Morphine — Rope On Fire
Album: The NightAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 2150
Length: 5:30
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Hand over hand up the lifeline, luckily the knots stay tight.
Silhouettes of the two of us climbing, climbing up a rope on fire.
Climbing up a rope on fire.
Trapped in a room in a fortress, running outta air to breathe.
Only seconds to go and we'll break free, I didn't think that we would reach.
Only the two of us can disconnect the bomb.
And save ourselves before the oxygen is gone.
I'll call for backup, you start to scream.
It's not the first time we've been in this dream.
She ripped the wings right off my back.
She whispered deep, keep it on the track.
She said you're no angel, no angel anymore.
All the wheels are coming loose. Close-up shot of a burning fuse.
The sky is filled with question marks. Will the chains come apart?
These few seconds that I've left to go. Flames and chaos down below.
And the earth opens wide. Got to climb a rope on fire.
Look at the clock. Look at the clock.
Make it to the car but the car won't start.
Me try to move the car but there's no more time.
We'll have to climb a rope on fire.
Hand over hand up the lifeline, luckily the knots stay tight.
Silhouettes of the two of us climbing, climbing up a rope on fire.
Climbing up a rope on fire. Climbing up a rope on fire.
Only the two of us can disconnect the bomb.
Then save ourselves before the oxygen is gone.
I'll call for backup. You start to scream.
It's not the first time we've been in this dream.
Silhouettes of the two of us climbing, climbing up a rope on fire.
Climbing up a rope on fire.
Trapped in a room in a fortress, running outta air to breathe.
Only seconds to go and we'll break free, I didn't think that we would reach.
Only the two of us can disconnect the bomb.
And save ourselves before the oxygen is gone.
I'll call for backup, you start to scream.
It's not the first time we've been in this dream.
She ripped the wings right off my back.
She whispered deep, keep it on the track.
She said you're no angel, no angel anymore.
All the wheels are coming loose. Close-up shot of a burning fuse.
The sky is filled with question marks. Will the chains come apart?
These few seconds that I've left to go. Flames and chaos down below.
And the earth opens wide. Got to climb a rope on fire.
Look at the clock. Look at the clock.
Make it to the car but the car won't start.
Me try to move the car but there's no more time.
We'll have to climb a rope on fire.
Hand over hand up the lifeline, luckily the knots stay tight.
Silhouettes of the two of us climbing, climbing up a rope on fire.
Climbing up a rope on fire. Climbing up a rope on fire.
Only the two of us can disconnect the bomb.
Then save ourselves before the oxygen is gone.
I'll call for backup. You start to scream.
It's not the first time we've been in this dream.
Comments (125)add comment
atmospheric tune, interesting lyrics. Will listen to more Morphine. Thanks Bill!
I came in touch in southern France and westside of northern Spain, first. After this sunny, laid back ( band?) the compilations with called caffee del mar sound.
This eternal time marked the start of getting more and more bands and sounds from the I call them sandstates, Saudi Arabia and, nevertheless, intire Africa. The world sticked together!
This eternal time marked the start of getting more and more bands and sounds from the I call them sandstates, Saudi Arabia and, nevertheless, intire Africa. The world sticked together!
Sure did influence David Bowie's Blackstar.
Thats not two sax players its only one playing both at the same time. The dude is just amazing!
I prefer opium.
I've always loved how they tap such a Middle-Eastern vibe in this, in their sorta slurred, slowed-down way...
That's a night-flowering cactus on the album cover
NeuroJoe wrote:
Went to see Vapors of Morphine at the Boston Harbor Distillery a few weeks ago. The acoustics in the venue were pretty horrible, but man did it sound good to my soul! I never got a chance to see Morphine in the 90s unfortunately, but Dana Colley can still absolutely kill it on the baritone sax, and he did a very respectable job on vocals along with Jeremy Lyons.
You lucky duck. I wish I could have been at that show too!
Went to see Vapors of Morphine at the Boston Harbor Distillery a few weeks ago. The acoustics in the venue were pretty horrible, but man did it sound good to my soul! I never got a chance to see Morphine in the 90s unfortunately, but Dana Colley can still absolutely kill it on the baritone sax, and he did a very respectable job on vocals along with Jeremy Lyons.
You lucky duck. I wish I could have been at that show too!
ed_cardiff wrote:
Cool story. Thank You for sharing it.
I first came across Morphine in my late teens when working a summer job as a barman, at a youth hostel in the French Alps. Cure for the Pain was one of a small handful of CDs left behind the bar, so my friend and I put it on, cranked up the volume and were hooked by that "low rock" sound. I discovered The Night a couple of years later and was entranced by the track of the same name, with its impossibly smooth sax solos, Rope on Fire, with its beautiful string arrangements, and a couple of other numbers. The album holds together really well, and I understand it was a deliberate move against the commercial grain for Sandman and company, so bravo to them. I'll forever be grateful to whomever left that CD for us to happen upon, and I was delighted the first time I heard Morphine on RP ("Wow! This gets air time! So cool!"). Thank you, Bill, for occasionally transporting me back to that quaint little Alpine bar. I can almost taste the mountain air 
Cool story. Thank You for sharing it.
Crazy how he would use a tuned down bass with only two strings to make it sound like a standup bass. I imagine in studio he played a stand-up though.
All Morphine is good Morphine!
ed_cardiff wrote:
very cool comment.
i remember hearing Morphine for the first time (my early/mid 20s) and being instantly hooked (the whole Cure For Pain cd is so great) as it was so different than anything else on the airwaves. they were great live, i hope you got to see them before mark passed.
I first came across Morphine in my late teens when working a summer job as a barman, at a youth hostel in the French Alps. Cure for the Pain was one of a small handful of CDs left behind the bar, so my friend and I put it on, cranked up the volume and were hooked by that "low rock" sound. I discovered The Night a couple of years later and was entranced by the track of the same name, with its impossibly smooth sax solos, Rope on Fire, with its beautiful string arrangements, and a couple of other numbers. The album holds together really well, and I understand it was a deliberate move against the commercial grain for Sandman and company, so bravo to them. I'll forever be grateful to whomever left that CD for us to happen upon, and I was delighted the first time I heard Morphine on RP ("Wow! This gets air time! So cool!"). Thank you, Bill, for occasionally transporting me back to that quaint little Alpine bar. I can almost taste the mountain air
very cool comment.
i remember hearing Morphine for the first time (my early/mid 20s) and being instantly hooked (the whole Cure For Pain cd is so great) as it was so different than anything else on the airwaves. they were great live, i hope you got to see them before mark passed.
I first came across Morphine in my late teens when working a summer job as a barman, at a youth hostel in the French Alps. Cure for the Pain was one of a small handful of CDs left behind the bar, so my friend and I put it on, cranked up the volume and were hooked by that "low rock" sound. I discovered The Night a couple of years later and was entranced by the track of the same name, with its impossibly smooth sax solos, Rope on Fire, with its beautiful string arrangements, and a couple of other numbers. The album holds together really well, and I understand it was a deliberate move against the commercial grain for Sandman and company, so bravo to them. I'll forever be grateful to whomever left that CD for us to happen upon, and I was delighted the first time I heard Morphine on RP ("Wow! This gets air time! So cool!"). Thank you, Bill, for occasionally transporting me back to that quaint little Alpine bar. I can almost taste the mountain air
Kajukenbo wrote:
Unfortunately you are correct. I've tried to find a similar sound by doing things like listening to the Twinemen and the Morphine Orchestra. Each of these later incarnations of Morphine are great in their own right, but just aren't the same without Mark. Morphine had "magic" in the sense that only some bands have had at certain times. I'm thinking Led Zeppelin 1-4, The Beatles during Abbey Road, early Rolling Stones, etc. At least we have the Morphine that was left to us. Btw, I've survived by discovering Mark Sandman's solo work as well as live recordings on youtube. Cheers!
Went to see Vapors of Morphine at the Boston Harbor Distillery a few weeks ago. The acoustics in the venue were pretty horrible, but man did it sound good to my soul! I never got a chance to see Morphine in the 90s unfortunately, but Dana Colley can still absolutely kill it on the baritone sax, and he did a very respectable job on vocals along with Jeremy Lyons.
Unfortunately you are correct. I've tried to find a similar sound by doing things like listening to the Twinemen and the Morphine Orchestra. Each of these later incarnations of Morphine are great in their own right, but just aren't the same without Mark. Morphine had "magic" in the sense that only some bands have had at certain times. I'm thinking Led Zeppelin 1-4, The Beatles during Abbey Road, early Rolling Stones, etc. At least we have the Morphine that was left to us. Btw, I've survived by discovering Mark Sandman's solo work as well as live recordings on youtube. Cheers!
Went to see Vapors of Morphine at the Boston Harbor Distillery a few weeks ago. The acoustics in the venue were pretty horrible, but man did it sound good to my soul! I never got a chance to see Morphine in the 90s unfortunately, but Dana Colley can still absolutely kill it on the baritone sax, and he did a very respectable job on vocals along with Jeremy Lyons.
Segue wrote:
Unfortunately you are correct. I've tried to find a similar sound by doing things like listening to the Twinemen and the Morphine Orchestra. Each of these later incarnations of Morphine are great in their own right, but just aren't the same without Mark. Morphine had "magic" in the sense that only some bands have had at certain times. I'm thinking Led Zeppelin 1-4, The Beatles during Abbey Road, early Rolling Stones, etc. At least we have the Morphine that was left to us. Btw, I've survived by discovering Mark Sandman's solo work as well as live recordings on youtube. Cheers!
No one like Morphine. Ever. As untouchable as Crowded House/Finn Bros. In a class all their own. 10
Unfortunately you are correct. I've tried to find a similar sound by doing things like listening to the Twinemen and the Morphine Orchestra. Each of these later incarnations of Morphine are great in their own right, but just aren't the same without Mark. Morphine had "magic" in the sense that only some bands have had at certain times. I'm thinking Led Zeppelin 1-4, The Beatles during Abbey Road, early Rolling Stones, etc. At least we have the Morphine that was left to us. Btw, I've survived by discovering Mark Sandman's solo work as well as live recordings on youtube. Cheers!
sounds like theres an oud in there
Typesbad wrote:
He did not commit suicide. Refer to Wikipedia.
Sandman's tragic suicide is starting to appear less shocking.
He did not commit suicide. Refer to Wikipedia.
Loved this band since the first listen. I am surprised David Lynch did not use them for a movie score at some point. It would have been a great fit.
I dislike this song so much that it's making me nauseous
Sounds a lot like some of the new Robert Plant stuff not a big fan
A friend of mine loved this group, and despite the name, I trust what Mark was saying.
this is great, but i cant seem to fiend it on apple music...
Laptopdog wrote:
I thought it might be Lyle Lovett.
I thought at first this was Robert Plant.
I thought it might be Lyle Lovett.
I thought at first this was Robert Plant.
Thank you RP....you make me remember Morphine and my 18 years old.
Wow this sounds a lot like Robert Plant’s recent stuff. Don’t like either.
DoctorHooey wrote:
I wouldn't say "easily" their best record... Cure for Pain is equally good, at least in my opinion. But otherwise, yes.
One of the best songs off of what is easily Morphine's best, and tragically last, record.
I wouldn't say "easily" their best record... Cure for Pain is equally good, at least in my opinion. But otherwise, yes.
Wow, thanks again RP
Solid 9
Solid 9
No one like Morphine. Ever. As untouchable as Crowded House/Finn Bros. In a class all their own. 10
MM_Prague wrote:
AFAIK he died of a heart attack on stage, not suicide.
I was misinformed. Thank you. The song still has a Townes Van Zandt vibe to it though, despite the different genre.
AFAIK he died of a heart attack on stage, not suicide.
I was misinformed. Thank you. The song still has a Townes Van Zandt vibe to it though, despite the different genre.
Typesbad wrote:
AFAIK he died of a heart attack on stage, not suicide.
Sandman's tragic suicide is starting to appear less shocking.
AFAIK he died of a heart attack on stage, not suicide.
Sandman's tragic suicide is starting to appear less shocking.
OK, that end sequence makes this an 8...
Obvious Greg Brown influence here.
I'd swear there's a bouzouki or something on this recording, but AllMusic doesn't list credits for any unusual string instruments. Anybody know?
Creepy and menacing, kinda like that dude from the Walking Dead:
PopKombo wrote:
Normally I like Proclivities - but this comment is a little to prodding for me.
Am I a doofus or does this remind me of some phase David Bowie went through?
Answer: I'm a doofus
Answer: I'm a doofus
Different tune with same tempo, same approach as everything else I've heard from them.
hayduke2 wrote:
and passed it on bra .. (hooooooooooofffffffffffffffffffff .. koff!, .. phhhheeeeeeeeeeewwwww!!!!) Radical man
Spot on dude
....
7->8
and passed it on bra .. (hooooooooooofffffffffffffffffffff .. koff!, .. phhhheeeeeeeeeeewwwww!!!!) Radical man
Spot on dude
....7->8
miamizsun wrote:
and passed it on bra .. (hooooooooooofffffffffffffffffffff .. koff!, .. phhhheeeeeeeeeeewwwww!!!!) Radical man
they obviously inhaled 
and passed it on bra .. (hooooooooooofffffffffffffffffffff .. koff!, .. phhhheeeeeeeeeeewwwww!!!!) Radical man
This is a great song, sultanesque even.
Proclivities wrote:
I think you mean "plodding", unless this song is poking or persuading you in some way.
Normally I like Proclivities - but this comment is a little to prodding for me.
I think you mean "plodding", unless this song is poking or persuading you in some way.
Normally I like Proclivities - but this comment is a little to prodding for me.
socalhol wrote:
I think you mean "plodding", unless this song is poking or persuading you in some way.
Normally I like Morphine — but this track is a little too slow & prodding for me 
I think you mean "plodding", unless this song is poking or persuading you in some way.
Great lyrics, not always Morphine's strong suit, to go with this inspired music.
maryte wrote:
Yep... this song brings back many memories.
RIP, Mark Sandman. Still feels like yesterday that I found your music and this morning that we lost you.
Yep... this song brings back many memories.
RIP, Mark Sandman. Still feels like yesterday that I found your music and this morning that we lost you.
indian fusion mmakes my heart smile...music, food, culture, yummmm
rluking wrote:
The same place someone would add this:
triskele wrote: interesting instrumentation, with the oud, the tar, and the off-key sax.
in response to a song with these lyrics:
Trapped in a room in a fortress, running outta air to breathe
Only seconds to go and we'll break free,
I didn't think that we would reach.
Only the two of us can disconnect the bomb
And save ourselves before the oxygen is gone.
I love you guys!
That would be the Phrygian Dominant Scale. Its got lots of other names. What you are hearing is the flatted second.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phrygian_dominant_scale
bitbanger wrote:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phrygian_dominant_scale
And I ask, where else but RP would someone actually know this?
The same place someone would add this:
triskele wrote:
in response to a song with these lyrics:
Trapped in a room in a fortress, running outta air to breathe
Only seconds to go and we'll break free,
I didn't think that we would reach.
Only the two of us can disconnect the bomb
And save ourselves before the oxygen is gone.
I love you guys!
Morphine always makes me think of Jonathan Richman on ludes.
iTuner wrote:
Hardy-har-har.
This band would have been so much better if they had just left the sax out of their music and chosen any other instrument.
Hardy-har-har.
Stingray wrote:
It's certainly as senseless...
...as you.
It's certainly as senseless...
...as you.
rdo wrote:
It's certainly as senseless...
This song probably refers to syphilis.
It's certainly as senseless...
This song probably refers to syphilis.
ffs turn off that subwoofer, the neighbours have moved........ across the room with those two bass notes.
iTuner wrote:
The baritone sax is their sound. It's great.
This band would have been so much better if they had just left the sax out of their music and chosen any other instrument.
The baritone sax is their sound. It's great.
rluking wrote:
That would be the Phrygian Dominant Scale. Its got lots of other names. What you are hearing is the flatted second.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phrygian_dominant_scale
bitbanger wrote:
Probably not too many other places, outside of music schools, of course. Good tune.
That would be the Phrygian Dominant Scale. Its got lots of other names. What you are hearing is the flatted second.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phrygian_dominant_scale
bitbanger wrote:
And I ask, where else but RP would someone actually know this?
Probably not too many other places, outside of music schools, of course. Good tune.
they obviously inhaled
This makes my head grow wings....
iTuner wrote:
head injury!!......seek immediate help!!
This band would have been so much better if they had just left the sax out of their music and chosen any other instrument.
head injury!!......seek immediate help!!
iTuner wrote: Huh? WTF?
This band would have been so much better if they had just left the sax out of their music and chosen any other instrument.
This band would have been so much better if they had just left the sax out of their music and chosen any other instrument.
Loreweaver wrote:Never say such a thing - it's an American website!
I read 'Pope on Fire'
Morphine's dope on fire!
What a waste.
What a waste.
maybe its my mood, but this is one my least favorite songs I've ever heard on here....oh well hopefully someone likes it
One of the best songs off of what is easily Morphine's best, and tragically last, record.
Phrygian not Pyro now that would have been fun.
rluking wrote:
That would be the Phrygian Dominant Scale. Its got lots of other names. What you are hearing is the flatted second.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phrygian_dominant_scale
That would be the Phrygian Dominant Scale. Its got lots of other names. What you are hearing is the flatted second.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phrygian_dominant_scale
And I ask, where else but RP would someone actually know this?
interesting instrumentation, with the oud, the tar, and the off-key sax.
Limpopoking wrote:
I wouldn't say you have displayed bad etiquette... only a lack of taste.
but that's just my lack of judgement :)
Pretzel logic rules
I wouldn't say you have displayed bad etiquette... only a lack of taste.
but that's just my lack of judgement :)
Pretzel logic rules
Normally I like Morphine — but this track is a little too slow & prodding for me
papaman wrote:
Perhaps this is bad RP etiquette; replying to your own post, but the situation calls for it.
Changed my 2 to 1.
Done!
My most sincere apologies to those offended by my faux pas.
I wouldn't say you have displayed bad etiquette... only a lack of taste.
but that's just my lack of judgement :)
Perhaps this is bad RP etiquette; replying to your own post, but the situation calls for it.
Changed my 2 to 1.
Done!
My most sincere apologies to those offended by my faux pas.
I wouldn't say you have displayed bad etiquette... only a lack of taste.
but that's just my lack of judgement :)
jhorton wrote:
Don't even know what it's about, but it sounds like pure sex.
My ears think so, too. Pyro wrote:
That would be the Phrygian Dominant Scale. Its got lots of other names. What you are hearing is the flatted second.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phrygian_dominant_scale
There's a technical name for the scale this song is based on. Diatonic? Pentatonic? It sounds very "foreign". Any music theory folks who know?
That would be the Phrygian Dominant Scale. Its got lots of other names. What you are hearing is the flatted second.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phrygian_dominant_scale
Great song.
There's a technical name for the scale this song is based on. Diatonic? Pentatonic? It sounds very "foreign". Any music theory folks who know?
Smoky! I love these guys! RIP, Sandman... 
I liked it! A pity the guy died
Rubbish!
man, on first sight I read 'Pope on Fire', talk about hilarious 
nice song...
This band should never be banned. =)
oldsinger wrote:
Maybe, if it was Morphin.
But Morphine gets better every time you hear it.
I try hard not to be negative in my comments, but the more I hear of Morphin the less I like it.
Maybe, if it was Morphin.
But Morphine gets better every time you hear it.
papaman wrote:
Perhaps this is bad RP etiquette; replying to your own post, but the situation calls for it.
Changed my 2 to 1.
Done!
My most sincere apologies to those offended by my faux pas.
Geniousosity.
Don't even know what it's about, but it sounds like pure sex.
Perhaps this is bad RP etiquette; replying to your own post, but the situation calls for it.
Changed my 2 to 1.
Done!
My most sincere apologies to those offended by my faux pas.
Geniousosity.
Don't even know what it's about, but it sounds like pure sex.
papaman wrote:
Perhaps this is bad RP etiquette; replying to your own post, but the situation calls for it.
Changed my 2 to 1.
Done!
My most sincere apologies to those offended by my faux pas.
I gave this a 2 so that I can give it a 1 next time.
Sweet!
Sweet!
Perhaps this is bad RP etiquette; replying to your own post, but the situation calls for it.
Changed my 2 to 1.
Done!
My most sincere apologies to those offended by my faux pas.
outstanding album *****
gekkosan wrote:
What he said. Yeah.
Well, maybe you guys should take a nap then.:)
I haven't been paying attention to the lyrics but his voice is soothing to my overworked brain. Ah, calm me....
arserocket wrote: 
What he said. Yeah.
Love me some Morphine.
DrLex wrote:
Yeah, I would appreciate it if Bill would throw in a bad song every now and then, so people can go to the toilet and stuff. 
Dude, Get Realplayer: pause, piss, sleep or jump out the window!
Some wonderful snippets of oud playing.
papaman wrote:
I gave this a 2 so that I can give it a 1 next time.
Sweet!
I gave it a 9 so I can give it a 10 next time. :)
NeilBlanchard wrote:
Hey,
No fair! I wanna go to sleep, and Bill keeps playing great songs!
Yeah, I would appreciate it if Bill would throw in a bad song every now and then, so people can go to the toilet and stuff.
I gave this a 2 so that I can give it a 1 next time.
Sweet!
You should totally get this album if you don't have it already. Yes, you.
too true , but now I might be able to look at March 8th and see what happens next - excellent mix so far!!
NeilBlanchard wrote:
Hey,
No fair! I wanna go to sleep, and Bill keeps playing great songs!
Morphine - Rope On Fire - 8
The Wailin' Jennys - Devil's Paintbrush Road - 9
Peter Gabriel - Growing Up - 10
Neko Case - Deep Red Bells - 8
Neil
too true , but now I might be able to look at March 8th and see what happens next - excellent mix so far!!!
The singer reminds me of Ian Curtis in a couple of places.
Hey,
No fair! I wanna go to sleep, and Bill keeps playing great songs!
Morphine - Rope On Fire - 8
The Wailin' Jennys - Devil's Paintbrush Road - 9
Peter Gabriel - Growing Up - 10
Neko Case - Deep Red Bells - 8
Neil
Not normally a Morphine fan, but quite like this tune.
I try hard not to be negative in my comments, but the more I hear of Morphin the less I like it.
First time I've heard this tune by Morphine (I've heard half a dozen others) and I really like this!
What a great band!
My buddy, Brahim, played on this album. His Oud work is amazing...
Quite cool, totally wild.
Thanks, Bill and RP!
What a great and unique sound they had. They are sorely missed.
I like the exotic feel of this song.
The name of the band appropriately fits the music. But I do kind of like it. 
How do you say it? Ah yes, splendiferous.
WOW
first time I've heard this. Could just shut the radio down now and be content for the rest of the evening.
I love the sounds of The Night... it's an excellent album, and for me, Mark Sandman's voice is the major draw. I am still sad that I never got to see them live. There's something deeply sexual about the tones of his voice... when I listen to an album I can be carried away. It's lovely. To me.
Really like the middle eastern / north african vibe.
Misaria wrote:
maybe if they had a better singer...
Agreed. Now, if only we don't hear it every day for weeks on end...
maybe if they had a better singer...
meloman wrote:
Okay, I'll deal. Cut this song's length in half, and I'll double my rating.
Keep it uncut. My rating's 9, and I'd halve it, if it were cut. Tampering with good art is bad juju.
Okay, I'll deal. Cut this song's length in half, and I'll double my rating.
yashpheh wrote:
I like this Morphine for a change.
Agreed. Now, if only we don't hear it every day for weeks on end...
I really like this!
Grew on me the longer I listened to it. Don't think I'm hooked yet though...
I like this Morphine for a change.