Who Believes In Angels? Lyrics – Elton John, Brandi Carlile

Who Believes In Angels? Lyrics Meaning

[Verse 1]
This verse encourages authenticity and letting go of pretenses. You don’t have to force laughter or conform to societal expectations like dressing formally. The line about honesty being a lie suggests that truth is often complicated. The singer relates deeply, having experienced these struggles firsthand.

[Verse 2]
The singer questions whether they would have made the same choices if life had been easier. Would they still be drawn to love, sacrifice, and risk? The “rodeo queen breathing fire” represents someone fierce and passionate, willing to take chances. They’ve faced these defining moments before and know the weight of tough decisions.

[Pre-Chorus]
This part suggests dropping small talk and facing deeper truths. People may overlook real value, mistaking diamonds for ordinary rocks. It questions what it takes to reclaim one’s soul after death, hinting at moral debts. The mention of angels suggests uncertainty about judgment or redemption.

[Chorus]
The chorus questions what happens to flawed people in the afterlife. It suggests that fate, astrology, or the chaotic nature of life might be blamed for our struggles. The skepticism in “Who believes in angels anyway?” implies doubt about divine intervention or redemption.

[Verse 3]
This verse challenges the idea of harmless lies, emphasizing that even “white lies” have weight. The singer is willing to fight for their beliefs, even in difficult odds. The line about swinging first suggests that in life, passivity isn’t always an option—you have to stand up for yourself.

[Pre-Chorus (Repeated)]
Once again, the song urges the listener to look beyond surface-level appearances and consider the cost of reclaiming their soul. It questions what happens after death and whether angels—or any kind of salvation—truly exist for people like them.

[Chorus (Repeated)]
The repetition reinforces the uncertainty of faith and destiny. It reflects on whether life’s challenges are simply blamed on external forces rather than taking responsibility. The skeptical tone about angels questions whether higher powers truly intervene in human affairs.

[Verse 4]
This verse advises against blaming fate or acting aggressively out of fear. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of having someone to lean on during dark times. The singer reassures that they’ve walked that path before and understand the need for support.

[Outro]
The repeated phrase “I have been there” serves as a powerful conclusion, emphasizing deep personal experience with hardship, love, and struggle. It drives home the message that the singer truly understands what it means to endure life’s highs and lows.