Meaning of "Speak My Language" by Laurie Anderson

The lyrics of "Speak My Language" by Laurie Anderson delve into the concept of mortality and the significance of communication. The repetition of the line "Now that the living outnumber the dead" suggests a shift in balance – more people are alive compared to those who have passed away. This can be interpreted as a reflection on the speaker's own existence and their awareness of mortality. The phrase "Where I come from it's a long thin thread, Across an ocean. Down a river of red" portrays a sense of distance and separation between the living and the dead. It highlights the universal experience of being born and connected to a lineage that stretches across time and space. The repetition of the line "I'm one of many" reinforces a sense of being part of a larger collective, further emphasizing the idea that the speaker is part of the living population.

The line "Speak my language" serves as a plea for understanding and connection. It suggests that it is not enough to simply exist, but that one must also be able to effectively communicate their thoughts, desires, and experiences to be fully alive. "Hello. Hello" represents the attempts to establish contact or to reach out to others. The phrase "Here come the quick. There go the dead" juxtaposes the excitement and vitality of the living ("the quick") with the fleeting nature of life and death ("the dead"). The use of the color red could signify intensity, passion, or the blood that connects and sustains life.

Overall, "Speak My Language" contemplates the delicate balance between life and death, recognizing the inherent desire for connection and understanding. It emphasizes the need to communicate and be understood in order to truly participate in the world and the human experience. The lyrics raise existential questions about identity, mortality, and the importance of meaningful connections with others.