Heaven (Live at the Marquee Club, 1985)

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of a tangible, almost physical "heaven" that the listener possesses. It's not some distant spiritual realm, but something inherent, located "in your hand" and "running through your land." This "heaven" is also tied to basic human physicality: "arms and you've got legs." The initial tone is one of almost frustrated exhortation, questioning why this readily available "heaven" isn't being fought for or even "killed for." The central tension lies in the contrast between the accessibility of this "heaven" and the apparent inaction of the possessor. The narrator urges the listener to "fight for it" and "kill for it," implying a struggle is necessary despite heaven being right there. This paradox suggests that the "heaven" isn't passively enjoyed but requires active engagement, a realization that dawns with increasing urgency as the lyrics progress. The repeated phrase "you've got heaven" becomes a mantra that underscores this inherent potential. The most striking craft element is the redefinition of "heaven" from an abstract concept to a concrete, even mundane, reality. The later verses list specific, earthly elements like "antelopes," "a son to call," "plastic curtains," and "a plant to water." This grounding makes the call to action more potent; it's not about achieving an ethereal state, but about actively living and engaging with the tangible world and the potential within it. The shift from abstract to concrete makes the final command, "Use your legs, and use your heaven / Make one for your arms," a powerful directive to actively create and inhabit one's own reality. This lyrical approach is effective because it demystifies "heaven" and places agency squarely with the individual. By linking it to physical attributes and everyday experiences, the lyrics suggest that the power to experience something profound is already present. The escalating intensity and the shift in imagery create a sense of awakening, urging the listener to recognize and actively participate in the "heaven" they already hold, rather than waiting for it to be bestowed.