal contemplation of human experience and the perpetual search for meaning.
