Gaga Makes Fun of Hell In Edge of Glory

[crazygato 339]

Hey guys, another interesting insight I found!!!

When she sings "Put on your shades cuz I'll be dancing in the FLAMES, it isn't HELL if everybody knows my name tonight..."

Ok, we all know the song is about immortality, she told us that back in 2011. But its an obvious reference to it, she just intertwines it with her celebrity status/ personal story. I always get a kick out of that line, she is wearing her shades, dancing, and all happy in a place that, religiously, is tormenting and torture. Is this the first sign of "dancing through the pain"? 

What say you? I personally never believed in a fiery, tormenting hell that many religions believe, including pagan ones. I read a book called "Heaven & Hell" by Robert D. Ehrman where he deconstructs the popular ideas of heaven and hell and what they are like. He is also atheist/agnostic so very interesting read and it got me thinking of the goregeous and ethereal final track on the magnificent album BORN THIS WAY!!!

 

[Real Panda 1,548]

I dont think Gaga is making fun of religious hell. She only uses it as a metaphor. In response to your "whats say you?", I dont believe in a biblical hell. I am open to the idea of reincarnation though. I think "hell" is what they used to scare people back in the day so they would be "good" or for society to obey the rules way back when and to some it is still applicable today.

A majority of humanity also needs a sense of control to the things they do not understand. Its easier to say that the sun is above us because God wills it so but difficult to explain how it is not above earth but rather the central part of our solar sytem. 

[Schwerk 6,602]

Interesting, but I don't remember her saying it's about immorality. I though it's about not being afraid of death and reaching that glorious moment. Let's all dance together in purgatory she said. She's not afraid of judgement day, she will face the flames wearing her shades and dance through them cause she's convinced she'll be reunited with her loved ones. And you're right, she doesn't mean a litteral hell with flames, but al the pain and suffering of life they got through together.

[madmagical6 1,870]

Literally listened to it earlier and was drawn to those lyrics! How weird! 

[OrL 23]

I think there’s an emotional state meaning. She wrote these words while becoming a superstar. She talked before about the “price of fame” and lack of everyday human interactions (she can’t just walk in the street/to a restaurant without getting recognized). Maybe she experienced her rise to fame as hell sometimes, and she tried to self empower herself by saying “I’ll be dancing in the flames”, as ‘I’ll be dancing in this sphere where I’m a famous artist but I’ll fight to be happy, and stay in, while it might hurt sometimes’

[crazygato 339]

11 minutes ago, Schwerk said:

immorality.

Sorry I meant to say mortality like death. 

[xanny 32]

She isn’t necessarily making fun of it.
 

It’s kinda like in The Queen, she sings, “starry night come inside me like never before don’t forget me when I come crying to heavens door” or Judas, “in the most biblical sense I am beyond repentance”

I feel like she’s just connected more to the/her darkness. “The Art of Darkness” like she would say during some AHS press. 

[Lextyr97 18,430]

Since she said she wrote this about her grandfather who was cremated, I thought that line was “I know you’re dancing in the flames,” that were cremating him. Celebrating life forever essentially

[Cybikitty 1,328]

1 hour ago, madmagical6 said:

Literally listened to it earlier and was drawn to those lyrics! How weird! 

genuinely same though??  what have they laced this song with tonight

[Nessun Dorma 879]

We should have more lyrics discussions around here! I find your interpretation very interesting @crazygato (the dancing through the pain thing). I have a religious take on this song, I’ll try to explain my thoughts! 

Since it was inspired by Gaga’s late grandfather and the forbidden love her grandparents had, the way I see, the song alternates points of view from both of them. The edge of glory, as Gaga said, suggests a moment of accomplishment in life’s journey. The part you mention goes:  

Another shot, before we kiss the other side (..) I’m on the edge of something final we call life tonight

“We kiss the other side” gives me the idea their love will linger through eternity. He also acknowledges he is ready to rise to greatness. 

Pull out your shade ’cause I’ll be dancing in the flames (..) It isn't hell if everybody knows my name

“Dancing in the flames” gives me the idea of rising from the ashes, as if he is thriving through his glorious moment. And “it isn't hell if everybody knows my name” makes me think he’s referring to his loved ones who passed away and that he gets to see again after his death (it can’t be hell if he’s reunited with his folks). 
 

 

Edited 3 hours ago by Nessun Dorma

[crazygato 339]

1 hour ago, Nessun Dorma said:

Dancing in the flames” gives me the idea of rising from the ashes, as if he is thriving through his glorious moment. And “it isn't hell if everybody knows my name” makes me think he’s referring to his loved ones who passed away and that he gets to see again after his death (it can’t be hell if he’s reunited with his folks). 
 

Very beautifully said! I always envisioned Gaga but now I see it its from two different point of views (her grandma and grandpa). I cant imagine Gaga wrote this as a 24 year old, very poetic and alludes to many things. This why I love her!