From the recording Darkness & Light
The shell of this song was actually written back in 1986. I revisited the original lyrics, added the "it's oppressive - depressive - possessive" bridge, and put it together as a song. It talks about someone who on the outside is an achiever - one who "makes it" in life - the cars, the women, the money, the prestige - and yet finds their "heart in oppression", failing to grasp life's true meaning.
In truth, chasing after material stuff - whilst satisfying in the short term - is not going to give you true satisfaction if that's your motivation for getting ahead. You can amass a fortune and still have regrets when you realise what it has really cost your soul.
Lyrics
He’s the one who has it all
Not much he doesn’t own
Built your life on business deals
Where lives are bought and sold
But your heart’s in oppression
Love’s a distant land
Hearts in oppression
Such a lonely little man
Hearts in oppression whoa
Hearts in oppression whoa
Hearts in oppression
It’s oppressive
Depressive
You’re so possessive
When you gonna see the light
So oppressive
It’s depressive
You’re so possessive
And you know it just ain’t right
You made it up to the very top
Your decision’s always right
You know the ways to make a buck
But can’t you see you lose at life?
But your heart’s in oppression
Love’s a distant land
Hearts in oppression
Such a lonely little man
Hearts in oppression whoa
Hearts in oppression whoa
Hearts in oppression
Blind ambition on the way to the top
Now you find that the room is bare
This isn’t what it’s meant to be
You’re gonna live with your regrets
It’s oppressive
Depressive
You’re so possessive
When you gonna see the light
So oppressive
It’s depressive
You’re so possessive
And you know it just ain’t right
It’s Oppressive
Depressive
Possessive
When you gonna see the light
Oppressive
Depressive
There's still time for you to make it right