Will Wood

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Have you ever died in a nightmare?
Woke up surprised you hadn’t earned your fate?
Have you ever felt like Atlas, threw your back out on the axis
And collapsed and threw the planet away?
Everyone’s just blood in an ice tray
A vampire picking flowers out in the sun
Run your diagnostic tests, its posited nobody dies agnostic
But we still dial 9-1-1
Now we’re singing

[Chorus 1]
Ooh, could you take a look at me?
(It’s the norm for animals, it’s the norm for chemicals)
Am I bad, am I bad, am I bad, am I really that bad?
(It’s the norm for particles, eye for eye for tooth)
And now we're singing
Ooh, whatever you think of me
(It’s the norm for chemicals, it’s the norm for particles)
If you were in my shoes, you’d walk the same damn miles I do
(Yes, it’s only natural)

[Verse 2]
We’re only tuning to the tone of the bell curve now
Ask not for whom it tolls
But with my head up in the clouds, I can see so much ground
And from up here you look like ants in a row
It doesn’t take a killer to murder
It only takes a reason to kill
We’ve all got evidence of innocence, it’s "everything’s coincidence"
The difference twixt fate and free will
Is whether you’re singing
[Chorus 1]
Ooh, could you take a look at me?
(It’s the norm for animals, it’s the norm for chemicals)
Am I bad, am I bad, am I bad, am I really that bad?
(It’s the norm for particles, I for I for tooth)
Ooh, whatever you think of me
(It’s the norm for chemicals, it’s the norm for particles)
If you were in my shoes, you’d walk the same damn miles I do
(Yes, it’s only natural)

Somebody help me! WOO!

[Bridge]
So if you wash your hands of where you’ve been until you flood the second floor
Neatly fold your skeletons but still can’t shut the closet door
The only ones in need of love are those who don’t receive enough
So evil ones should get a little more

[Chorus 2]
You, could you take a look at me?
(You could break an angel’s fall, and ignore the Devil’s call)
Am I bad, am I bad, am I bad, am I really that bad?
(Still forsaken shoulders fall silent now)
Now we're singing
Ooh, whatever you think of me
(It’s no more than cultural, you and me inseparable.)
If the shoe fits would you walk that mile? You could put it on the other foot, it’s the same size
(It’s a small hell after all.)
[Chorus 3]
You, could you take a look at me?
(Man no more than animal is made of moral chemicals)
Am I bad, am I bad, am I bad, am I really that bad?
(Any form mechanical, thank you God)
Ooh, whatever you think of me
(From the hordes of cannibals, to psych wards of hospitals)
If you were in my shoes, you’d see I wear the same size as you
(It’s a small world after all)
Oh oh right!

[Outro]
La la la la la la la la, la la la

Will Wood’s song, Laplace’s Angel (Hurt People? Hurt People!), is a captivating and thought-provoking track from his 2020 album, The Normal Album. It delves into the complex themes of morality, judgment, and determinism, challenging listeners to question their understanding of good and bad actions. With its references to Laplace’s demon and the cycle of trauma, this song offers an intriguing exploration of the factors that shape our behavior and the consequences of our actions. Through its compelling lyrics and unique musicality, Laplace’s Angel invites us to reflect on the intricacies of human nature.

About Laplace’s Angel (Hurt People? Hurt People!)

In Laplace’s Angel (Hurt People? Hurt People!), Will Wood presents a profound contemplation on the distinctions between "good" and "bad" people and whether it is fair to judge others based solely on their actions. The song showcases the internal struggle of the speaker, who acknowledges having done "bad" things and confronts the judgment of someone else throughout the track. This introspective approach gives the song a personal touch, allowing listeners to connect with and empathize with the speaker's experience.

The subtitle of the song, "(Hurt People? Hurt People!)", draws inspiration from the well-known phrase "Hurt people hurt people." This expression refers to the cycle of trauma, suggesting that those who have suffered or been hurt are more likely to inflict pain on others. Will Wood incorporates this concept subtly into the song, offering a deeper understanding of the motivations behind certain actions and the ripple effect they may have on individuals and communities.

Laplace's Angel, as the song's title, refers to Laplace's demon, a scientific principle proposed by Pierre-Simon de Laplace. This concept encompasses the idea of causal determinism, which suggests that if a demon possessed perfect knowledge of every atom's location and momentum in the universe, it could predict all past and future events. This theme directly relates to the song's exploration of free will versus determinism – the notion that our circumstances and external factors may shape our actions more than our personal choices.

With its mesmerizing instrumentation and dynamic vocals, Laplace's Angel exudes a unique musicality that combines various styles and genres. Will Wood's distinctive vocals deliver the introspective and contemplative lyrics with raw emotion, capturing the essence of the track's themes. The song effortlessly weaves together elements of alternative rock, jazz, and cabaret, creating a captivating sonic experience that enhances the storytelling and adds depth to the overall message.

Throughout the song, Will Wood masterfully crafts vivid and thought-provoking lyrics that challenge conventional notions of morality. By addressing the judgment of an external party, the speaker highlights the complexities of human behavior and questions the fairness of passing judgment based solely on actions. This lyrical exploration fosters empathy and encourages listeners to reflect on their own biases and preconceptions about others.

Furthermore, the introspective nature of Laplace's Angel serves as a reminder of the multidimensionality of individuals. It encourages listeners to consider the intricate web of circumstances, experiences, and emotions that influence our actions. Will Wood's ability to encapsulate these complexities within the song's lyrics contributes to its compelling narrative and engrosses the audience in a captivating journey of self-reflection.

Released as the third track on Will Wood's 2020 album, The Normal Album, Laplace's Angel (Hurt People? Hurt People!) has garnered considerable attention and praise. The live version of the track was uploaded to YouTube on July 6th, 2019, allowing fans to experience the song's captivating performance prior to its official release. The official video was then uploaded on January 28th, 2020, as an unlisted video, with its official premiere held on June 12th, 2020.

In essence, Laplace's Angel (Hurt People? Hurt People!) showcases Will Wood's artistic prowess in crafting a song that delves deep into complex themes while maintaining a captivating and engaging musicality. Through its introspective lyrics, thought-provoking concepts, and unique blend of genres, this track captivates listeners and leaves them with a profound reflection on the intricacies of human nature and the consequences of our actions.

• Release Date: June 12, 2020
• Artist: Will Wood